Signet Ring Cell, Colon And Beyond And Small Intestine

Hello Everyone:

 I've had surgery already wherein they removed the right side of my Colon together with the Omentum and some affected Lymph Nodes, hence I'm in Stage 4 with Signet Ring Cell.

 What's unusual in my case is that they discovered a separate cancer comprised of over 100 small tumors on the inside lining of my small intestine, also of the Signet Ring Cell genre.  Because it is on the inside of my small intestine, it is growing in reverse of the typical cancer which grows inward from the outside of the small intestine.  The result of this is difficulty in doing an appropriate test to develop the base line from which to monitor the progress of the Chemo.  Between the Oncologist and Radiologist, they have come up with a test called the small bowel follow through; however, this test is apparently done very rarely and the effectiveness of it is questionable.

 I'm wondering if anyone out there is familiar with cancer in the small intestine, growing from the inside out, and of a signet ring cell type and how they might have monitored the progress of their chemo.

I've had one chemo session so far with 11 more to go.  My main ingredient is Oloxyplatin (or something like that), something else that they put in me at the infusion center and 5FU which they send me home with using a pump for two days. 

My primary question here is about what anyone might know about the test to establish a baseline.  If anyone has any thoughts on the chemo regimen, please feel free to comment. 

I also have Signet Ring Carcinoma. My cancer was found in my appendix with a tumor on my right ovary. I was on Oxciliplatin, Leukevorin, and 5FU for about 10 months until I had an allegic reacation (difficulty breathing). But it did work for me, at least for a while. I have been off chemo for three years and just recently have the doctors seen an increase in my CEA level. That is the tumor marker they are using to monitor my cancer. I return to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in February for another CEA test and a PET scan. If nothing shows and my CEA is still high, then I will have exploritory surgery.

Would love to hear more about your experience. 

I was diagnosed with stage 4 - small bowel signet cell adenocarcinoma 5/30/05 following emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction.  I had the right side of my large intestines, 2 foot of small intestines,  lymph nodes, and my right ovary removed.  All were positive for malignancy.  My cancer started inside my small intestines then ruptured the intestinal wall and covered the exterior of my ascending colon and metastisized to my ovary.  I'm told this is a very rare cancer (lucky me).

I did 6 months of FOLFOX - (oxciliplatin, leucovorin and 5FU) and Avastin.  My follow-up is a Pet Scan and abdominal CT every 6 months.  I do not have any markers - my CEA level never was over 4.  I had clear scans January 06 however when I had a follow-up CT in June the cancer had returned.

I had additional surgery in August full (abdominal hysterectomy and debulking as well as several biopsisies other areas in my abdomen) I went back on chemo in Sept - this time on Folfiri (camptosar, leucovorin & 5FU) plus Avastin.  I just had my Pet Scan and Cat scan last week and will get the results tomorrow.   I've had small bowel follow through but the abdominal CAT scans with contrast seems to give a better view of what is going on.

I'm putting up a good fight but this disease is somewhat unpredictable. 

I don't know if my information is of any help but if you have additional questions or want more detailed information just let me know.

Best of luck to you,

Aleda 

Thank you cansurvivor.

 I'll keep you posted on this message board as I progress, with progress being the operative word, hopefully. 

 Best wishes,

Thank you for your reply Aleda.

I will mention your experience with the small bowel follow through to my doctor as I still have not established a baseline because this procedure is apparently only rarely done and they don't have all of the chemicals necessary to do it in a timelymanner.  This is amazing because I live in one of the largest cities in the country!

 Good luck to you too,

 Jjberg

On 1/5/2007 Jjberg wrote:

Hello Everyone:

 I've had surgery already wherein they removed the right side of my Colon together with the Omentum and some affected Lymph Nodes, hence I'm in Stage 4 with Signet Ring Cell.

 What's unusual in my case is that they discovered a separate cancer comprised of over 100 small tumors on the inside lining of my small intestine, also of the Signet Ring Cell genre.  Because it is on the inside of my small intestine, it is growing in reverse of the typical cancer which grows inward from the outside of the small intestine.  The result of this is difficulty in doing an appropriate test to develop the base line from which to monitor the progress of the Chemo.  Between the Oncologist and Radiologist, they have come up with a test called the small bowel follow through; however, this test is apparently done very rarely and the effectiveness of it is questionable.

 I'm wondering if anyone out there is familiar with cancer in the small intestine, growing from the inside out, and of a signet ring cell type and how they might have monitored the progress of their chemo.

I've had one chemo session so far with 11 more to go.  My main ingredient is Oloxyplatin (or something like that), something else that they put in me at the infusion center and 5FU which they send me home with using a pump for two days. 

My primary question here is about what anyone might know about the test to establish a baseline.  If anyone has any thoughts on the chemo regimen, please feel free to comment. 

My closest friend was also just diagnosed with this type of cancer only in her large intesting with spread to her ovary and omentum.  She is on a hunt for any doctor who will give her some hope of a cure or who may be doing any new research.  Any ideas?  She has sent her info to Mayo and MD Anderson and is working on getting in contact with a doctor who is doing some radical surgery in DC invovling removing a great deal of the omentum and organs deemed "not neccessary."  If you have any thoughts please advise.  I wish you well with your treatment.

Hello,

I have been following this post for the last few days and have been hoping someone would post an update on their status.  My sister was just recently, this past Monday (Feb 05), diagnosed with Signet Cell Adenocarcinoma of her Colon.  They removed the right side of her colon, and in the process, both of her ovaries.  The surgery also revealed that the cancer had spread to other lymphnodes around her colon, so she is a stage 4.  The real kicker is that she is only 22!  My family has been in pieces since they have told us.  I have drastically been trying to find every little bit of information I can about this particular type of cancer.  The doctors feel it could be genetic because of her age; the results for this should be coming in the next few days. 

If anyone has any more information on this, and their respective treatments, please let me know.  If you also have any knowledge of financial assitance, that would help as well.  She is currently not covered by any insurance, but I am hoping all that will change.  My father has a federal job, as do I, and apparently with a federal job, any children you have are only covered until they're 22, no exceptions!  I think that is just plain ridiculous, especially since she was a full time student.  I am trying to put her in for Medical/Medicare due to the disability factor of a Stage 4 Colon Cancer.  Still, finances is not somethign I want her to be worrying about. 

She is still recovering from the surgery, and has already started eating clear liquids as well as jello.  I'm the oldest son, at 25, and am the reassurance for the family.  My parents are first generation immigrants from Cambodia, so their English is a little broken to say the least.  I am just trying to find out any information about this "rare" disease that I can find.  I appreciate any assistance what-so-ever.  Thank you everyone on this board, I have learned quite a bit the past few days of lurking.

Cansurvivor,

My question to you and anyone else is: how do you go about getting a second opinion?  My mother, aged 75, just had a hysterectomy and appendectomy after having been diagnosed with signet ring. Primary in appendix, spread to ovaries and uterus. Her incision from the hysterectomy won't heal (3 weeks out) due to fluid in a small pocket beneath the incision.  It could take a month. This cancer is said to be aggressive, and I don't believe she can start chemo until it heals. Catch 22. We live in Kentucky, really greater Cincinnati, Ohio. How does one decide where to seek a second opinion?  Do you just call the Mayo Clinic? Is there a list of specialists in this form of cancer somewhere?  Do you need a referral? It's all pretty new and confusing.

On 2/12/2007 Concernedbrother wrote:

Hello,

I have been following this post for the last few days and have been hoping someone would post an update on their status.  My sister was just recently, this past Monday (Feb 05), diagnosed with Signet Cell Adenocarcinoma of her Colon.  They removed the right side of her colon, and in the process, both of her ovaries.  The surgery also revealed that the cancer had spread to other lymphnodes around her colon, so she is a stage 4.  The real kicker is that she is only 22!  My family has been in pieces since they have told us.  I have drastically been trying to find every little bit of information I can about this particular type of cancer.  The doctors feel it could be genetic because of her age; the results for this should be coming in the next few days. 

If anyone has any more information on this, and their respective treatments, please let me know.  If you also have any knowledge of financial assitance, that would help as well.  She is currently not covered by any insurance, but I am hoping all that will change.  My father has a federal job, as do I, and apparently with a federal job, any children you have are only covered until they're 22, no exceptions!  I think that is just plain ridiculous, especially since she was a full time student.  I am trying to put her in for Medical/Medicare due to the disability factor of a Stage 4 Colon Cancer.  Still, finances is not somethign I want her to be worrying about. 

She is still recovering from the surgery, and has already started eating clear liquids as well as jello.  I'm the oldest son, at 25, and am the reassurance for the family.  My parents are first generation immigrants from Cambodia, so their English is a little broken to say the least.  I am just trying to find out any information about this "rare" disease that I can find.  I appreciate any assistance what-so-ever.  Thank you everyone on this board, I have learned quite a bit the past few days of lurking.

Hello

I could't believe reading your story I am in the same situation.  My brother was diagnosed just 1 week ago with signet ring cancer of the colon, his has spread through the small and large bowel and into the stomach. He is only 26 years old. The doctors said they cant operate at all and that he has 1 - 2 months life expectancy. He has a permanent colostomy bag.  They are going to try chemo next week. We are all still in shock.

I hope you sister is doing ok. As you did, I am trying to research as much as possible on this terrible disease. Did your sister find out if it was genetic? Did she go through chemo? Was she given a time frame? Did she follow a strict diet (natural organic foods)? I would really appreciate hearing how your sister is going and any other information, as I havn't really been able to find much.

Thanks 

Louise