Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 > Hello Everyone, > My father was diagnosed with colon cancer on Saturday. He was > admitted for surgery for a rip in his Colon and when they went in > they found cancer through much of it. They removed about a foot of > his large intestine and his appendix and took a biopsy on his liver. > The results from the biopsy aren't in yet but the surgeon said that > he didn't like the look of what he saw in the liver. He is almost > positive that the cancer has spread there. All of this is a huge > shock because he just started to show anything that could be > considered a " symptom " this past week. > I don't know where to begin to find information and/or support > about all of this. I was just looking for anything that might help > me know what to expect from here. I would appreciate any advice > and/or info that anyone has to offer. Thanks! Hi There is tons of information on the links page http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/colon_cancer_support/links. However any thing you want to know specifically please ask. We are here to give information and support. We try to share both our joys and sorrows here. Don't be afraid to vent WE ALL DO!!! Try as hard as you can to focus on today. Many people with your Dad's diagnosis live quite a long time. It probably looks bad now but once they have a handle on what's happening they can start treating him. It is not a cure per se but it WILL make a difference in quality and give him time. Avastin and erbitux are the latest chemos usually paired with 5FU and probably either Camptosar or Oxilaplatin. The side effects are not as bad as you might think. Many are quite managable with over the counter drugs. The trick to dealing with this is ask questions of us and the oncologist and Make sure your Dad and everyone involved has complete trust in the Dr.s if you are not already with a major cancer centeryou may want to find one. While you don't necessarily need to be treated there. (my husband isn't currently) You want access and Dr.s that are humble enough to be willing to refer you out if they need to. Our oncologist is in Erie, PA but he is in touch with both Roswell and Cleveland Clinic. He keeps up with the research and is a cancer (throat) survivor himself. He is one of the best and most personable Dr.s I know. You hang in there as best you can Here's a big <<<<<hug>>>>>> for you. Narice caregiver to Phil diagnosed June 19, 2003 Stage 4 with multiple liver mets July 2003- Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to seek treatment. We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA 5FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135 September 2003- Phil goes off diuretic (oops) In late September he has CT showing significant reduction of tumor. ;-) December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu like symptoms with the Oxilaplatin, dry chapped hands and occasional nausea March 2004- Weight gain of 20 lbs (fluctuates between 155-160) Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver mets. Largest being 9 cm April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!! April 21,2004- Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160. 4/23 Mouth sores developUsing *magic mouthwash*. CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin Low red & white counts Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off the wall.' " :-> 5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000 (normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis 5/24 Chemo resummed Platelets at 122,000, Awaiting results of PT Scan done 5/27. CT scheduled for 6/15 God's blessings to all on this journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 > Hello Everyone, > My father was diagnosed with colon cancer on Saturday. He was > admitted for surgery for a rip in his Colon and when they went in > they found cancer through much of it. They removed about a foot of > his large intestine and his appendix and took a biopsy on his liver. > The results from the biopsy aren't in yet but the surgeon said that > he didn't like the look of what he saw in the liver. He is almost > positive that the cancer has spread there. All of this is a huge > shock because he just started to show anything that could be > considered a " symptom " this past week. > I don't know where to begin to find information and/or support > about all of this. I was just looking for anything that might help > me know what to expect from here. I would appreciate any advice > and/or info that anyone has to offer. Thanks! Hi There is tons of information on the links page http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/colon_cancer_support/links. However any thing you want to know specifically please ask. We are here to give information and support. We try to share both our joys and sorrows here. Don't be afraid to vent WE ALL DO!!! Try as hard as you can to focus on today. Many people with your Dad's diagnosis live quite a long time. It probably looks bad now but once they have a handle on what's happening they can start treating him. It is not a cure per se but it WILL make a difference in quality and give him time. Avastin and erbitux are the latest chemos usually paired with 5FU and probably either Camptosar or Oxilaplatin. The side effects are not as bad as you might think. Many are quite managable with over the counter drugs. The trick to dealing with this is ask questions of us and the oncologist and Make sure your Dad and everyone involved has complete trust in the Dr.s if you are not already with a major cancer centeryou may want to find one. While you don't necessarily need to be treated there. (my husband isn't currently) You want access and Dr.s that are humble enough to be willing to refer you out if they need to. Our oncologist is in Erie, PA but he is in touch with both Roswell and Cleveland Clinic. He keeps up with the research and is a cancer (throat) survivor himself. He is one of the best and most personable Dr.s I know. You hang in there as best you can Here's a big <<<<<hug>>>>>> for you. Narice caregiver to Phil diagnosed June 19, 2003 Stage 4 with multiple liver mets July 2003- Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to seek treatment. We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA 5FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135 September 2003- Phil goes off diuretic (oops) In late September he has CT showing significant reduction of tumor. ;-) December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu like symptoms with the Oxilaplatin, dry chapped hands and occasional nausea March 2004- Weight gain of 20 lbs (fluctuates between 155-160) Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver mets. Largest being 9 cm April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!! April 21,2004- Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160. 4/23 Mouth sores developUsing *magic mouthwash*. CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin Low red & white counts Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off the wall.' " :-> 5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000 (normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis 5/24 Chemo resummed Platelets at 122,000, Awaiting results of PT Scan done 5/27. CT scheduled for 6/15 God's blessings to all on this journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 > Hello Everyone, > My father was diagnosed with colon cancer on Saturday. He was > admitted for surgery for a rip in his Colon and when they went in > they found cancer through much of it. They removed about a foot of > his large intestine and his appendix and took a biopsy on his liver. > The results from the biopsy aren't in yet but the surgeon said that > he didn't like the look of what he saw in the liver. He is almost > positive that the cancer has spread there. All of this is a huge > shock because he just started to show anything that could be > considered a " symptom " this past week. > I don't know where to begin to find information and/or support > about all of this. I was just looking for anything that might help > me know what to expect from here. I would appreciate any advice > and/or info that anyone has to offer. Thanks! Hi There is tons of information on the links page http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/colon_cancer_support/links. However any thing you want to know specifically please ask. We are here to give information and support. We try to share both our joys and sorrows here. Don't be afraid to vent WE ALL DO!!! Try as hard as you can to focus on today. Many people with your Dad's diagnosis live quite a long time. It probably looks bad now but once they have a handle on what's happening they can start treating him. It is not a cure per se but it WILL make a difference in quality and give him time. Avastin and erbitux are the latest chemos usually paired with 5FU and probably either Camptosar or Oxilaplatin. The side effects are not as bad as you might think. Many are quite managable with over the counter drugs. The trick to dealing with this is ask questions of us and the oncologist and Make sure your Dad and everyone involved has complete trust in the Dr.s if you are not already with a major cancer centeryou may want to find one. While you don't necessarily need to be treated there. (my husband isn't currently) You want access and Dr.s that are humble enough to be willing to refer you out if they need to. Our oncologist is in Erie, PA but he is in touch with both Roswell and Cleveland Clinic. He keeps up with the research and is a cancer (throat) survivor himself. He is one of the best and most personable Dr.s I know. You hang in there as best you can Here's a big <<<<<hug>>>>>> for you. Narice caregiver to Phil diagnosed June 19, 2003 Stage 4 with multiple liver mets July 2003- Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to seek treatment. We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA 5FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135 September 2003- Phil goes off diuretic (oops) In late September he has CT showing significant reduction of tumor. ;-) December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu like symptoms with the Oxilaplatin, dry chapped hands and occasional nausea March 2004- Weight gain of 20 lbs (fluctuates between 155-160) Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver mets. Largest being 9 cm April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!! April 21,2004- Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160. 4/23 Mouth sores developUsing *magic mouthwash*. CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin Low red & white counts Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off the wall.' " :-> 5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000 (normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis 5/24 Chemo resummed Platelets at 122,000, Awaiting results of PT Scan done 5/27. CT scheduled for 6/15 God's blessings to all on this journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 > Hello Everyone, > My father was diagnosed with colon cancer on Saturday. He was > admitted for surgery for a rip in his Colon and when they went in > they found cancer through much of it. They removed about a foot of > his large intestine and his appendix and took a biopsy on his liver. > The results from the biopsy aren't in yet but the surgeon said that > he didn't like the look of what he saw in the liver. He is almost > positive that the cancer has spread there. All of this is a huge > shock because he just started to show anything that could be > considered a " symptom " this past week. > I don't know where to begin to find information and/or support > about all of this. I was just looking for anything that might help > me know what to expect from here. I would appreciate any advice > and/or info that anyone has to offer. Thanks! Hi There is tons of information on the links page http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/colon_cancer_support/links. However any thing you want to know specifically please ask. We are here to give information and support. We try to share both our joys and sorrows here. Don't be afraid to vent WE ALL DO!!! Try as hard as you can to focus on today. Many people with your Dad's diagnosis live quite a long time. It probably looks bad now but once they have a handle on what's happening they can start treating him. It is not a cure per se but it WILL make a difference in quality and give him time. Avastin and erbitux are the latest chemos usually paired with 5FU and probably either Camptosar or Oxilaplatin. The side effects are not as bad as you might think. Many are quite managable with over the counter drugs. The trick to dealing with this is ask questions of us and the oncologist and Make sure your Dad and everyone involved has complete trust in the Dr.s if you are not already with a major cancer centeryou may want to find one. While you don't necessarily need to be treated there. (my husband isn't currently) You want access and Dr.s that are humble enough to be willing to refer you out if they need to. Our oncologist is in Erie, PA but he is in touch with both Roswell and Cleveland Clinic. He keeps up with the research and is a cancer (throat) survivor himself. He is one of the best and most personable Dr.s I know. You hang in there as best you can Here's a big <<<<<hug>>>>>> for you. Narice caregiver to Phil diagnosed June 19, 2003 Stage 4 with multiple liver mets July 2003- Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to seek treatment. We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA 5FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135 September 2003- Phil goes off diuretic (oops) In late September he has CT showing significant reduction of tumor. ;-) December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu like symptoms with the Oxilaplatin, dry chapped hands and occasional nausea March 2004- Weight gain of 20 lbs (fluctuates between 155-160) Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver mets. Largest being 9 cm April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!! April 21,2004- Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160. 4/23 Mouth sores developUsing *magic mouthwash*. CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin Low red & white counts Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off the wall.' " :-> 5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000 (normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis 5/24 Chemo resummed Platelets at 122,000, Awaiting results of PT Scan done 5/27. CT scheduled for 6/15 God's blessings to all on this journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Dear Goody Didn't catch the other posts, but an important thing is: if there is cancer in the liver, is there cancer anywhere else. A PET scan can show that. If liver is only site, your dad a candidate for surgery (gold standard as far as a cure, but debilitating) or RFA--sort of micro-waving the tumors. Keep reading here and giving feedback, asking questions. Katy > Hello Everyone, > My father was diagnosed with colon cancer on Saturday. He was > admitted for surgery for a rip in his Colon and when they went in > they found cancer through much of it. They removed about a foot of > his large intestine and his appendix and took a biopsy on his liver. > The results from the biopsy aren't in yet but the surgeon said that > he didn't like the look of what he saw in the liver. He is almost > positive that the cancer has spread there. All of this is a huge > shock because he just started to show anything that could be > considered a " symptom " this past week. > I don't know where to begin to find information and/or support > about all of this. I was just looking for anything that might help > me know what to expect from here. I would appreciate any advice > and/or info that anyone has to offer. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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