New to forum - questions

twink · New User Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

In June of last year, I took my husband (Steve) to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain which turned out to be colon cancer. A very large tumor had perforated his bowel and he had emergency surgery that very morning to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes. I was told he also had spots on his liver that the surgeon couldn't remove during surgery.

Steve started pretty aggressive chemotherapy about 4 weeks after his surgery - the first regimen was Avastin with Camptoscar and Xeloda. We were very excited because the treatment was working and over a period of 3 - 4 months, his CEA and CA19-9 markers dropped from initial levels of 3,994 and 13,000+ to 8.2 and 35, respectively. He also had a PET scan done in early February and it came back clear. He was finally put on a maintenance type of treatment plan, just taking Xeloda 2 out of 3 weeks and Avastin once every 3 weeks. Unfortunately, his markers started to steadily rise again and over the past 2 1/2 months they have gone from 8.2 and 35 to 202 and 666, respectively. He had a CT scan done, there were spots, and the report basically said the disease was progressing. It also said he had what they called "diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis". Steve is back on the more aggressive treatment and we're waiting to see what the markers tell us and hoping he will go into remission.

I know there are a number of different treatment options and if this one doesn't work, we can try others. I was told he is not a candidate for resection.

I can't find out much information on the diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis, but what I have read doesn't sound good. Does anyone have any experience with this? What should we expect?

brainman · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject: Re: New to forum - questions

twink, I am very sorry about Steve's advanced cancer. Although I have no personal experience with peritoneal carcinomatosis, I do know that it is a very advanced cancer. It is good that your husband is back on an aggressive chemotherapy. Maybe someone else will have more information about what you can expect.

When I was first diagnosed, it was like my future vanished and my past no longer mattered. All that I had was that moment. I have tried to enjoy every moment since then.

You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

twink · New User Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for your response Jim. It is very hard not knowing what the future holds and not feeling good about planning for the future. Taking one day at a time sounds so easy when you don't actually have to do it, doesn't it?

DulcimerGal · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject: Re: New to forum - questions

Twink,

I'm also sorry to hear of your husband's diagnosis.
The taking it one day at a time does sound easy, but as you say - when you're the one doing it - it's a lot harder than that. I found especially when you don't feel good, it becomes even harder to focus on the moment when all you want is your health back.

I am sorry - I have no knowledge of your husband' s disease, but hang around - all sorts of great people read these postings and someone may be able to shed some light for you.

Please keep coming back
Cheers
DulcimerGal
_________________
Rectal Cancer diagnosed Valentines Day 2008
Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery to remove tumor - June 18th 2008
Colostomy Reversal August 20th 2008
Five rounds of Xeloda (chemo) to ZAP anything left!

DulcimerGal · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: New to forum - questions

Jim,

I forgot to add - I love what you said about the future vanishing and the past no longer mattered....that so explains how many of us feel...

Cheers
DulcimerGal
_________________
Rectal Cancer diagnosed Valentines Day 2008
Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery to remove tumor - June 18th 2008
Colostomy Reversal August 20th 2008
Five rounds of Xeloda (chemo) to ZAP anything left!

REB · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:28 am Post subject: Re: New to forum - questions

[quote="DulcimerGal"]Jim,

I forgot to add - I love what you said about the future vanishing and the past no longer mattered....that so explains how many of us feel...

Cheers
DulcimerGal[/quote]

I know that feeling. Sometimes I feel like I'm living on borrowed time, but then, isn't everyone?

One thing cancer has done is made me appreciate life and not take it for granted.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

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