Stage Iv Colon Cancer That Mets To Lung

Does anyone out there know what the growing rate of cancer is that moved from colon to lung? My mom had her colon cancer removed Aug 2006, in Oct of 06 we started fulfox. July's ct was clear, Nov ct's showed two spots on right lung. March pet scan showed them at 8 and 10mm. April's ct showed that they are growing about 1mm /month. One showed up in left side, pulmonary dr, won't do surgery, said they were too small to remove, and he sees two new one's on left side. Went to radiology oncology dr's they said that they won't radiate, why destroy the lung with radiation when more keep popping up? They feel like they will never get a handle on it. They saw another new one on left side. So now she has two on right three on left. The oncology dr. said he doesn't want to do the chemo again, this time is would of been full fury, because it "won't eradicate the lung cancer". Because she has now "symptoms", pulmonary dr. said she breaths fine, for now anyway, he wants to wait two months repeat the ct. Mom went through the fulfox with flying colors, she lost her hair had a little neuropthy in joints, still feels it today. But otherwise she did good. The oncology dr. doesn't believe she will do that well in this next round. She is 65, diabetic, has a-fib,and is on coumadin. She wants to demand the chemo, doesn't want to give up without a fight. We see the oncologist again on june 18th. I don't understand why he won't see us sooner, when they are growing so quickly? Radiation doctor said he wouldn't be suprised if the cancer starts popping up in other organs, since the chemo didn't seem to phase it. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Donna

Donna,

I'm sorry to hear about your mother.  Sounds like she has the will and determination, but the doctors have none!  That's kinda what my husband went through, but he didn't have the same cancer.  Is your mom going to the Cancer Treatment Center of America?  If not, it sounds like she needs to be.  If so, which center is it?  We went to the one in Tulsa and loved it.  They never gave up - my husband had stage 4 metastatic cancer of the left ureter (tube between kidney and bladder) that spread into his hip bone, muscles, abdomen, and etc.  He had it removed (prior to the spreading) at a local doctor in 2004 with no follow up treatment.  In 2006, it had spread to stage 4, so he started trtmt at CTCA in Feb 2006 and as of Sept 2006, his cancer was GONE - nothing, not even in remission.  There are no cancer cells in his body to this date.  Now I'm not saying this is typical for everyone, but it's certainly worth a try.   His doctor wasn't going to give up.  Please encourage your mother to remain faithful and never give up.  The mind is a powerful thing - she has to mentally NOT give up.  We also had a lot of prayer - I know that works.  I whole-heartedly believe that the Lord has taken care of my husband.  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me back.  Stay strong - sounds like your mother needs you more than anything. 

God Bless You Both,

Tami 

 

I don't know where your Mom is being treated but if she is not being treated at either CTCA as in the post above or a dedicated cancer center then I would change doctors.  You should at least get second and third opinions from an oncologist, surgeon and pulomonogist.  Your Mom has the will to fight so you need to help her find some new team mates.  Remember, healthcare is a service that you pay for.  If you are not heppy with the service you are receiving then you should go elsewhere.  Good luck to both you and your Mom.