My dad was diagnosed in October 2007 with colon cancer stage IV with liver meths (a lot of them and one 8 cm). In November he has started with chemotherapy (every 3 weeks), biological treatment (once per week) both intravenously and XELODA (2 weeks and 1 week off). He is 67 years old, without 1 kidney but in a good physical shape and always doing a lot of physical activity (swimming, walking etc.)
His CEA level before treatment was 33. He did 4 months of chemo and the last CEA levels were 11 (end of February). His doctor stopped his chemo treatment and he is appointed for CT scan (liver only) in the beginning of April in order to see if he is a candidate for surgery of liver meths.
During the treatment he was very active and did not stop working. He has some side effects, among which feet and hand syndrome was the worst since he (still) can not walk as he did before. But he regularly lifts weights and is swimming in order to remain in good shape. He is very positive person and also has a positive attitude during the treatment. We all enjoy every day much more then before and value every day with him. Actualy this is a very positive side effect J
Before treatment he was sweating extensively during the night and has horrible abdominal pain. I have notice also that his eyes and skin of his face was colored yellow. All these symptoms have disappeared already within 1 month of chemo treatment and the quality of life was improved a lot. He still has problems with sleeping but this is also improving lately.
I have two questions? What he (or me J ) can expect at the CT scan, according to CEA level drop (from 33 to 11)? Do you think that 1 month after stopping the treatment and before CT scan is too long? I mean in case the CT will not show shrinkage of meths, wouldn't it be better to continue with chemo? The explanation of his doctor was that he has to prepare and detox before surgery. I hope he is right. Please do share your experience with me.