1. < Colorectal Cancer

Stage 2 colon cancer tumor removed - no chemotherapy?

Posted by chris221 @chris221, Jan 31, 2020

I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in Nov. 2018. My oncologist determined I needed no treatments since no cancer was found in the lymph nodes or anywhere else. Also, something about my cancer cells being lazy, non aggressive. I do have to be scanned twice a year and a yearly colonoscopy yearly. My colonoscopy was good this past November other than two small pre cancerous polyps which were removed. However, my January CT scan showed a thickening of my colon under my rib cage. My cancerous tumor was in the lower sigmoid colon. My oncologist seemed not to be very concerned, but scheduled me another scan in 3 months to look at it again. My question is what are the chances of another tumor growing quickly enough that it would return and cause the CT to show thickening only two months after the colonoscopy?? Also my CEA has jumped from 2.6 in June to 3.9 in January. I am awaiting an oral surgeon's appt to take out two infected wisdom teeth, and was wondering if the could be the cause of my CEA elevation. I know I shouldn't worry, but the cancer word is scary once I was diagnosed.
Thanks for any opinions.

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chris221 | @chris221 | Feb 3, 2020
In reply to @virgo1952 "Of course it would. These are issues that most of us arenot educated to deal with..." + (show)
@virgo1952

Of course it would. These are issues that most of us arenot educated to deal with on our own. We depend on the expertise of our doctors. I have found it’s a learning for me. In today’s world, we need to learn as much as we can about our bodies and to be proactive in our health and medical needs. Having a place to ask questions and exchange information is great. Nobody needs or should be left to go it alone. No judgement here.

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Thanks again.

REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 18, 2020

Hi @chris221,

I just thought the following information might help allay some of your concerns.

Results from clinical trials are not supportive of using adjuvant chemotherapy for all patients with stage II colon cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). https://www.cancer.net/research-and-advocacy/asco-care-and-treatment-recommendations-patients/adjuvant-chemotherapy-stage-ii-colon-cancer

In stage I colon cancer, surgery to remove the tumor is the only treatment needed. Stage III tumors, which are tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes, are treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy––adjuvant chemotherapy––given after surgery to reduce the risk of a recurrence of the cancer. Stage II disease falls somewhere in between. An estimated 75% of people with stage II colon cancer will be cancer-free 5 years later, without adjuvant chemotherapy, but 25% will not. The debate over which patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy is an ongoing one! Here is some detailed information from the American Cancer Society:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/treating/by-stage-colon.html

REPLY
virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Feb 18, 2020

Hi Chris. Been weighing in this am after a while getting my world back on track. I know for myself the cancer was centralized in my sigmoid and the 23 lymph nodes the doctor removed were biopsied. They came back clean. I did lose 12+ inches of colon, I required no further treatment (chemo). I will have a colonoscopy at one year (10/2020) and then see what’s up. Barring, I don’t have symptoms that would warrant surgery/treatment 🤞I see you were sent info regarding further treatment and whether it is necessary or advisable. So, wanted to share my experience and what my doctor recommended. Hope you are doing ok. (other than this stuff). sasha

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