PET Scan Results...no chemo??

My 55 year old Dad (diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer April of 2008) just got the results of his PET Scan yesterday.  Negative for any spots so there was nothing that showed up according to the oncologist.  Of course they said he still has cancer, just not big enough to show on the PET Scan which is good.  We are very very thankful (don't get me wrong) and no matter what this is great news but some of it was a little concerning.  The oncologist giving Dad his results is not Dad's normal doctor because he was out yesterday but this different one (we have gotten to know him fairly well over the past year and a half too and trust him) said that if Dad were his patient he would probably stop Dad's CPT-11 and just give him Avastin every two weeks as maintenance.  I love the sounds of that, I really do but here is some of Dad's background.....  He did FOLFOX with Avastin for 12 rounds when he was first diagnosed.  Then the scans came back COMPLETELY clear as well that time.  They sent him to a surgical specialist to see about reversing Dad's colostomy bag and it was all approved (his colonoscopy done at that time showed it was completely clear).  Surgery was set but not for a few weeks because he had to get the Avastin out of his system before he could do it.  All in all the scan results, the follow up tests for surgery, and the waiting equalled about 6 weeks of time without treatment and then about a week before the surgery (this past February) Dad's stomach started having pains so last minute he had a CT Scan which showed growth in the cancer.  His oncologist told us he would probably never get the surgery because it's evident he can't stay off the treatments long enough to get the drugs out of his system to get it going PLUS after a surgery it would require down time without treatment to recover from the surgery so by then it may allow his cancer to get out of control.  They also said they believe the chemo (FOLFOX and Avastin) had stopped working so after surgery was shot down they started CPT-11 with Avastin.  He has done somewhere around 15 or more treatments of that and this is his 2nd scan while on it showing his cancer is not progressing.  I'm afraid (and confused) on why they would say he may not have to continue chemo, and just Avastin.  What would you think if this were you or your loved one?   I would love advice and any questions or comments I can bring to the doctor when he's back in the office next week for Dad's appointment.  Thank you ALL so much for the guidance.  I want to say to all of you struggling right now, please dont' think I'm not so grateful that Dad's doing well.  I'm not trying to make it seem like things are bad because we're really blessed right now, I just need to know how to try to keep it that way?!  God bless all of you....High Strung Daughter

 

  Hi,

   Sorry to hear about  your situation, it does seem strange for stopping chemo. and you really need to ask that simple question...' WHY'

   You can ask for any reports of  scans,,  that is your right and you can see for your self True  situation. You could always ask for a second opinion, do not be afraid of doing that, as remember this is your Dad, and you have to very proactive when it  comes to the health of your loved one. thats so important.

  So push on and do not just wait, as cancer does not wait, you have to  keep going and get the  best treatment for your Dad as quickly as possible...

  Praying for you both...   ,,,,,,,,,,,Rob

 

If he is NED (no evidence of disease) I am not sure why chemotherapy is being continued.

If chemotherapy is warranted - there are other chemotherapies besides Avastin (such as Erbitux).

I would recommend getting a second opinion.

Also, many patients take breaks from chemo in order to have surgery. They resume chemo after surgery has healed.

For example, I took a break from chemo to have my liver resected. I resumed chemo after surgery.

I would seek a second opinion.