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Just diagnosed: Surgery not an option, looking for hope
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Mar 12 8:29pm | Replies (98)Comment receiving replies
My wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer with a large tumor in that same location and significant mets to her liver.
She was told she had 12 months and to go home and make her arrangements. We didn’t like that answer so we obtained second opinions from well know colon and liver surgeons.
Colon surgeon removed her tumor with ‘curative’ surgery and six months of chemo later her liver tumors had reduced to the point allowing a 50% liver resection four weeks ago. Liver surgeon believes she is now cancer free and doesn’t require any more chemo.
Takeaway is be relentless in looking for alternative options. It’s a ton of work and possible expense but in our case it appears to have saved her life.
Replies to "My wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer with a large tumor in that same..."
I was told by two oncologists that they estimate less than 5 years for me and closer to 3, and that's with treatment! I can't imagine life expectancy without treatment if that's the case. I was told initially by a colorectal surgeon that surgery, "wouldn't benefit me," and later told by others that it was likely due to the mets to liver and both lungs as well as wanting to start chemo immediately which they did.
I have had one second opinion from Moffitt Cancer Center, and at the time she agreed with the treatment plan of palliative care and FOLFOX w/Mvasi every 2 weeks. I went through 11 treatments, developed fairly significant neuropathy in the process, and cancer was deemed stable in July of this year. I remain stable and continue to receive maintenance chemo every 2 weeks. I have another second opinion appointment scheduled at MD Anderson in March. They have reviewed all labs and scans, and performed their own tests on tissue samples (results as above). They will also repeat a CT scan and maybe a PET scan, I'm not sure at this point. The idea of getting another second opinion from them is to see if they agree with my current treatment plan, and if there are other options or treatments that they would recommend. So, that's where I'm at so far.
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@sbelyea
Keeping abreast of other options always is a wise decision. Taking a proactive part in your search may rattle some physicians; pass these folks on by. It is your body and your life so seeking out additional therapies and enlisting a trusted person to keep you in good perspective's is also beneficial.
jofree