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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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@cliffe75 Absolutely, check these things out…i had a rare and aggressive tumor, dMMR and immunotherapy knocked out all the cancer in only a few treatments…and surgery followed up….i had told the oncologist I really wanted an alternative to chemo…and the genetic testing was key. Good luck !
I suggest to seek a 2nd opinion, I have seen in many posts on colontown how people were told surgery not an option and later on they qualified for it. Also, liver and lung mets are treatable with little hospital stay, assuming not a lot of them. I have my liver mets treated with microwave ablation, I was out and about in 1 day. My oncologist told me they have means to treat lung and peritoneal mets too. So, please seek 2nd opinion, preferably from a larger cancer center.
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3 Reactions@nycmusic edit-i should mention that i was told my tumor was too big for safe and successful surgery….thank heaven for the immunotherapy…i hope it becomes more available to far more people !
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2 ReactionsIn my third year of chemo for stage 4 colon cancer. Same location as yours. Originally mets were in peri and other places along outside of colon. Told not operable. Cea started in mid 40s now in single digits. Chemo consisted of 5 floro and another drug. Last scan showed only liver tumors but they have shrunk. Suddenly surgeon says Im now operable (although high risk of returning). Bottom line chemo has improved significantly. It’s still a chore but not like it was even a few years ago. Be heartened. The best defense to what lies ahead is a good attitude.
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5 ReactionsMy 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.
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4 Reactions@wku I have stage 3 CRC . I've done chemo and radiation.Look up Chris Wark he is a Colon cancer survivor, his square one program is inspirational. God Bless