Colon Cancer

I was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer of my sigmoid colon in June of 07.  Since then I have undergone three very painful operations to remove the peach size tumor on my sigmoid colon, and small nodule on my falopian tube that was also cancerous.  All nine lymph nodes were positive for cancer.  Because it did not reach my liver nor my lungs they staged it at the beguining of Stage IV.

 After 8 long months of chemo, having chemo every other week for three days and down the entire week, this week was suppost to be my last week of chemo, so I thought.  Chemo was Mon, Tue, Wed, pump off on Wed.  I was in the hospital all through Thursday at 1:00 p.m.  

 This  Friday I went in to return pump and get my Nulasta Shot and was given the news that my numbers had jumped from a 5 to a 9.  By the way is there anyone who can explaine these numbers to me? 

I was told that because of that I had to have a PET Scan just to make sure that there were not any other tumors anywhere else in my body.  I was also told that becuase my numbers going up that I would have to continue chemo to get them back down.  It would be a new regement.

Also, I was told that I was one of the few cases that through a regular blood test, my cancer would not show up.  Can some tell more about this please? If that is the case then what type of numbers are they talking about when it comes to my numbers jumping from 5 to 9? 

 I can not beguin to tell how much I was looking forward for a braek. They used very aggresive chemo on me because I was young and strong.  I got very sick the last four months.

 Just when I though I was out of the woods, ready to get strong again, recalim my normal life back, and be in remision, I get these devastating news.

 I am a 36 year old mother of three teenagers, a 16 year old son and two twin 15 year old daughters.  I can't imagine not being her for them, and continue to raise them.  They are my life and pide and joy. 

I just don't understand.  I have had numerous CAT scans of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis.  There has been no indication on any other masses.  Could it be possible that the PET Scan will pick up something my CAT scan didn't?  Will someone please answer my question.

 Is it normal for me to feel so scared about my most recent diagnosis?  I mean Is there hope for me still, or is this PET scan going to confirm the worst?  Is there any body out there in my situation or who has been through what I have been through? I need some words of incouragement.  Thank you. 

Sincerely, Francisca

First of all I assume the numbers you are talking about are CEA values.  If that is the case, 5 to nine doesn't seem high. I have been through the same basic chemo, etc that you have.  I am currently finishing up on Folfox, two to go. The PET scan will show any areas of  concern.  It is the most accurate scan and I hope the results will be positive for you.  You are not overreacting - concerned - yes.  Please wait until you get your results and have further reviews from your doctors.  I would sit down as soon as possible with you oncologist and ask him or her the same questions you have asked here - you will involved in a number of questions about you ongoing care.  Sounds like you are young and strong - hang in there and fight this monster.  God Bless and good luck.

Thank you so much for your quick respose.  Since I posted my message I have done some reserch online and found out that the numbers they were referring to were my CEA numbers.  I have read more on that as well.  However, I still have a question, when it comes to these numbers what are the parameters?  I mean I need something go on.  Can you tell me more about that?

Also, thank you so much for your words of encouragement.

Sincerely,

Francisca

 

On 5/11/2008 fannymichael2004 wrote:

Thank you so much for your quick respose.  Since I posted my message I have done some reserch online and found out that the numbers they were referring to were my CEA numbers.  I have read more on that as well.  However, I still have a question, when it comes to these numbers what are the parameters?  I mean I need something go on.  Can you tell me more about that?

Also, thank you so much for your words of encouragement.

Sincerely,

Francisca

Labtestsonline or Labtestonline is a good website.

Hi - 0 to 5 is considered normal but depends on your individual history - check with your lab history on that.  Although I had a recurrence last year the CEA never went over 3.7.  I have seen, on this site, CEA numbers in the hundereds.  However, your PET scan will give you the best feedback on any mets or tumors.  Again, hang in there and stay close to this site.  Post please, and give us feedback as you continue through this process.

You may have seen my messages, but I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer with mets to the liver in July '04.  I was originally given no hope.  But I have had no evidence of disease since September of '04.

I would suggest, and I always do this, bring a tape recorder with you.  There is a lot of information thrown at you and it is hard to remember it all.  I ask a lot of questions and I transcribe the tape after my appt's.  Then I cut and paste what my doctors say on these boards.  At the time of my illness though, it helped me truly understand what was going on.

Good luck and keep us posted on how we can help. 

Thank you so much for the info.  And yes I will continue to keep you posted.

God Bless You, 

Francisca

 

On 5/11/2008 Arnold wrote:

Hi - 0 to 5 is considered normal but depends on your individual history - check with your lab history on that.  Although I had a recurrence last year the CEA never went over 3.7.  I have seen, on this site, CEA numbers in the hundereds.  However, your PET scan will give you the best feedback on any mets or tumors.  Again, hang in there and stay close to this site.  Post please, and give us feedback as you continue through this process.

 

Got the results of my PET/CAT scan last week.  They found three spots, two on my ovary and one under my abdoment just to the right of my stoma.  Dr. is not concerned though because he said that the ones on the ovary are probably just non-cancerous cists.  He will be watching closely the small spot by my stoma.

 My gyni will be doing an ultrasound on my ovary in two weeks to make sure it has not grown.  Also, my colon surgon will be conducting a colonoscopy to make sure there are no new developments before he schedules surgery to repair a fistula and reconnect my colon. 

 I am just glad I am having a braek from chemo.  I was sick of being sick.

Have a good day you all.

francisca

I had my colonoscopy done two days ago.  My surgon told me that the fistiula in my rectum is very low, too close to the outside opening.  He does not feel that he will have enough colon left over to reconect my sigmoid colon with my rectum once he removes that portion of my colon.  He has adviced me to contact Mayo clinic and consult with one of their physicians.  The problem is that I don' t have insurance except for the Illinois Public Aid card.  Mayo clinic told me they do not accept it the Illinois Public Aid card.  That really made me sad.  Dose anyone have any answers for me as to where I can go to get financial assistance for this complicated procedure? 

 Thanks, Francisca