Stage II, chemo; yes or no?

I pray that they caught your cancer early and maybe surgery will be good enough . Worst case is probably some chemo treatments. Keep us posted. Jeff

Diagnosed in December, 2012.  Right hemi-colectomy to remove large tumor, which oncologist said pathology put him at high risk.  He was 59, turned 60 during treatment.  Onc. said chemo for his age and type of tumor would give him about 8% improvement on the chances of reoccurence.  My husband didn't think that was a lot, but in the cancer world, we have found out it is a lot.  He decided, rather reluctantly, to do chemo, 12 rounds of Folfox.  He does not work so that was not an issue for him, but if he had to, I think he would have been able to work at least part time.  He hated going anywhere with the pump on.  He had extreme constipation from day 1 of chemo.  Drugs were adjusted, but after 5 treatments he ended up back in the hospital when they decided to stop the oxaliplatin portion of the treatments.  7 sessions of 5FU and Leucovorin, which he tolerated much better.  Also kept ahead of constipation. All doctors we spoke to (our gp, cardiologist, doc who did colonoscopy, surgeon) said "You need the chemo" so he put his faith in their hands.  Our oncologist said more than once "You're 59, not 89 so I highly recommend it"  And if you're only 37, I would think most doctors you come in contact with will recommend chemo also.  He also wanted to feel he had done everything he could right now to avoid cancer in the future, but you never know so you never can be sure.  I think you will need to feel out your oncology appt. this week.  If you don't feel comfortable, get a second opinion. We felt comfortable with our onc. right from the start.  We have since found out all cancer centers in our area treat his type of cancer pretty much the same.

He is getting his first scan right now and his follow up with oncologist is Thursday.  If the scan shows anything, I know my husband will be so disappointed, but we're hoping for the best. 

Hopefully your oncologist will give you the stats for people your age, they will probably suggest a week or so for you to make up your mind.  Discuss it with your loved ones, they will be part of your treatment plan also.  Best wishes, there's a lot to digest at first.  If you do decide on IV chemo, I would strongly suggest the power or medi port - it makes treatments much easier.

Linda

ajouteast said:

I am stage II also and did chemo

I was diagnosed in January of this year.  I am 46.  Had surgery to remove the "mass" at the end of January.  In March I started chemo (Folfox).  My oncologist left the decision up to me.  But he said he was seeing "good results" with people who had had the chemo at stage II level.  When asked if I was his daughter what would he recommend, he said he would definitely have her do the chemo.  The thought was to do everything possible to increase your odds.  So I did it.  I have one treatment left.  It's been a long road, but I think it was worth it... for me anyway.  I have been able to work through the whole chemo treatment.  (They stopped the oxi portion of treatment at round number 4 because the neuropathy was so bad.  Other than that, no problems.)  Everyone reacts differently, but the nausea wasn't too bad.  The contipation and the diarrhea were the worst of it.  But, I learned the pattern and was able to take colace to help with the constipation.  Now looking at treatment number 12 coming up next Monday... I am very happy with my decision.  I know that I've done all that I can at this point to fight this horrible disease.  Best of luck with your decision and treatment should you choose to do it.

Welcome to the forum.  Anxiety is high in the beginning days so take a deep breath.  I, too, am stage 2 diagnosed four years ago at age 59. From everything I have read and experienced, there is no right or wrong decision. I chose no chemo.  This decision was made after a second opinion at another major medical center and a meeting with the tumor board. The best advice I can offer is to take the time to choose the best team and the best hospital for you.  It is well worth the time and the effort. 

I have no regrets about my decision even though my CEA is slowly rising.  Scans still clear.  Although my age did not influence my decision, it might have at 37....I have no way of knowing. 

Know this is a great place to come whatever decision you make. Wishing you every blessing in whatever you decide. 

Be gentle with yourself.

Cathleen Mary