Just diagnosed: Surgery not an option, looking for hope
Went in for my first colonoscopy in December, F age 58. Had negative Cologuards for the last 4 or 5 years. My PCP gave me a FIT test in September which came back positive. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass (close to the sigmoid colon junction) she said was typical cancer presentation. Had some abdominal pain and went to ER. PET scan found mets to liver and both lungs, stage IV. Colorectal surgeon told me that surgery, "would not benefit me." Oncologist gave me 2 to 3 years prognosis, said treatment would be palliative and not curative, and surgery, "would never be an option." Started FOLFOX + Mvasi in January; just finished my 2nd round. CEA was initially 58, and is now 46, so that is good news I think. Don't really have a question, just looking for some hope from the stories of other people.
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Hi sbelyea, who are your oncologist and surgeon? These professionals sound pretty amazing to offer so much hope.
My wife was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer with severe met to the liver in December. One opinion was that there was little reason to do a colon resection at this late stage and for her to go home and get her affairs in order.
A second opinion from a well-known colon surgeon resulted in surgery within 48hrs where 30” of small and large intestine and an ovary were removed due to a large tumor 10cm from her rectum that had come into contact with other organs.
Surgery was very successful with the colon surgeon stating that he was confident he had removed all of the cancer with a curative approach. A colostomy is required today while she battles the liver cancer but may he reversed at some point after the dust settles.
Same story with her liver. “Inoperable tumors so go home as be with your family”.
A second opinion from a leading liver surgeon resulted in an aggressive chemo regiment that he believes will reduce the tumors to a curative operable size.
Hope was a tremendous drug in our case where we went from total despair to tackling this like a work project. So far so good.
Please get a second opinion. God bless.
@vcsongradi
Your diagnosis could be entirely accurate as far as colon, and metastasizes to liver, lungs.
To say that colon surgery "would not benefit you", and followed by, "surgery would never be an option", is alarming and screams for another opinion from an accredited cancer center.
Masses near the sigmoid do not rule out colon resections.
I would have to obtain a complete and thorough understanding of why a surgery would not be "beneficial", and also ruled out completely as an "option" by any other determination!
I would have to believe that a second or third opinion is to be found with a more favorable finding.
My very best wishes to you!
Begin by finding one of those highly acclaimed cancer only hospital centers. I chose MD ANDERSON with never a regret!
PAUL
FOLFOX plus Mvasi appears to be working. Most recent CEA 21 on Monday of this week, was 58 in January. Side effects are not terrible (yet). Just came back from a 7 day cruise to the southern Caribbean Islands. Retired 2/28/25 after 19 years with the VA. I'm feeling more hopeful 😊 !
Be positive found out I had correct ok cancer in 2022 in sigmoid 4 cm had operation and was in pain for 8 months after Had to convince drs to give colonoscopy again had surgery in Aug 2023 8 months after first) full of scar tissue and they took many organs out and more of colon ( have bag now) Thought I was fine then in July 2024 pain again ( had hernia and obstruction) Now it’s Feb 2025 I feel like myself but u never know cause cancer is silent I started xeloda in September 2024 and nodules have shrunk so who knows Have faith and get more opinions like in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio Hopefully you get good news soon
His rectal/sigmoid area tumor isn't causing blockage and due to the liver mets, surgery would not extend his life. Not worth it for us. We're looking at quality over quantity. The treatment shrunk the tumor enough to increase comfort. But every situation and medical team and individual is different. Sorry you're having to go through this. It's not easy!!
Is your husband still doing chemo every 2 weeks? I am still a little unclear why surgery is not an option for me. Maybe you have some more information about it since your husband did not have surgery. I'm thinking it is likely the palliative vs. cure route which both of us are on. I keep reading about how surgery is the main treatment, with chemo before or after surgery. Any info you have about that would be appreciated so I can ease my mind as it keeps circulating back to, "Why is that not an option for me?" Thanks.
my husband's situation is almost identical, diagnosed at 69, avoided coloscopies, cancer discovered at stage IV, no surgery and he's nearing 3 years of palliative treatment and stable tumors. Living with cancer isn't easy, but for him it hasn't been a battle for a cure, but rather a plan for an extended, quality life. CEA dropped to 3, back around 7. Tolerating treatment although he's had to adjust dosage, switched to oral Xeloda plus Avastin infusion, and is able to enjoy an active lifestyle despite neuropathy and fatigue. I think your treatment plan is fairly standard. Best wishes as your journey continues.
So just to add, You definitely have the right chemo accommodation, suggest you watch carefully adverse effects, but try to stay at the recommended dose and course of treatment until you see a response. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion during your care especially with regard to following whether or not you're getting control or a response. Moffitt is a great place! Prayers to you.