Update

sladich
sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
A little history, diagnosed stage 4 in September 2004. Left lower lobe of the lung removed (11/04), 6 months of chemo (FOLFOX), recurrence in liver, liver resection (11/05), more chemo, recurrence in liver (9/06), underwent a chemoembolization (11/06), liver RFA (12/06) and another chemoembolization (1/07), all good until last scan (10/07). Small lesion in upper left lung. I went to see a surgeon, recommended surgery. I have an appointment with a radiologist about getting a lung RFA. Once I have all the information, I'll make my decision. I'm not looking forward to another surgery. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Debbie

Comments

  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #2
    You have a great Thanksgiving as well. Lots of luck with your decision.
  • jenalynet
    jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
    #3
    Hi Debbie,
    I can't blame you for not looking forward to another surgery, I read that you have had plenty. Please let us know what you decide to do, in the meantime I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your Thanksgiving also. Hugs to you, Audrey.
  • alta29
    alta29 Member Posts: 435 Member
    #4
    u and I will have a competition on who has the more recurrances....but this will be our LAST ! !!!!!!!
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #5
    Debbie,

    Good luck with your decision, have a happy thanksgiving.

    Maureen
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #6
    Debbie,

    I am so proud of you for taking control of your treatment plan and getting second opinions like you do.

    It was great talking to you too and hope you have a great feast on Thursday. Hopefully the squash casserole won't disappoint you and John.

    We'll talk in 2 weeks!!!!

    Hugs to you both, Lisa P.
  • wanda23
    wanda23 Member Posts: 58
    #7
    what exactly is a chemoembolization ??? why would someone want this done??? does it work?
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #8
    wanda23 said:

    what exactly is a chemoembolization ??? why would someone want this done??? does it work?

    Since it was my second recurrence in the liver we decided on doing the chemoembolization along with the RFA. A chemoembolization is where they go up the groin into the liver and administer a heavy dose of chemo directly into the liver. It is suppose to cut off the blood supply to the tumor and kill it. It is very thick and potent chemo. I had two done, one on each side so we could kill any cancer cells that we couldn't see with the naked eye. So far so good. The liver has been clean for almost a year! The procedure wasn't too bad. Let me know if you want more information.

    Debbie
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #9
    Aw, Debbie....still sending up warm hugs....Have a great Thanksgiving, too!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • wanda23
    wanda23 Member Posts: 58
    #10
    sladich said:

    Since it was my second recurrence in the liver we decided on doing the chemoembolization along with the RFA. A chemoembolization is where they go up the groin into the liver and administer a heavy dose of chemo directly into the liver. It is suppose to cut off the blood supply to the tumor and kill it. It is very thick and potent chemo. I had two done, one on each side so we could kill any cancer cells that we couldn't see with the naked eye. So far so good. The liver has been clean for almost a year! The procedure wasn't too bad. Let me know if you want more information.

    Debbie

    with the chemoembolization, is there only a certain amount of tumors in the liver, my mom has alot (so many that they can't count them and very enlarged liver, you can see it and feel it very hard solid feeling ) is this only good for a certain amount of tumors and how long does it cut off the blood supply)
    Thanks
    Wanda
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #11
    wanda23 said:

    with the chemoembolization, is there only a certain amount of tumors in the liver, my mom has alot (so many that they can't count them and very enlarged liver, you can see it and feel it very hard solid feeling ) is this only good for a certain amount of tumors and how long does it cut off the blood supply)
    Thanks
    Wanda

    Wanda,

    I believe you can have multiple tumors. Here's a web page that gives you some general information about the procedure:

    http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/pdf/chemoembol.pdf

    You can at least ask at your next appointment. Best of luck.

    Debbie
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #12
    Having treated my lung mets for 3 years with chemo, I would have done anything to have one removed by surgery. Unfortunately, mine were to multiple and small. RFA sounds like a good option too. Good luck with your decision. Keeping you in my prayers.
    Mary
  • jams67
    jams67 Member Posts: 925 Member
    #13
    I really hate that you are having to go through all of this! I'm glad that you are getting more than one opinion so that you can make an educated decision.
    Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.
    Jo Ann
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #14
    Debbie,

    I'm so very sorry you are having to do through all of this during the holidays. Hang in there! We are here for you.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Kerry

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