Pathology Report - Deciding on Chemo or No Chemo

So Worried

Hello everyone,

I am brand new here and so scared and worried about my husband who was diagnosed with colon cancer on June 25th. He had surgery, a resection on July 6th. The oncologist has strongly recommended chemo, Folfox6. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 2a. The tumor was T3, but the surgeon said it was T4 clinically. The surgeon also said the tumor was sticky, ad kind of stuck in there..whatever that means!! My husband is 50/50 on chemo. He does not talk about it too much, (he is the quiet type anyway), but today he did say this:
I do not really want to do the chemo, and if it comes back then, I will do chemo and surgery or whatever it takes, but I wonder if at that point it's curable? I said I don't know and nobody knows, each cancer case is totally different. So I guess he was wondering like if it did come back in the liver or wherever and he did surgery and chemo, if it could possibly be gone for ever....or is there absolutely no possibility and it would come back for sure? He asked me (cuz he knows I am on the internet every night, all night if I know of any cases/people who had good outcome with this sort of decision) Anyway, here is the pathology report. I thought if anyone would like to read it and give their input, that would be great. I have been reading the posts here tonight and it seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people here. And..by the way...I hope and pray you all get better QUICK. Thank you so much. Just a wife who is stresed and worried and scared. PS..I also know it's his decision and he has to live with it...just wondered if there is anyone here knowledgeable in these sorts of reports.

Diagnosis:
Right Colon
a. Adenocarcinolma, intermediate differentiation
b. 26 lymph nodes negative for tumor

Specimen: Right Colon
Other organs received : None
Procedure: Right hemcolectomy
Tumor site: cecum
Tumor size: 1.5 cm
Macroscopic tumor perforation: Present
Histologic type: Adenocarcinoma
Histologic grade: Low Grade (G2)
Microscopic tumor extension: Tumor penetrates to pericolonic adipose

Margins:
Proximal: Univolved
Distal: Uninvolved
Mesenteric: (radial for rectal cancers) Uninvolved
Treatment effect: No prior treatment
Lymph-vascular invastion: Absent
Perineural invasion: Not identified
Tumor deposits (discontinuous extramural extension): absent

Histologic Features Suggestive of Microsatellite Instability: None
GROSS DESCRIPTION:
The specimen in formalin in a container labeled with the patient’s name and portion right colon. The specimen consists of a 15 cm length of colon which has been opened longitudinally. 3 cm from one margin there is a retracted, somewhat crateriform lesion measuring 1.5 cm in greatest dimension. The remainder of the bowel mucosa appears unremarkable. The pericolonic fat is stripped. In the region subjacent to the craterform lesion there is retraction and degeneration of the serosal tissues with an area of gross perforation. The pericolonic fat is stripped and submitted for lymph node clearing. While doing this, three tan structures suspicious for lymph nodes are identified, averaging 0.5 cm. The crateriform lesion is seen to encircle the entire circumference of the bowel with thickening of the wall and muscular hypertrophy. Sections of adjacent margin are submitted in 1a, the opposite margin in 1b. Section of tumor with area of perforation is submitted in 1c with additional sections of tumor in 1d and 1e. Sections of grossly identified lymph nodes are submitted in 1f. Representative sections of the otherwise unremarkable colonic mucosa inn 1g. RS IN 1A through 1G with additional tissues for lymph node clearing.
(it then went on to tell which lymph nodes were submitted in which containers/labels)
Then this:
MICROSCOBIC DESCRIPTION:
The tumor is of glandular origin with features of intermediate differentiation and invades the colonic wall with involvement of the innermost serosal fat. All lymph nodes are negative for metastatic tumor. The proximal and distal margins are uninvolved.

Lovekitties

Welcome
So sorry that you needed to find us, but you have found a good place to be and to ask questions. You are right, many are very knowledgeable about this disease as they are survivors or caregivers of survivors.

I read the report, but am by no means knowledgeable about the details. What did strike me as good is the fact that the margins appear clear and that he has no lymph node involvement or metasticis to other organs.

To do or not to do chemo is definately a personal choice to be discussed with his onc. What they appear to be recommending is what some here call "mop up chemo", just in case there are some stray cells.

You indicate your husband is 50/50 on the subject. Perhaps a discussion with the onc. about his concerns and gets full details from the onc. on recommended treatment plan (side effects and all) it will help him make up his mind.

Unfortunately there are no guarantees with treatments. It might be that without chemo he could never have a recurrance but there is also the possibility that even with chemo he will have a recurrance. No one can be absolutely sure which way things will go. Since that is the case, it is my opinion, that you and hubby need to get as much info as you can from onc and then weigh it against your hubby's concerns.

As you said, the final decision is your hubby's. Just remember that neither of you should second guess an informed decision made now if unforeseen things happen in the future.

Best of luck to you both. I know you are worried and scared. Life changes for patient and loved ones in an instant when you are diagnosed with cancer. Just remember, there are folks here who will gladly try to help you and hubby along the way.

Hugs,

Marie who loves kitties

steved

Interpretation
Reading the report there are many positive aspects- the clear margins and negative nodes being the most important as they got all the visible cancer and the edges of the extra bowel they took are clean. The most concerning part is the fact the cancer had grown through the wall of teh bowel into the layer of fat that sits around the bowel. The description of it being stuck/ sticky is the surgeon saying it was hard to cut away and the surrounding tissues were inflammed due to the cancer. In that situation there is more concern that single cells cn be left behind that could lead to recurrence.

The risk of recurrence is less than 50% but it is still significant and chemo does reduce that risk. It aims to kill off any residual cells before they develop into a visible and problematic cancer. If it recurs then the prognosis is significantly worse and if it spread on its recurrence the prognosis is generally poor (though even stage 4 cancer can be cured but the likelihood is low).

Having chemo now is an investment in reducing future risks. It is however also a serious commitment and not a walk in the park so it is a decision not to be taken lightly. However, thethings you do now are the things that will most help your future- trying to deal with a recurrence is much harder than dealing with chemo now (believe me as I am dealing with a recurrence and it sucks!)

If you wan tadvise on waht chemo is like do ask- or he can PM one of us. Try to get a sense of what his worries are about chemo as everyone here has been through some chemo and there is lots of advise around. ultimately though it is his decision and it is the right one no matter what he decides.

Steve

John23

So Worried -

You have a right to be worried. Stage one or two isn't any
better than stage four.

The biggest problem with all "remedies", is the simple fact that
none address single cancer cells. While our immune system is
best for taking care of individual cells, there simply hasn't been
much research to help our immune system do it's job better.

Chemical therapy (chemo) was designed to take down tumors,
not individual cells, and it does a very poor job (if any at all), at
targeting individual cancer cells. That is why the success rate
for chemical therapy and radiation is as poor as it is. Many top
oncologists are speaking out against the industry's lack of
progress with cancer, and rightfully so! The statistics haven't
changed appreciably in many, many years.

Surgery has come a long way, and there are other options
such as radio ablation, freezing tumors, etc, but all still have
their limitations.

Your husband should have the last say, and both he and you
should not allow fear of cancer or dying lead you into any
direction. He should allow his instincts for self-survival to
lead his way, and you can help him by doing as much research
as you can, to help provide the answers he might be looking for.

There are also "alternatives" to look into, and many here have
used them with great success, so don't allow yourself (or him)
to be persuaded that there is only one way to fight cancer!

You can click on other user's names and read their "profile page"
to see what they've gone through. It can be of benefit, since you
can get a better idea of how things really are, rather than someone
giving you a second-hand opinion.

The question of: "to chemo, or not to chemo" isn't asked as much
as it should be. Ask the oncologist and read about the "side effects"
of the toxic chemicals used, then weigh it against the benefits that
may or may not be had. Pumping toxic chemicals into one's body,
or being bombarded with radiation, should not be taken as lightly as it is.

There are choices to be made, so take the time to study each one,
and do not rush into anything.

He'll do fine, but he has to be happy with his decisions.

Best hopes for great health,

John

SharonVegas

Just throwing this out
Just throwing this out there. I had a rectal polyp removed about 14 years ago. I thought it was a hemroid. The doc sent it to the lab and it came back with something like a trace of cancer - I can't remember all the details. Anyway, the surgeon removed more of the area (safe margin) and I met with an onc who said she wouldn't recommend doing anything more. I was happy with that. Last year I was dx stage 4 colon cancer. I've had colonoscopies and many scans. No evidence of disease in my colon but somehow I have stage 4 colon cancer. Maybe your husband can get a CEA blood test and a circulating tumor cell blood test. That might help him make his decision. My case 14 years ago is nothing compared to your husbands now. I would not have opted for chemo back then because my docs didn't seem too concerned. I wish you and your husband the best on your journey.

So Worried

SharonVegas said:

Just throwing this out
Just throwing this out there. I had a rectal polyp removed about 14 years ago. I thought it was a hemroid. The doc sent it to the lab and it came back with something like a trace of cancer - I can't remember all the details. Anyway, the surgeon removed more of the area (safe margin) and I met with an onc who said she wouldn't recommend doing anything more. I was happy with that. Last year I was dx stage 4 colon cancer. I've had colonoscopies and many scans. No evidence of disease in my colon but somehow I have stage 4 colon cancer. Maybe your husband can get a CEA blood test and a circulating tumor cell blood test. That might help him make his decision. My case 14 years ago is nothing compared to your husbands now. I would not have opted for chemo back then because my docs didn't seem too concerned. I wish you and your husband the best on your journey.

Dear Sharon,
I am so sorry about your returning cancer to your colon. Boy, that is so disgusting. You had a long time in between, a person would think they were all through. Boy, I can tell you I hate cancer more and more everyday!!! I just feel like screaming...I am so sorry!

abackhou

Go for it
If it was me, what I know now I would probably go all out for the chemo treatment if my oncologist recommended it.

Best Wishes….Andrew

steved

Opinion
Some great coments above and all very valid. One huge strengtho f this board is the diversity of approaches and experiences and in general tehre is a lot of respect for people making the decisions that are right for them.

The only thing I would personally disagree above is JOhn's comment that stage 4 is not worse than stage 1 or 2. I understand his point that now you are trying to deal with any 'micrometastases' (tiny bits of tumour left behind that have the potential to grow into problematic tumours) the evidence around chemo and radiotherapy is a bit mixed but according to all the stats (which have some value but aren't perfect) stage 2 does on average have a better outcome than stage 4- more people will live for 5 years without a recurrence and more people will never have a recurrence from stage 2 than stage 4. They are different beast (says some one who has been stage 2, 3 and 4!) John may disagree but it is important you hear the range of views here.

Ulitmately it remains your husband decision and as I said- what ever he decides is the right thing.

steve

Maxiecat

Personally I would give the
Personally I would give the chemo a try. I am a IIIb with signet ring adenocarcinoma...my cancer is rare and very agressive. From what i understand your husband's cancer is not as agressive...but still something that needs to be dealt with. The long list of potential side effects can be overwhelming...but many of them are manageable. I am on FOLFOX ... 12 treatments... my first infusion was harder than my second. From my first treatment i experienced fatiguev(slept for several days), diarrea, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and a little vomitting. The oncology nurses helped me manage my symptoms... they advised me to get rest when i feel tired, i took immodium for the diarrea, and they prescribed magic mouthwash that cleared up the mouth issues which brought back my appetite. My second infusion was much easier...i just had a little diarrea and the mouth sores...both of which cleared up quickly. I go in for my 3rd infusion next Tuesday...i can do this. My attitude is that i need to fight this as aggressively as possible. I am going to have to also consult a specialist for my cancer for further treatment...we are talkijg about possibly a cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC...both very aggressive treatments. I will do whatever i have to to fight this...i am only 45 and i have 2 young children that i need to see grow up...my husband is very supportive of ky decision to go through the chemo and to seek the treatment of the specialist. I wish you both well in whatever you decide...just try to let him know that he can do this if he decides to go the route of chemo...many of us here have done it.

Alex

John23

Maxiecat said:

Personally I would give the
Personally I would give the chemo a try. I am a IIIb with signet ring adenocarcinoma...my cancer is rare and very agressive. From what i understand your husband's cancer is not as agressive...but still something that needs to be dealt with. The long list of potential side effects can be overwhelming...but many of them are manageable. I am on FOLFOX ... 12 treatments... my first infusion was harder than my second. From my first treatment i experienced fatiguev(slept for several days), diarrea, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and a little vomitting. The oncology nurses helped me manage my symptoms... they advised me to get rest when i feel tired, i took immodium for the diarrea, and they prescribed magic mouthwash that cleared up the mouth issues which brought back my appetite. My second infusion was much easier...i just had a little diarrea and the mouth sores...both of which cleared up quickly. I go in for my 3rd infusion next Tuesday...i can do this. My attitude is that i need to fight this as aggressively as possible. I am going to have to also consult a specialist for my cancer for further treatment...we are talkijg about possibly a cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC...both very aggressive treatments. I will do whatever i have to to fight this...i am only 45 and i have 2 young children that i need to see grow up...my husband is very supportive of ky decision to go through the chemo and to seek the treatment of the specialist. I wish you both well in whatever you decide...just try to let him know that he can do this if he decides to go the route of chemo...many of us here have done it.

Alex

To: "So Worried"
Just to clarify what I said above.....

Your husband (and you) should take the time to explore -all-
options, including the types of chemo, radiation and surgery
possible, and not simply accept one Oncologist's or surgeon's
opinion! You should get other opinions from qualified colorectal
surgeons and oncologists that are not of the same group or
association as your present ones.

There have been a lot of new developments with surgical techniques
and procedures, where a tumor can now be removed or shrunk
using other than the older chemical or radiation procedures.

Those options are well well worth exploring!

So far (in "real life"), I have lost more friends to stage one and two
cancer, than stage three or four. My brother-in-law passed on
the 14th after stage one pancreatic cancer. He had been diagnosed
less than a year ago.

The high incidence may be due to the lack of ability to isolate single
cancer cells, allowing them to go undetected since they were not
noticed after the original diagnosis. Let's face it, having stage one
or two manages to afford a sense of complacency; a feeling that
nothing is there to worry about, where stages three and four give
almost continual concern and we always seem to be looking for that
"other shoe" to drop.

You have reason to worry, but not to panic. There are some very good
options available, both western medicine variety and alternatives. And,
there is no need to choose one or the other of modalities; many here
use both or all. Anything that may give us a better chance, is worth
looking into; we should leave no rock unturned!

Get other opinions from both oncologists and colorectal surgeons,
and explore everything in detail. You both have the time to do that,
so don't wait until you might not!

There are no forms of cancer that should be taken lightly; there is
no "stage" that offers more advantage than the other. Staging only
sets the accepted direction of care, and it isn't always correct.

Be well, I'm counting on you!

John

peterz54

definitely do chemo
stage 2a five year survival is not bad, greater than 60% I believe. but your husband could greatly reduce that if he doesn't do chemo.

see NCCN guidelines
section 7 in particular and page 49 on therapy for T3 & T4. chemo is recommended for T4
The NCCN guide is based on the informed concensus of many professional oncologists, so it gives you something to compare your doctor's advice to and will educate you on standard practice.


NCCN guide

also, make lifestyle changes....studies indicate that people who shift to more of a plant based diet and moderate exercise have much better survival rates...

he can beat this

John23

peterz54 said:

definitely do chemo
stage 2a five year survival is not bad, greater than 60% I believe. but your husband could greatly reduce that if he doesn't do chemo.

see NCCN guidelines
section 7 in particular and page 49 on therapy for T3 & T4. chemo is recommended for T4
The NCCN guide is based on the informed concensus of many professional oncologists, so it gives you something to compare your doctor's advice to and will educate you on standard practice.


NCCN guide

also, make lifestyle changes....studies indicate that people who shift to more of a plant based diet and moderate exercise have much better survival rates...

he can beat this

Excuse me?

Re:

"definitely do chemo"

Seriously, how about: "definitely do research before you do anything" ?

Worthwhile reading, even if only for the quotes of physicians:
On Conventional Cancer Treatment

Better health takes time and work, but you don't kill cancer by killing 1/2 your body.

And you're right! He could beat this!

John

PhillieG

That Is The Question...
I met a woman the other night who is 78 and was recently diagnosed with Stage II Colon Cancer. There are very big differences as far as the Stages of Colon Cancer go (like with most cancers) and the effectiveness of treatments vary from person to person, case to case. Her current Oncologist explained that her information showed that 28% of the study group of patients with Stage II who did nothing other than surgery had no recurrence while 24% of those at the same Stage who did the chemo (she wasn't sure which chemo was suggested) had no recurrence. These are just numbers and we are people, not numbers, but there didn't seem to be much of a difference.

Her concern, and would be mine too, was quality of life issues.
She is going to get a second opinion.
I also suggested into looking at dietary changes.

She had her staples taken out the day before and it was only two weeks since they removed a foot of her colon. Prior to her dx she had no health issues. She wasn't on meds for anything. I was truely amazed at how great she looked.

So we're all different and have to make our own decisions based on the info that we have.
I'm sure he'll make what is the right decision for him...
-phil
One thing I've found to be the MOST important factor in how a person does is to have a good, competent medical team. Mistakes are not a good thing

PhillieG

John23 said:

So Worried -

You have a right to be worried. Stage one or two isn't any
better than stage four.

The biggest problem with all "remedies", is the simple fact that
none address single cancer cells. While our immune system is
best for taking care of individual cells, there simply hasn't been
much research to help our immune system do it's job better.

Chemical therapy (chemo) was designed to take down tumors,
not individual cells, and it does a very poor job (if any at all), at
targeting individual cancer cells. That is why the success rate
for chemical therapy and radiation is as poor as it is. Many top
oncologists are speaking out against the industry's lack of
progress with cancer, and rightfully so! The statistics haven't
changed appreciably in many, many years.

Surgery has come a long way, and there are other options
such as radio ablation, freezing tumors, etc, but all still have
their limitations.

Your husband should have the last say, and both he and you
should not allow fear of cancer or dying lead you into any
direction. He should allow his instincts for self-survival to
lead his way, and you can help him by doing as much research
as you can, to help provide the answers he might be looking for.

There are also "alternatives" to look into, and many here have
used them with great success, so don't allow yourself (or him)
to be persuaded that there is only one way to fight cancer!

You can click on other user's names and read their "profile page"
to see what they've gone through. It can be of benefit, since you
can get a better idea of how things really are, rather than someone
giving you a second-hand opinion.

The question of: "to chemo, or not to chemo" isn't asked as much
as it should be. Ask the oncologist and read about the "side effects"
of the toxic chemicals used, then weigh it against the benefits that
may or may not be had. Pumping toxic chemicals into one's body,
or being bombarded with radiation, should not be taken as lightly as it is.

There are choices to be made, so take the time to study each one,
and do not rush into anything.

He'll do fine, but he has to be happy with his decisions.

Best hopes for great health,

John

"Stage one or two isn't any better than stage four."

speechless...

PhillieG

John23 said:

Excuse me?

Re:

"definitely do chemo"

Seriously, how about: "definitely do research before you do anything" ?

Worthwhile reading, even if only for the quotes of physicians:
On Conventional Cancer Treatment

Better health takes time and work, but you don't kill cancer by killing 1/2 your body.

And you're right! He could beat this!

John

"also, make lifestyle changes....studies indicate that people who shift to more of a plant based diet and moderate exercise have much better survival rates...
~JFC

So Worried

PhillieG said:

That Is The Question...
I met a woman the other night who is 78 and was recently diagnosed with Stage II Colon Cancer. There are very big differences as far as the Stages of Colon Cancer go (like with most cancers) and the effectiveness of treatments vary from person to person, case to case. Her current Oncologist explained that her information showed that 28% of the study group of patients with Stage II who did nothing other than surgery had no recurrence while 24% of those at the same Stage who did the chemo (she wasn't sure which chemo was suggested) had no recurrence. These are just numbers and we are people, not numbers, but there didn't seem to be much of a difference.

Her concern, and would be mine too, was quality of life issues.
She is going to get a second opinion.
I also suggested into looking at dietary changes.

She had her staples taken out the day before and it was only two weeks since they removed a foot of her colon. Prior to her dx she had no health issues. She wasn't on meds for anything. I was truely amazed at how great she looked.

So we're all different and have to make our own decisions based on the info that we have.
I'm sure he'll make what is the right decision for him...
-phil
One thing I've found to be the MOST important factor in how a person does is to have a good, competent medical team. Mistakes are not a good thing

Thank you.
I would love to thank everyone so much for their input.
I did notice the one post who said the cancer was stuck because it went through the wall into the tissue and that it why they are saying it was sticky. Thank you for that, as they seemed to not really want to say that much, but looking at the report, I guess it does say that. (sigh) We are getting a 2nd opinion next week, mostly because of the treatment the onc is choosing, Folfox 6, whereas I think the pill would be fine. (i am hoping anyway)

Ummm, as for one of the other posts, saying stage 2 is no better than stage 3 or 4 -
I find that statement incorrect as stage 2 includes just the spot where the tumor was found.
Stage 3 includes lymph nodes and Stage 4 includes another organ if I remember correctly.

So therefore Stage 2 is not as bad as 3 or 4 I DO know that much.

Actually they say that sometimes stage 3 and 4 could possibly have better outcomes because those people always do chemo whereas stage 2's do not always do chemo, so therefore statistics sometimes show a stage 3 could do better than a 2, because of this.

Anyway, thank you again so much everyone. I just like to get everyones opinion because you are all so educated in all of this. I wish every single one of you super recoveries and I am praying for you all.

PhillieG

So Worried said:

Thank you.
I would love to thank everyone so much for their input.
I did notice the one post who said the cancer was stuck because it went through the wall into the tissue and that it why they are saying it was sticky. Thank you for that, as they seemed to not really want to say that much, but looking at the report, I guess it does say that. (sigh) We are getting a 2nd opinion next week, mostly because of the treatment the onc is choosing, Folfox 6, whereas I think the pill would be fine. (i am hoping anyway)

Ummm, as for one of the other posts, saying stage 2 is no better than stage 3 or 4 -
I find that statement incorrect as stage 2 includes just the spot where the tumor was found.
Stage 3 includes lymph nodes and Stage 4 includes another organ if I remember correctly.

So therefore Stage 2 is not as bad as 3 or 4 I DO know that much.

Actually they say that sometimes stage 3 and 4 could possibly have better outcomes because those people always do chemo whereas stage 2's do not always do chemo, so therefore statistics sometimes show a stage 3 could do better than a 2, because of this.

Anyway, thank you again so much everyone. I just like to get everyones opinion because you are all so educated in all of this. I wish every single one of you super recoveries and I am praying for you all.

Stage V is Worse!
Since there is no Stage V. That may be the ONLY thing agreed upon but I wouldn't even bet on that! One thing you'll find plenty of on here are plenty of opinions. Not always plenty of facts, but always many opinions. At least that's my opinion (and THAT'S a fact!)
In a way, it's like asking people what their favorite movie is or favorite food is (not to start a food fight). People prefer things based on many factors. Sometimes we may think we won't like a certain movie but we watch it and it was quite good. I think it's important to keep an open mind with this and in general. Especially cancer since while much is known and they're learning more each day, even more is not known. Nothing works all the time.
Unless of course one gets to Stage V...
My best to your husband and to you.
-phil

peterz54

John23 said:

Excuse me?

Re:

"definitely do chemo"

Seriously, how about: "definitely do research before you do anything" ?

Worthwhile reading, even if only for the quotes of physicians:
On Conventional Cancer Treatment

Better health takes time and work, but you don't kill cancer by killing 1/2 your body.

And you're right! He could beat this!

John

what?
it's no secret conventional treatment is lacking, but can you conjur up research to override the NCCN guidelines for Stage II T4, which by the way, is based on research and consensus opinion? not your opinion , or mine, on one oncologists, but many researchers and many oncologists. Doing one's homework has always been my advice.

I am also an advocate for doing other things, but only those things for which there exists some level of evidence. choices should be informed. we don't have time to run down rabbit holes willy nilly just because 15 people offer up 15 different unsupported opinions.

jomar

John23 said:

So Worried -

You have a right to be worried. Stage one or two isn't any
better than stage four.

The biggest problem with all "remedies", is the simple fact that
none address single cancer cells. While our immune system is
best for taking care of individual cells, there simply hasn't been
much research to help our immune system do it's job better.

Chemical therapy (chemo) was designed to take down tumors,
not individual cells, and it does a very poor job (if any at all), at
targeting individual cancer cells. That is why the success rate
for chemical therapy and radiation is as poor as it is. Many top
oncologists are speaking out against the industry's lack of
progress with cancer, and rightfully so! The statistics haven't
changed appreciably in many, many years.

Surgery has come a long way, and there are other options
such as radio ablation, freezing tumors, etc, but all still have
their limitations.

Your husband should have the last say, and both he and you
should not allow fear of cancer or dying lead you into any
direction. He should allow his instincts for self-survival to
lead his way, and you can help him by doing as much research
as you can, to help provide the answers he might be looking for.

There are also "alternatives" to look into, and many here have
used them with great success, so don't allow yourself (or him)
to be persuaded that there is only one way to fight cancer!

You can click on other user's names and read their "profile page"
to see what they've gone through. It can be of benefit, since you
can get a better idea of how things really are, rather than someone
giving you a second-hand opinion.

The question of: "to chemo, or not to chemo" isn't asked as much
as it should be. Ask the oncologist and read about the "side effects"
of the toxic chemicals used, then weigh it against the benefits that
may or may not be had. Pumping toxic chemicals into one's body,
or being bombarded with radiation, should not be taken as lightly as it is.

There are choices to be made, so take the time to study each one,
and do not rush into anything.

He'll do fine, but he has to be happy with his decisions.

Best hopes for great health,

John

I appreciate your input
I'm not sure about statistics. Seeing how most people take their doctors advice, how then can we get true statistics. No one asked me if I wanted to be in a group of those who had surgery and those that didn't. I also believe people should have a lot more counceling before makeing these tough decisions...jomar

John23

So Worried said:

Thank you.
I would love to thank everyone so much for their input.
I did notice the one post who said the cancer was stuck because it went through the wall into the tissue and that it why they are saying it was sticky. Thank you for that, as they seemed to not really want to say that much, but looking at the report, I guess it does say that. (sigh) We are getting a 2nd opinion next week, mostly because of the treatment the onc is choosing, Folfox 6, whereas I think the pill would be fine. (i am hoping anyway)

Ummm, as for one of the other posts, saying stage 2 is no better than stage 3 or 4 -
I find that statement incorrect as stage 2 includes just the spot where the tumor was found.
Stage 3 includes lymph nodes and Stage 4 includes another organ if I remember correctly.

So therefore Stage 2 is not as bad as 3 or 4 I DO know that much.

Actually they say that sometimes stage 3 and 4 could possibly have better outcomes because those people always do chemo whereas stage 2's do not always do chemo, so therefore statistics sometimes show a stage 3 could do better than a 2, because of this.

Anyway, thank you again so much everyone. I just like to get everyones opinion because you are all so educated in all of this. I wish every single one of you super recoveries and I am praying for you all.

So Worried -

Please..... Be aware that a stage does not change. A "stage one"
cancer victim can die from metastasis and remain a "stage one".
A "stage four" means only that they clearly see that the cancer
had already spread.

Please do not become complacent thinking that "stage one"
offers a better outcome than one diagnosed as a stage four.
It simply does not work that way, and too, too many here
have realized that too, too late.

If an "alternative" is chosen, do that "alternative" first. An
"alternative" will not destroy the immune system or make the
body too weak to fight for itself, but a harsh, toxic chemical,
or radiation will. Once the body is made too weak, it might be
too late to expect much from any "alternative".

Take your time and explore all the options available, both
mainstream western medicine and the alternatives.

The choice is your husband's and your's. Do not rush!

My very best to you both,

John

Lifeisajourney

John23 said:

So Worried -

Please..... Be aware that a stage does not change. A "stage one"
cancer victim can die from metastasis and remain a "stage one".
A "stage four" means only that they clearly see that the cancer
had already spread.

Please do not become complacent thinking that "stage one"
offers a better outcome than one diagnosed as a stage four.
It simply does not work that way, and too, too many here
have realized that too, too late.

If an "alternative" is chosen, do that "alternative" first. An
"alternative" will not destroy the immune system or make the
body too weak to fight for itself, but a harsh, toxic chemical,
or radiation will. Once the body is made too weak, it might be
too late to expect much from any "alternative".

Take your time and explore all the options available, both
mainstream western medicine and the alternatives.

The choice is your husband's and your's. Do not rush!

My very best to you both,

John

I am anti chemo, my choice
dtx 12/12/08-folfox 7x till 5/09...very healthy for my age. Chemo left me semi invalid, but went on with life till 3/11..when I got mets to liver. Onc said no chemo because it would weaken me too much for surgery. Tried liver resection 6/1/11 at a ncs hospital, liver was not viable for resection. I told onc no chemo, I was told about 6mos/year.....I am able so far to medicate issues that come, that I would not be able to do on chemo. MY choice, do not advocate this decision for anyone....too personal a decision. August 1 I have survived 14 mos without chemo.I know I will not beat this, but quality is important to me.
I wish they had a list of everyone listing diagnosis date and death date, it is the only way we can judge. I did not know Idlehunter,but watched her journey, she was a great roll model for us all.....but I thought she had been here for years......but I just found out she started her journey in 2009....I was 2008....I was stage 111 with 3 nodes out of 30...no obvious mets. I do not have any answers, but not everyone hits the averages I hear about....if I took chemo would I be here or would I gone....sick, I Only know I would not be better, cause chemo got me three years ago... Luck to all with your decisions.. PAT