Hi,
I've posted here a few times before, and I don't want to be too long on details, however I'm at a point where I don't know what to do, and this really scares me. The following is a brief outline in my battle.
1) Initial diagnosis colon cancer sigmoid.Nov.2000
2) 8 months of chemo 5FU,Lucovorin Jan 01 thru Aug 01
3) No follow-up tests such as CT, PET etc.
4) Had to have complete hysterectomy due to problems April 2002
5) Metastatic colon cancer found in right ovary OB/GYN ordered the biopsies
6) Chemo again CPT-11, 5FU, Lucovorin, REC'D only 15 treatments, oncologist took me off due to side effects. June 2002, thru March 2003.
7) I had regular CT scans, colonoscopy in Jan 2003 1 polyp removed benign
8) Small mass on right side in iliac chain? Or lymph node discovered on CT. This shrank during CPT-11 It was never biopsied.
9) Had a colonoscopy on July 24th due to pain/Pressure in rectum. Some bleeding
10) Biopsy showed recurrent cancer at site where colon was reattached.
11) Saw oncologist to discuss results I was told I'd most likely have surgery.
12) I had a CT done on Aug 27th to check for any "measurable disease".
I'm sorry if this is a bit lengthy, but I thought I should include some background. At this time as I write this I have been told that I will probably be facing another resection to remove cancer at anastomosis site. I am not against having this done, although I know how bad it will be. I am confused about what Pre-testing I should have. I want my doctor to order a PET scan, which I have had before. I'm wondering if anyone else has been at this point, and what they got for tests, advice etc. I just don't want to have surgery only to find out that the cancer has spread, and I don't think I should take no for an answer if my oncologist won't do a PET. I was told by other people that a PET would be advisable. I would appreciate any feedback. I will be seeing my oncologist again on Thurs. Sept.4th to review CT results. Thanks, and I hope to hear from someone soon!!! Julie C.