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mets to spine

tammybrook
tammybrook CSN Member Posts: 43
in Colorectal Cancer #1
has anyone had or heard of recurring rectal cancer metastasizing to the spine?
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  • geotina
    geotina CSN Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #2
    Tammy:
    We have no experience with mets to the spine but yes, I have heard of mets to the spine. There were a few on the Colon Cancer board that experienced this. If memory serves they were treated with radiation (like bone mets). I can't remember if chemo was also involved but I assume it was.

    Take care - Tina
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  • taraHK
    taraHK CSN Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
    me
    Hi. Yes -- my original diagnosis was Stage III rectal cancer. That was 9 years ago. I have had metastasis to the lung (treated).

    About 1.5 years ago, I was diagnosed with bone mets -- multiple but including some to the spine. I had no symptoms (like bone pain). I had targeted radiation for one spot (that was quite close to the spine, so making us nervous) and 'normal' (3-D) radiation to other spots. Then I had chemo -- 8 cycles of FOLFOXFIRI. I am currently on a chemo break. Oh, I have also been taking Zometa -- by drip -- not a chemo but designed to strengthen bones.

    It sounds scary but it doesn't have to be. I don't have any other mets (lung, liver). My oncologist thinks my prognosis is reasonably good.

    Please feel free to be in touch

    Best wishes

    Tara
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  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh CSN Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #4
    Tammy
    As far as I can recall, we've had 3 memembers who had mets to the spine....2 of the ladies subsequently passed away - one of them had mets to the brain as well.

    The other member (robinvan) had mets to the spine and his treatment was very extensive - surgery / radiation / chemo.

    He's back to a good point now....he does not frequent the boards too much these days, but ou can drop him a PM and see if he has any insight for you.

    Tara: I'm sorry - I could not remember if you had mets to the spine, I stand corrected. You and Rob are great examples to follow.

    -Craig
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