Colon Cancer Metastasis to Liver and Lung - Stage IV

Becky · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

My mom (73) had a very small tumor in her colon in 2004. It was so small that the doctors did the resection and told her she didn't need chemo - he had gotten it all. Fast forward July 2007 - for some reason mom went into atrial fib and while in the hospital getting things back to normal, an x-ray picked up a spot in her lungs - after a full ct scan and PET, she also has two spots (fairly small) in her liver. She just started her third round of chemo and is taking Campostar, Adrucil, Leucovorin, and Avastin. She has done marvelously well so far - no bad side affects at all. She gets really tired, but perks up somewhat about 4 or 5 days before her next treatment. Tomorrow she has to go in and have her port replaced - it flipped and keeps moving, plus one side has clogged up. So - I guess I'm looking for some kind of understanding of what I can expect. Am I unrealistic to hope it will go away? I just want some straight talk - I know it's not black and white, but the doctors never tell it like it is ... I do understand that they want the patient to feel motivated. I know this will be a long journey - and I'm glad this forum is here - I'm going to need it!

brainman

Hi Becky, I am sorry about your mother's metastatic Colon Cancer, or at least I assume that is what it is. It could also be a metastatic lung cancer. Have they clarified that yet? I guess if I knew more about chemotherapies, that might answer my question.

I am glad she is tolerating the chemo well with very little side effects. For her generalized weakness, make sure she is taking supplemental vitamins... one multivitamin plus vitamins B12, B6, C, A, and E are a good start. Take this list to her medical team to make sure they will not interfere with her chemotherapy BEFORE starting. You might be able to get approval over the phone or when she goes in for her next has chemotherapy.

My mother died of brain cancer over 9 years ago and my father died of leukemia just of a year ago. I was their primary care provider at the time of their cancers and then deaths.

You and your mother 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/

UKNeil · New User Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Hi Becky

When colon cancer stage 4 is reached, many people believe the chances for a five-year survival rate are none. This is simply not the case, but the reality is the colon cancer stage 4 prognosis is not good.

Colon cancer stage 4 is reached when the cancer has not only affected the colon, but also other nearby organs. The spread might include the liver, lungs, lymph node system, brain and even the bones.

While it is true, colon cancer stage 4 prognosis generally puts the five-year survival rate at 20 to 30 percent, some people do make it past this point. Treatment at this phase of colon cancer generally includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Although these procedures are not given with a mind toward curing the disease at this point, they can help prolong life and quite often even improve potential quality of life for a time.

You're both in my thoughts

UKNeil
_________________
More Colon Cancer Information Can be Found At
http://www.coloncancersigns.info

PammySue51 · Regular Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Ohio

Hi Becky.

Your mom's cancer sounds similar to mine. I have 2 small mets to liver and 1 small met to lung. We're still working on these mets and they are shrinking. I am 15 months out from diagnosis and feel pretty good in spite of the fact that I have been on chemo for 12 months now. Please let me know if you need any specific information.
_________________
Pam
stage IV colorectal cancer with mets to liver and lung - dx 9/06
6 months FOLFOX6 + Avastin completed 6/07
Xeloda since 6/07 with Avastin recently added again.
http://pamsmiraculouscancerblog.blogspot.com

JayDS

Hi PammySue, glad you chose to check this forum out too.

For other readers, Pammy and I know each other from a small (but open to others anytime) forum specifically for colon cancers patients, survivors and those who's loved ones have been afflicted with it.

[url]http://z8.invisionfree.com/colorectalk/index.php?act=idx[/url]

PammySue51 · Regular Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Ohio

Hey there, JayDS. Fancy meeting you here. I figured that's why you were asking me that question over at our other "home". You did see my response, I take it.

This looks like a good board, though I must admit I haven't had time yet to check out all of the posts.

Thanks for the warm welcome Laughing

Pam
_________________
Pam
stage IV colorectal cancer with mets to liver and lung - dx 9/06
6 months FOLFOX6 + Avastin completed 6/07
Xeloda since 6/07 with Avastin recently added again.
http://pamsmiraculouscancerblog.blogspot.com

alisaNZ · New User Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi becky

I am 29 years old, and was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer in June with mets on all segments of my liver. The doctors said it was "inoperable / incurable", though now...... 6 chemo sessions later (as well as heaps of natural therapies), surgery is an option with the hope for cure. And the PET scan I just got shows my cancer is currently "dormant"!

So, I guess my point is...... everyone is so different, that no one knows how each individual will respond..... to the cancer, or to the treatments. I think the most important thing to remember is that attitude is a HUGE part of survival (not just with cancer either) Smile

I choose to ignore the statistics and concentrate on being as healthy as I can and enjoying everyday!

I will be thinking of you and your family Smile

Stay positive and I'm sure positive things will happen!

JayDS

That is huge good news alisaNZ, and obviously gives hope to others with presently gloomy diagnoses.

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