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taylor82
New User
Joined: 04 Nov 2007
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject: Colon Cancer: Basic Questions |
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Hi,
My mother(65) was diagnosed with colon cancer about a month ago. Any information I have has been passed on from her and she seems reluctant to inquire about the extent of the cancer. she even said that she didn't want to offend anyone in fear that they might not treat her quite as well. And the doctor's staff are apparantly not allowed to discuss any information with me. So my information is limited. But anyway it appears that that one of the initial scans shows what looks like cancer spread to the liver. not %100 sure but likely. that's what she told me. so that means metastasis, correct?
I'm trying to figure out which stage this would put her at. In scanning the internet for basic info I frequently come accross references such as; 'distant metastasis'. Now, are all metastasized cancers considered to be a 'diastant metastasis'?
I like to know what the raw statistics are. I understand that in north america the long term survival rate for people diagnosed with colon cancer is about 42%. What is the survival rate for metastasized cancer? how do I know which stage my mother is at? what are the survival rates for the later stages? Is there a signifigant fatality rate during the surgery itself?
Also, I am a student and basically her only family. So I will be the one who will have to care for her if she needs it. If anyone can tell me what to expect in the short term and in the long term?; what usually happens after surgery; recovery times? re-occurance rates? other treatments? side effects, will she require full time care etc.
Any information is greatly appreciated. Don't beat around the bush, be brutally honest please.
P.S. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. |
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Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1367
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 10:35 pm Post subject: Re: Colon Cancer: Basic Questions |
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taylor82,
I'm so sorry about your mum.
I have moved this topic to colon Cancer page- so you might get better replys there. I have also left this here, so people can still reply to you. (in case not seen in colon)
I wish you both the best of luck- sorry i haven't got any advice or answers. But maybe somone real soon will have. 
With your mum's permision- You can be noted as her soul Care-giver and it can be known, that you are able to recieve answers about your mum's health and news results, etc. So therefore the Dr's have to explain what is happening, what treatments and any information. You may then be able to understand or explain things vetter to your mum, IF she wants to know. This is important to do as soon as possible- as it will make things easier in the near future.
Good luck tomorrow- let us know how things go.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
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~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
 9 Lives and still kicking |
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Woodrow
New User
Joined: 08 Nov 2007
Posts: 3
Location: California
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| Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:11 pm Post subject: post-op |
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Very sorry to hear your news. But thank you for posting.
Let us know what the doctors learn through surgery and pathology. That should over-rule any preoperative diagnosis. Hopefully the prospects are better, then.
Metastatic is commonly known as "Stage IV," and there are various staging systems. If you say 42% survival (seems low) it is imperative to know what population that describes. Stage IV is far worse than Stage I, obviously.
Stage III patients have tumors whose cells have invaded at least one lymph node that has been resected from the body. Colorectal tumor resection generally involves taking tumor + a wide marginal region of seemingly healthy tissue out, along with a number of lymph nodes. The pathologist is very interested in any involvement in any of those lymph nodes, as that is apparently the avenue of potential metastasis. So a Stage III patient generally gets chemotherapy, though some opt to take their chances and foresake chemo altogether. (Now I suppose that is an interesting statistic, worth looking up.)
I take solace in statistics, so I know what you're angling at. But it's imperative to narrow the statistics so that they are relevant.
I believe the new drugs "Avastin" and "Erbetux" are intended for metastatic patients. So there should be countermeasures, regardless, nowadays.
I am not a medical professional, so take all this with a grain of salt. |
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brainman
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Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3956
Location: Tennessee
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UKNeil
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Joined: 16 Dec 2007
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject: Re: Colon Cancer: Basic Questions |
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Hi taylor82
Colon cancer is diagnosed in more than 100,000 Americans a year. Unfortunately, in some cases the diagnosis involves metastatic colon cancer. This particular stage of colon cancer does present more challenges to treat, but the prognosis isn't always as bleak as many people believe.
Metastatic colon cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the colon itself. This can mean it's gone into the liver, lungs, lymph node system, bones or even the brain. Depending on where else the cancer is, it is sometimes possible to treat it with a fairly good outcome.
My best wishes are with you and your Mother.
UKNeil
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More Colon Cancer Information Can be Found At
http://www.coloncancersigns.info |
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