Lost in a sea of pessimism

fatbob2010
fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I very seldom post a topic.  In fact this may be the second time ever.  

But this last week has been very difficult and my anxiety meter is  pegged in the red.

Options for treatment are starting to be limited more rapidly than we had thought.  Oncologist told me last visit it is not time to stop work YET.  This is a change in postition that seems ominous.

The surgeon has also become more reserved and less optimistic.

Referral and insurance delays last week ended up cancelling surgery.  This would have been another liver tumor removal.  

Now there is a need for a PET scan to identify if there is other spread which may rule out surgery as an option.  We know there is spread to at least one lung but we have never guaged lymph node involvment.

The Oncologist has already given a bleak and limited outlook for chemo.  I have chronically low platelets that, unlike Craig, do not seem to be linked to the spleen.  Leaning more to a bone marrow problem.  

Radiology bowed out as well.  Adhesion to stomach and proximity of tumor to liver was indicated.  

Contacted MDA and pursuing that avenue should surgery not be an option locally.  Not sure a referral will be easy to get either. 

There is a PET schedule for tomorrow and surgery for Thursday if the PET is clear enough.

Any thoughts or observations that may help?

Comments

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #2
    I am sorry to hear about your

    I am sorry to hear about your recent challanges. Unfrtunately I dont have any advice other than do what you suggested to go to MDA to see what they can do but lets hope nothing new shows up on the PET scan so you can get your surgery. Please keep us updated. I will pray for good results.

     

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #3
    I understand the dark feelings...

    but I think there should still be cause for hope.  In my experience, surgery is the key, so pushing for that (even if that requires getting a 2nd...or 3rd opinion), would be the way to go.  I have seen others who have reached long-term remission through piece-meal surgery, cutting out tumors wherever they might be (including nodes).

    I hope tomorrow's results are good and surgery is a go for Thursday, but if it's not, then head off to that 2nd opinion, and don't let anyone tell you no.

    Big hugs and hope coming your way~AA

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #4
    Thank you

    Thank you both for your kind responses.  At least it sounds as if we are going in the right direction by pursuing a second opinion and surgery.

    Thanks again,

    Art

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #5
    fatbob2010 said:

    Thank you

    Thank you both for your kind responses.  At least it sounds as if we are going in the right direction by pursuing a second opinion and surgery.

    Thanks again,

    Art

    Keep us posted,

    and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you for that surgery Thursday (only in cancer land would we wish for that...).

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #6
    Hoping

    Dear Art, I am hoping that the second opinion brings you better options.

    Don't forget YOU are in charge.  Gather all the info you can to make the best decisions.  Once you have details of the situation come here and ask for info too.  Many like Winter Marie have pushed the envelope on a reluctant surgeon, etc. and gotten treatment they deemed they needed.

    Wishing you better news.

    Marie who loves kitties

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #7
    You are all great

    Thanks for the assistance.  

    PET was done yesterday.

    Waiting for the Surgeons opinion of the report, there are some anomalies according to his PA but nothing that looks like it will stop the surgery.

    Our fingers are crossed as well...

    Thank you all again,

    Art

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #8
    Go see one of the best

    Go see one of the best Oncologists!     Dr Lenz at USC, Sugerbaker in MD, MD Anderson in Houston, Dr. Lowy at UCSD, Sloan Kettering in NYC, etc....

     

    Here is the real difference, they bring a more positive outlook and most will allow you to use your local Oncologist, as long as he/she is willing to accept advice. They are also more positive!

     

    Best Always,   mike 

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #9
    fatbob2010 said:

    You are all great

    Thanks for the assistance.  

    PET was done yesterday.

    Waiting for the Surgeons opinion of the report, there are some anomalies according to his PA but nothing that looks like it will stop the surgery.

    Our fingers are crossed as well...

    Thank you all again,

    Art

    Ooohhhh

    My fingers are crossed for you too!!!!! I'll be hoping like crazy for you!!!! Here's to the words your surgery is on!

    Winter Marie

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #10
    My fingers are crossed too. I

    My fingers are crossed too. I am praying for surgery

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #11
    Update

    Had surgery last week...10 hours on the table.  

    Spent about a week in the hospital before release.   

    There had been additional nodules that were removed. and pathology has since said that they were dead.  He said that he had removed the primary tumor found in the CT and confirmed by the biopsy.  It was deep inside the liver causing other problems as well, I was told by the Surgeon.

    Surgeon said that there was a lot of work done and recovery will be longer this time.

    Next step in plan is 4 month of Chemo and perhaps ablation to burn off  small spot.

    Thank you all so much for your uplifting support, wishes and strength. Laughing

    Art

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #12
    fatbob2010 said:

    Update

    Had surgery last week...10 hours on the table.  

    Spent about a week in the hospital before release.   

    There had been additional nodules that were removed. and pathology has since said that they were dead.  He said that he had removed the primary tumor found in the CT and confirmed by the biopsy.  It was deep inside the liver causing other problems as well, I was told by the Surgeon.

    Surgeon said that there was a lot of work done and recovery will be longer this time.

    Next step in plan is 4 month of Chemo and perhaps ablation to burn off  small spot.

    Thank you all so much for your uplifting support, wishes and strength. Laughing

    Art

    Art

    Hello Art, I'm from the anal cancer board, and just started reading your post.  I'm so happy to see what a great outcome you have had.  This gives everyone hope.  I wish you well. Lori

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #13
    fatbob2010 said:

    Update

    Had surgery last week...10 hours on the table.  

    Spent about a week in the hospital before release.   

    There had been additional nodules that were removed. and pathology has since said that they were dead.  He said that he had removed the primary tumor found in the CT and confirmed by the biopsy.  It was deep inside the liver causing other problems as well, I was told by the Surgeon.

    Surgeon said that there was a lot of work done and recovery will be longer this time.

    Next step in plan is 4 month of Chemo and perhaps ablation to burn off  small spot.

    Thank you all so much for your uplifting support, wishes and strength. Laughing

    Art

    We are sending our thoughts

    We are sending our thoughts and prayers for your continuued healing!  

     

    Best Always,  mike

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #14
    z said:

    Art

    Hello Art, I'm from the anal cancer board, and just started reading your post.  I'm so happy to see what a great outcome you have had.  This gives everyone hope.  I wish you well. Lori

    Hello Z

    Thank you for the kind post.  We are all still amazed here as well.

    Art

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #15
    thxmiker said:

    We are sending our thoughts

    We are sending our thoughts and prayers for your continuued healing!  

     

    Best Always,  mike

    Thanks Mike

    Your continued thoughts and uplifting are a great help.

    Art

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #16
    fatbob2010 said:

    Update

    Had surgery last week...10 hours on the table.  

    Spent about a week in the hospital before release.   

    There had been additional nodules that were removed. and pathology has since said that they were dead.  He said that he had removed the primary tumor found in the CT and confirmed by the biopsy.  It was deep inside the liver causing other problems as well, I was told by the Surgeon.

    Surgeon said that there was a lot of work done and recovery will be longer this time.

    Next step in plan is 4 month of Chemo and perhaps ablation to burn off  small spot.

    Thank you all so much for your uplifting support, wishes and strength. Laughing

    Art

    So glad to hear that you got the surgery!

    IMO, when a surgeon says a lot of work was done, that can be a very good thing.  The more they get out, the better the results, in my experience.  The surgery that really got me over the hump was huge, and it did take many weeks before I started really getting back on my feet.  But surgery can cure, so it seems well worth it.

    Sending hopes for quick healing and a few hugs just for the heck of it~AA

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #17
    annalexandria said:

    So glad to hear that you got the surgery!

    IMO, when a surgeon says a lot of work was done, that can be a very good thing.  The more they get out, the better the results, in my experience.  The surgery that really got me over the hump was huge, and it did take many weeks before I started really getting back on my feet.  But surgery can cure, so it seems well worth it.

    Sending hopes for quick healing and a few hugs just for the heck of it~AA

    Thanks AA

    I am hopeful that you are right.  Really appreciate your uplift.  As you experienced this has already proven to be a slower recovery with more discomfort and fatigue.  Thanks again, Art

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #18
    fatbob2010 said:

    Update

    Had surgery last week...10 hours on the table.  

    Spent about a week in the hospital before release.   

    There had been additional nodules that were removed. and pathology has since said that they were dead.  He said that he had removed the primary tumor found in the CT and confirmed by the biopsy.  It was deep inside the liver causing other problems as well, I was told by the Surgeon.

    Surgeon said that there was a lot of work done and recovery will be longer this time.

    Next step in plan is 4 month of Chemo and perhaps ablation to burn off  small spot.

    Thank you all so much for your uplifting support, wishes and strength. Laughing

    Art

    Art

    I'm glad you had your surgery and are on the road to recovery (albeit a slower one) and then onto chemo.

    I'm so happy you got the surgery and things are looking good!

    Winter Marie

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #19
    fatbob2010 said:

    Thanks AA

    I am hopeful that you are right.  Really appreciate your uplift.  As you experienced this has already proven to be a slower recovery with more discomfort and fatigue.  Thanks again, Art

    Art, GREAT to hear that you

    Art, GREAT to hear that you have had surgery! Sending you some light and love today! Blessings.

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