I think it's good news

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buckeye2
buckeye2 Member Posts: 428 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
We saw onc. today after body scan on Friday. What we wanted to hear was, "Tumors have shrunk unbelievably. We are sending you onto surgeon. We need to restage you because initial Stage IV may have been incorrect". What we didn't want to hear was, "Tumors are not responding to chemo". What we heard is "Chemo is working great. Tumor on liver shrunk from size of quarter to size of dime. Tumor on the outside of colon is shrinking to the point that it is breaking apart. Sending your case to tumor board for surgery consult but not optimitic surgery will ever be an option. Four more sessions of 5-FU and then looking at maintenance chemo." I think in a couple days we will see that the news is great but always have the thought of miracle in the back of our minds. Feeling a little guilty that I am not more appreciative for the news as it could've been so much worse. Lisa

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  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #2
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    We need to restage you because initial Stage IV may have been incorrect...

    Lisa,

    This does not happen (wish it did though). Staging is an exacting process, and once staged you stay there, whether you get better or worse.

    For instance, Someone initially staged at 2 who has a later recurrence with distant metastasis, is still stage 2, but now with metastasis, giving them the prognosis of a patient with stage 4 even though they are not officially stage 4. (this is how CDC and WHO track cancer dx, staging and outcomes over time)

    The tumor shrinkage is good news, and don't lose faith in the tumor board, surgery may still be an option.
  • buckeye2
    buckeye2 Member Posts: 428 Member
    #3
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    Buckwirth said:

    We need to restage you because initial Stage IV may have been incorrect...

    Lisa,

    This does not happen (wish it did though). Staging is an exacting process, and once staged you stay there, whether you get better or worse.

    For instance, Someone initially staged at 2 who has a later recurrence with distant metastasis, is still stage 2, but now with metastasis, giving them the prognosis of a patient with stage 4 even though they are not officially stage 4. (this is how CDC and WHO track cancer dx, staging and outcomes over time)

    The tumor shrinkage is good news, and don't lose faith in the tumor board, surgery may still be an option.

    Thanks for both the
    Thanks for both the information and words of encouragement. Lisa
  • marqimark
    marqimark Member Posts: 242 Member
    #4
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    mixed
    Glad that chemo is having a positive effect. Wish it was was bringing the NED DX we all pray/wish for.
    Cancer sucks. Chemo sucks.

    Prayers and hugs to you

    Mark

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