At CancerCompass.com, our online colon cancer forum offers valuable support to all. Discuss the latest colon cancer research, treatment, and other information. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/colon-cancer/1,0,119,18.htm Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I'm a tonsil cancer survivor, stage IV, but since Eurbitux was first used for colon cancer, I thought I'd ask here too. 3.5 years ago chemo and radiation saved my life.  However, the long-term effects of the combination of Cisplatin + Eurbitx were and maybe still aren't known. Just over the last year it appears to have effected my cognitive ability.  I'm coming to grips with the fact that, there are times when I have trouble putting two sentences together.  My thoughts get all jumbled and I have trouble saying what I'm thinking.  There are even times when someone will tell me something and I'll get what I'm told totally wrong. Is it just me? I'm looking for answers.  To what?  I don't know, I forgot :)  Just happy to be alive. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41684,0.htm ThreePutt Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my mother a normally very healthy and active 78 yr old recently went for a colonoscopy and was told she had a cancerous lesion in her colon. Last Wednesday she went in for surgery. the lesion was removed along with so many inches either side, a resection I think you call it. The surgeons also had to give her a hysterectomy and remove her spleen as both were stuck to the lining and tore. Results came back that cancer showed up in 3 of the 20 lymph nodes that were removed, the other tests were clear. I think this makes her a stage 3a. The surgeon told her that he highly recommended chemo but it is often not done to people 80 and over and she is getting up there. He told her without the chemo she would have 2 to 3 good years left. That's still hard to accept she was such a fit person (she gave up work only 18months ago) and yes she is my mum and I want her around forever. What I want to know is would her having her spleen removed make it more dangerous for her to have chemo if she decides to have it and what would your opinion be. My dad died 4 months ago after not waking from an operation. This was a terrible shock to us and now I am all that mum has left to look after her. I need help so badly. At the moment she is only just home and I am having a hard time getting fluids down her, she will be back in hospital on monday if she doesn't eat or drink more. My thoughts and very best wishes for all of you on this forum. Robyn http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41672,0.htm robyn4441 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My father was just diagnosed with Colon cancer. He is a strong 73 year old. He has two "spots" on his liver and one on his lung. The tumor is 4 cm long and apparently cannot be removed by surgery, so he is being given chemotherapy for 3 months to see how it goes. His first session was yesterday. Unfortunately, he is in Lebanon at the moment and I am in Ireland. I am trying to get out to him, but until I can I was wondering can anyone give me some sort of clue as to what these "spots" are and what canbe done to get rid of them? Is it serious, is it an early stage 4? Will a diet change help? Exercise?  My parents are so far away and I know they will sugarcoat everything, despite my 23 years, not to scare me. I need to know what's going on, so until I can get out there and ask questions myself, I am asking anyone here who has a moment to help me.   Thank you,   Flowerchild   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41644,0.htm Flowerchild1920 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone ... A good friend of mine has diagnosed with a stage 3 colon cancer and she is preparing for a Gastrointestinal surgery, the doctors gave her 2 treatment options the normal staples procedure and the non staples niti procedure to chose from, is there any recommendations ? or any additional information ... thanks ... Uri http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41559,0.htm urinew Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My sister was told by Dr. that once it was in the liver there was really no cure because it was in the liver cells:[ Any comments? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41535,0.htm maryjudy Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband had the worst reaction to his first erbitux treatment.   He has a good amount of cancer growth in both lungs.  He has done well with treatment up until this point no signs of active cells in liver or nodes in that area as before.  Waiting to hear from drs for next step - so I was wondering if anyone has been in this same situation and what they might have done next.  Thanks so much for any feed back.  Kelly http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41478,0.htm sunnie Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi,   I'm new here.  My mom was recently diagnosed with colon ca, 6 liver mets.  She has started chemo and they expect her hair to thin and fall out soon.  My question is in regards to my 4 yr old daughter.  How do I talk to her about the changes in her Grams' appearance?  She knows her Grams has some 'bad germs that make her really sick' and that she has to get 'special medicine,' but I'm not sure how to proceed?  Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41474,0.htm luvmymomma Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I met with my oncologist and all is well. For you newbee's... I was diagnosed on my birthday in 2004.  I signed up for a clinical trial and have been NED (no evidence of disease) since September of 2003.  Yea...   cptmac http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41463,0.htm Cptmac Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I'm having a hard time coping with the lose of my grandma. We were close and it is hard not having here here. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41427,0.htm staystrong1 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I'm 34, and have mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix, which is a kind of colon cancer.  I have 2 young children, an almost 5yo boy, and a 22 month old girl.  I guess I'd just like to 'meet' others who are in a similar situation...  Not that I don't want to talk to anyone older, but I figure if I get to seeing any grandkids, I'll have been EXTREMELY lucky, as I'm just worried about getting to see my own kids start school at this point...  Anyone else out there in a similar situation, or have you been through this with a spouse?  If so, how do you explain all this to your kids?  How are they taking seeing Mommy too tired/sick/hurting to be able to read them their story before bed?  I just feel so alone in this, you know?  It feels like I'm the only young Mommy dealing with this.  I'm so scared for my kids, and it terrifies me that my daughter may not even remember me if I don't get through this...  Sorry, I guess I'm just rambling.  Anyways, if there is anyone out there, please give me a shout, so that perhaps we don't feel so alone, and maybe even coach each other on how to keep going, but prepare our kids for whatever may come. Thank you! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41406,0.htm My2babies Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Friday had Dr. appt. first some of the spots on the liver are gone, any other are so small can hardly count them not say ing  there is none but his CEA level is 3.5 and his scans look very good the Dr. said the Erbitux is working the  way she hoped it would and they all at the Center are Trilled and they took him off the Erbitux for a couple of weeks to see how he does, He still went to Chemo buit only for the one Treatment irinotecan takes only one hour of treatment.   So we are very happy with the report, but still very cautious,  but it made his weekend and mine less of worry one, spent four days with the grandchildren (parents out of town) and really enjoyed our time.  I still say do the best you can think positive and I look at this way , I may have alot of sad days ahead one day , but this day is full of hope and thankful for everyday he is doing fine and not in any kind of pain or suffering , we have learned to live with this and still LIVE everyday.   Best to all of you in our prayers. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41397,0.htm psouthfla Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT i was given 3-6 months to live 5 years ago(i showed them!!!l) even though things are going good,I still have AWFUL nerve pain in my feet and hands.My doc has me on pain meds but it does not do much.Any ideas? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41391,0.htm Heidirose Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello Everyone, I am new to the board and welcome any wisdom all your experiences you can share. My 70 year old father was diagnosed with colon cancer in 3/09 and has been on Oxaliplatin/Avastin/Xeloda until recently when his neuropathy has forced in to start lowering doses and D/C the oxaliplatin for fear of permanent nerve damage. His CEA was originally 60 and went down to 11 but his most recent PET scan showed an increase in mass size and activity so he is currently on a break to regain some strength and restart on a new course of Irinotecan/Erbitux. The most interesting fact of the situation is that his colon cancer is actually situated in his lungs! He has 4 nodules total between both lobes and is otherwise cancer free in the rest of his body (including the colon!) I have looked into alternatives, including RFA but his oncologist does not think he is a good candidate due to the number and risk of complications. Does anyone else have a similar situation out there? How are you all tolerating irinotecan/erbitux. My father had a tough time with the oxaliplatin and the neuropathy is still lingering in this feet and hands. Thanks! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41388,0.htm qbear123 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi.  I am new to this message board.  I was diagnosed with colon cancer in Nov 2008. Tumor was removed in November...Also had a colon resection. Went through Chemo from January thru June of this year (2009). Follow up MRI in July was good.  My oncologist was pleased. Also had my first 3 month blood work and my oncologist said all looked great! So, I just came up to the anniversary date of my first diagnosis.  Getting ready to have another colonoscopy in January 2010. Hoping to touch base with someone who also had a colon resection.  A year later and I still find myself running to the bathroom (is this normal?)  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41383,0.htm jssct Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband who has been battling stage 4 with chemo for 2 years will start direct liver treatment called Y90 soon. Has anyone used this form of treatment?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41333,0.htm googie Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT  am a 24 year old female with no family history of colon cancer. I have been experiencing some very disturbing symptoms. It all started in early September when i noticed i had blood outside and inside of my stools. they were brown and formed normally, but i saw the bright red blood. Then i started having lower left pelvic pain. I was very concerned so my dr ordered me a sigmoidoscopy which came back normal but showed hemmoriods. I have had blood work, urinalysis, a ct scan of my abdomen and a pap smear which all came back normal. i also have had an ultrasound of my lower pelvis which all showed normal organs with no cysts or abnormalities. Now i am having lower back pain, also a clear discharge which looks like there are bubbles in it, and sometime it is yellow with no bubbles just really slimy. my stools are thinner and smaller most of the time now too. the stool isn't too hard or too soft. i am so scared i have colon cancer, or some kind of intestinal cancer. i have been trying to contact my dr for further tests but they seem to think it is nothing. they are very quick to mention my age and how i have no family history of colon cancer, and how unlikely it is that i have cancer.  i know there is something wrong and will continue to be persistent with them, but in the mean time i would really appreciate any advice or symptoms anyone else has had and the outcome. thank you in advance. Courtney http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41322,0.htm courtneyb1270 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Dx with Stage IV colon cancer March '06 I have been on most of the chemo treatments - FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, Avastin, Xeloda ... my cancer would respond and then come back. I have 13 liver mets. but no lung. I most recently had the SIRT therapy Y90 radioactive beads put directly into the liver and went onto Erbitux about the same time. I got a clear PET and CT scan results today. No tumor activity was found AND as icing on the cake - the blood clot they found in my lung in July was gone! Great great day! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41313,0.htm mommasue Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT What is the normal range for a Cea test and is there any reason other than cancer cells it could be going up ? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41294,0.htm karew Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Sem http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41276,0.htm CCAlliance Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Sem http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41275,0.htm CCAlliance Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed Signet Cell colon cancer in Oct 2008.He had a foot of his Colon removed. Had a pet scan everything looked good. His CEA number keeps going up. He has had 3 more colonoscpys. Nothing. Has had catscans everything is good.He didnt have any Chemo or anything. I have heard that it is a very aggressive cancer. Any ideas? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41272,0.htm karew Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am searching for Jayne. Haven't had contact since cancer compass new website design was launched. Jayne, please add me as a friend and write me how Richard is doing. I had clean scans in Sept and will repeat in 6 months. All is well for me. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41257,0.htm Karenb Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I'm a stasge IV colon with liver mets.  I went to Duke for a second opinion. They agreed with beginning with the avastin, 5-FU,leucovorin,and oxaliplatin. I may have a spot in a trial.  Has anyone done any of these? I hear they are very time consuming, and we live 3 hours away. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41233,0.htm irishgirl105 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Yeahhhhhh!!!!!! I received my recent pet scan report. It was beautiful!!!! It said this whole body pet scan demontrated no abnormality. That means I have a clean pet scan. My eyes get wet. Only patients cancer stage IV had been through the same paths like me understand.  I had been dealing life and death issue everyday for the past two years. I was dx colon cancer recurrance to lung as stage IV in 9/2007. I had been through Folfox, Folfiri + avastin, I suffer all the side effects, lost all hair but they both worked little bit then stop working. I had a lung surgery in 9/2008 to remove a 4cm tumor. After surgery I have even more little spots appeared in both lungs. Drs. of MD Andersion pronunced that I was incureable. I was sent  home to do more chemo just to extend my life. This time I take Erbitux+ 5 fu. I used to be a good patient, listen to whatever Dr and Onc said. They told me don't take anything, not even supplements. This time I guess I am dying, it doesn't matter to try somethings else. I google alternative treatment. I found budwig Flaxseed oil treatment. I took 3 tbs flaxseed oil+ 4 tbs cottage cheese + lots of berries ( strawberry, blue ot black berry) 4 times a week. I also took advice from Tre and Shemay, friends from this forum,  lots of supplement, like Vit D, E, B6, B12, Selenium 200mg, magmesium, calcium, asprin and Omega 3 every other day.    Oh.. yes.. cut down sugar, less rice, cake, bread, and all carbonhydrate stuff. more fruits and vegetables. For the past 9 months, I feel I have more energy, I can take a longer walk and do yoga. My many nodules getting lesser. I still have 1cm in right lung and 2 8-mm nodules in left lung. I  thought to have RFA to remove them. Now ...Hurrah I am not going to do RFA. The cancer cells are not active. I need to celebrate....... Cheer!!!!!   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41204,0.htm mimi7 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello, Has anyone had experience with cyberknife radiosurgery or chemoemboliztion with irinotecan beads to treat tumors in the liver? Would like to know if it was successful in killing the tumors. I have to wait until mid Nov. to get MRI done to see if mine worked. Thanks for your help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41183,0.htm aggiemom Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT