1. < Colorectal Cancer

Stage 4 Colon Cancer

Posted by barbgunter67 @barbgunter67, Apr 16, 2023

I was diagnosed in Oct 2022. Had removal of sigmoid colon, currently have ostomy which has been functioning. Cancer was found in stomach lining as well.

About 3 weeks ago I started vomiting everything up. I was sent for a new scan last Wednesday and it shows spread of the cancer in stomach. Now I have a Gtube to relieve pressure.

I had 8 rounds of oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5FU but nothing orally. My last CEA on 4/9 was 2.1.

I am scared, devastated and searching for anything encouraging or suggestions on treatment options. We do not have the income to go to a foreign country.

When I was first diagnosed, I did have my records sent to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion and they said it would be the same treatment and there were no clinical trials I would qualify for at the time.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

beckytodd1 | @beckytodd1 | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @paul28 "I read so much about so many people having chemo after a cancer discovery or a..." + (show)
@paul28

I read so much about so many people having chemo after a cancer discovery or a surgery such as a colon resection.
And after months of chemo, more cancer is found or returns in other areas and organs resulting in (Surprise Surprise !!) more chemo !
So how do you justify all of this ?
The chemo was not effective or the cancer was way too aggressive ?
And to add more misery to this scenario, you are also dealing with the chemo side effects that can be severe.
I am not seeing where the suffering of more cancer =equals more chemo =equals sacrificing quality of life can be a good decision.
Maybe we are choosing more pain and suffering to prolong life and where death is inevitable anyway ?
I think that my day of saying yes or no to chemo is coming and I know that I am reluctant to say yes.

Jump to this post

You a4 correct the ca already Metastisized. PET scans need to be implemented way sooner than insurance allows. These show cellular level cells changing.not yet abnormal but a change.
In diagnostics not considered abnormal. But, any deviating portion of cellular growth that is starting to reproduce in a manner that is not strictly norm. This is an underserved use of a diagnostic tool in becoming / aggressive, aggressive cancers that becomes quick growing can make difference in treatment and planning.

REPLY
kodithedog2 | @kodithedog2 | Apr 24, 2023

Has anyone heard about Shiaqga Essentials. I think we are going to try it.

REPLY
kodithedog2 | @kodithedog2 | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @nrdl2879 "My husband has stage 4 colon. Originally had surgery in 2016. Now it is back and..." + (show)
@nrdl2879

My husband has stage 4 colon. Originally had surgery in 2016. Now it is back and in his lungs. Will have his 12th chemo tuesday and another PET scan. Then he will be taking a chemo break. Side effects have been terrible. Lost 51 pounds. .

Jump to this post

He had stage 4 and it was only in his colon?

REPLY
1 reply
kodithedog2 | @kodithedog2 | Apr 27, 2023

Well things have changed. They have found a lymph node next to my husbands liver that has to be removed, so our Dr has convinced us that we need to start chemo again, because it’s in the lung too. But before we start chemo they also found a kidney stone that is to large to come out on its own so surgery next week to remove it and the they will put in a stint, from the kidney to the bladder. We will then start 12 rounds of chemo. I just pray that it will go away. It’s so frustrating when all you want from the doctor is to say “this will be the last time” and you’re cured.

REPLY
paul28 | @paul28 | Apr 27, 2023

To BARBGUNTER67
I would not consider going to a foreign country but I would be seeking a third opinion.
My suggestion is to contact one of the MD Anderson Cancer Centers. We have one here in Indianapolis. There are other locations in Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Texas.
Go to their website at :
mdanderson.org for all information in what is available and how to proceed.
I believe that this is your best option and I hope that you will pursue it. It's only a phone call to get started and then all decisions are up to you.
Your story is very concerning to me and I hope that you will find your best care for a healthy life going forward!
I pray that you will have a blessing in your journey!
Paul

REPLY
barbgunter67 | @barbgunter67 | May 6, 2023
In reply to @nrdl2879 "My husband has stage 4 colon. Originally had surgery in 2016. Now it is back and..." + (show)
@nrdl2879

My husband has stage 4 colon. Originally had surgery in 2016. Now it is back and in his lungs. Will have his 12th chemo tuesday and another PET scan. Then he will be taking a chemo break. Side effects have been terrible. Lost 51 pounds. .

Jump to this post

Since my diagnosis I have lost 100# however, I had the weight to lose. Now that I am at 150 I don’t have the weight to lose but I still continue to do so. I’m on TPN and am currently receiving a blood transfusion (been in hospital since Tuesday morning). I had severe stomach pain again and had been taking oxycodone round the clock for 5 days. They knew I had some type of infection but had to wait for cultures to come back. Turns out I have c-diff. They thought it was peritonitis. I’m getting released today.

It’ll be 2 weeks tomorrow that I started the new chemo regimine which included FOLFIRI- it has totally kicked my butt.

I’m Struggling to stay positive. I know it could be so much worse than it is,

@nrdl2879 what chemo drugs has your husband had?

REPLY
1 reply
nrdl2879 | @nrdl2879 | May 8, 2023
In reply to @barbgunter67 "Since my diagnosis I have lost 100# however, I had the weight to lose. Now that..." + (show)
@barbgunter67

Since my diagnosis I have lost 100# however, I had the weight to lose. Now that I am at 150 I don’t have the weight to lose but I still continue to do so. I’m on TPN and am currently receiving a blood transfusion (been in hospital since Tuesday morning). I had severe stomach pain again and had been taking oxycodone round the clock for 5 days. They knew I had some type of infection but had to wait for cultures to come back. Turns out I have c-diff. They thought it was peritonitis. I’m getting released today.

It’ll be 2 weeks tomorrow that I started the new chemo regimine which included FOLFIRI- it has totally kicked my butt.

I’m Struggling to stay positive. I know it could be so much worse than it is,

@nrdl2879 what chemo drugs has your husband had?

Jump to this post

Levcouorin 700mg.
Flourouracil 700mg
Oxaliplatin 110mg
Gets a pegfilgrastim 6m shot in the stomach once every 2 weeks. He had 12 chemos and now we are in s treatment break. Blood tests once a month and then a PET scan in 3 months Depending on results we will decide if he hoes back on chemo or we just enjoy life

REPLY
1 reply
nrdl2879 | @nrdl2879 | May 8, 2023
In reply to @kodithedog2 "He had stage 4 and it was only in his colon?" + (show)
@kodithedog2

He had stage 4 and it was only in his colon?

Jump to this post

Spread from colon to both lungs

REPLY
nrdl2879 | @nrdl2879 | May 8, 2023
In reply to @nrdl2879 "Levcouorin 700mg. Flourouracil 700mg Oxaliplatin 110mg Gets a pegfilgrastim 6m shot in the stomach once every..." + (show)
@nrdl2879

Levcouorin 700mg.
Flourouracil 700mg
Oxaliplatin 110mg
Gets a pegfilgrastim 6m shot in the stomach once every 2 weeks. He had 12 chemos and now we are in s treatment break. Blood tests once a month and then a PET scan in 3 months Depending on results we will decide if he hoes back on chemo or we just enjoy life

Jump to this post

He has had terrible side effects but endured the 12 treatments. He was in hospital with sepsis.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.