recurrence again?

zhguo48
zhguo48 Member Posts: 23
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
As cancer patients we all hate and afraid to think of the word "recurrences". Last April I had second liver resection, the first one was in February last year, and I was diagnosed in March, 2005 ,3c. Both time the doctor said the word " curative". And now my CEA is from 0.8 to 2.3 in three weeks ( my highest CEA# was 14). I'm just wondering how many times and how often recurrence could happen to us.

Hope the best for you all, and thanks for feed back.

faungg

Comments

  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #2
    Faungg, don't get discouraged, it sometimes does recur. I have had 1 recurrence that wound up a tumor the size of a soccer ball on my right ovary; the surgery to remove it and various other body parts was a few months shy of 2 years after the initial resection. I did a full 12 treatments of the FOLFIRI, and have been NED since. However, my CEA began to rise and January we started back with FOLFIRI, only this time i only completed 8 treatments, as life got in the way and I decided to take a vacation. I am continuing with Avastin every 3 weeks in hopes of keeping a recurrence from happening again in the near future. I know there are others on this board that have dealt with multiple recurrences, and others who haven't had ANY recurrences; the beast can be so evasive and such a changling. My CEA has been as high as the 80s and as low as below 3; of course we stopped taking my CEA count when the 2nd tumor started growing. Take care and God be with you as you continue your fight.
    Mary
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #3
    I was diagnosed in September 2004. I've had 3 recurrences, 2 in the liver and 1 in the lung. I have scans next week and I'm hoping for the best. Best of luck to you too.

    Debbie
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #4
    I can't give you an answer on how many times, but since we are facing a similar situation possibly, I've done extensive research that a second liver resection can be very successful. I guess we just have to hold onto that thought. God Bless

    Diane
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #5
    sladich said:

    I was diagnosed in September 2004. I've had 3 recurrences, 2 in the liver and 1 in the lung. I have scans next week and I'm hoping for the best. Best of luck to you too.

    Debbie

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for an all clear Debbie!
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #6
    I certainly hope you are not looking at another recurrence. To my knowledge, CEA is not the best indicator, and 2.3 is not very high. However, since you asked: I have had three recurrences since my original diagnosis 5+ years ago. While this is not something anyone would like (!), I have dealt with each one, treatment hasn't been too bad, and I am feeling good today -- travelling, exercising, living, and enjoying life. Best wishes and good luck. Tara
  • Limey
    Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
    #7
    faungg, cea is not the best marker for all. mine has not really changed since 2004 when i was first diagnosed. I have gone NED at least three times and with the first surgery that would be four reoccurances. For me, the diease has continued to progress over the past 4years. but.... that is not true for everyone. Many have a reoccurance then go ned. or maybe a couple of reoccurances then NED. Take care of your body, feed it the nutrients it needs and hydrate it as much as you can and then a bit more. Most impoortant, continue to visualize yourself healthy. even if you don't feel it, still tell yourself you are healthy.
    best of luck to you
    Mark.

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