Stage llb diagnosis - Not sure about Xaloda

  Next time you see the oncologist ask them what would they do if it were them.  I bet they'll say take the Xeloda or what ever it is they're recommending.  Don't let a low CEA score or not feeling bad fool you.  My CEA was only a 1.3 and that was after being first diagnosed.  The only reason I ended up being diagnosed was because I was passing blood and got a colonoscopy.   If it weren't for that I'd be screwed by the time it did make its move.  

darcher said:

Ask one question.

  Next time you see the oncologist ask them what would they do if it were them.  I bet they'll say take the Xeloda or what ever it is they're recommending.  Don't let a low CEA score or not feeling bad fool you.  My CEA was only a 1.3 and that was after being first diagnosed.  The only reason I ended up being diagnosed was because I was passing blood and got a colonoscopy.   If it weren't for that I'd be screwed by the time it did make its move.  

please tell me if your cea was 1.3 

where was the tumor and what was extent ? Ct abdomen and PET report? Localized disease??

Worriedchild said:

Stage 2 CA colon

greetings everyone

iam worried child of a father diagnosed with Stage 2 Adenocarcinoma of transverse colon he had obstructive symptoms

he was operated in emergency all his Lymphnodes are Negative liver clear cea 3.95 but my concern is does he need PEt scan because we couldnt get it done before surgery any body with same situation please help

First off I'm sorry to hear of your father.  Stage 2 can be very treatable especially if they find no spreading.  He should definitely have a CT scan done as this will tell if it has spread.  PET scans are hard to approve through the insurance companies as they are very expensive and the insurance companies don't want to pay for it.  CT scans are more easily obtained and can show a great deal in spreading.  Make sure someone goes with him to the Oncologists' appointment and ask for a CT scan.  Also, you should start a new post about your dad.  That way people can respond only to your questions.  Wishing your father much luck. 

Kim

Hoot said:

New here.  But I was

New here.  But I was diagnosised with rectal cancer on April 4th.  Had chemo (Xeloda) and radiation first.  Had to stop Xeloda early because it was making me sick and I couldn't finish my radiation.  However I did finish and had surgery on 9/11.  Now I am going through chemo again bc 2 of my lymph nodes were affected.  One the cells were dead and the other there was a very small amount.  So he started me on xeloda and oxiplat.  Now he has taken me off the Xeloda and wants to put me on the chemo pump bc my body is not tolerating the Xeloda.  My WBC is very low.  Has anybody had the pump and how does it work and what are the side effects.  Scared!

I am on the pump. My tumor was in my sigmoid colon. Which was removed with the tumor, and now I am on oxiplatin, leucoverin, and 5fu to shrink the lesions only liver so my surgeon can remove them, and to kill any tiny hidden cancer cells that might come back as cancer. I  don't love the pump, but it is tolerable.  In fact,  the hardest part for me is how as sad my youngest cat is when I come home with it every other Monday. Mishaps have been walking past a door and the tubes getti ng caught, forgetting it until it hits the floor,  and not realizing my middle cat had opened the Velcro window trying to find where the sound was coming from. It makes the same sound as the iv in hospital does. That did make it hard for me to fall asleep, so I leave the tv on. The nurse gives you a little demo of what to do if it beeps, like if the tube is twisted or what have you. I go back to the hospital  on Wed 30 minutes before it finishes, and the nurse takes it out. Somehow, my subconscious makes my body be more still when I sleep with it. That was a huge fear for me. The strap is adjustable. I mostly carry on my shoulder, but if doing something like cooking, I wear it crossbody. That is a little uncomfortable for me with my chemo port but fine enough. I think the the oxiplatin is the cold side effect, so I guess the 5fu is the numbness. I really am not sure. But my lips get a little numb, and the area on my surgery scar is numb. I have only had 3 so far. I can say, I really don't like it, but for me it is what it is. On the first night, I remind myself it is only two nights. On the second night, I think, tomorrow I get to return it. The side effect that affects me the most is the tiredness and fatigue but I have no idea if that is the oxiplatin or the 5fu. The tubes are sturdier than those that are used on the iv the hospital has. But yes, the fear of it spilling somehow is always in the back of my mind. Especially with 3 cats who would be curious and hard to move away from the poison. They give a little wipe up cloth, just in case. You can stop the pump if somethi my happens, and there are the clamps. Any other questions I can tell with? Honestly, it sucks, and my attitude is really just that in the grand scheme, 6 months is a blip and this is something I have to do to be cured so it is what it is. But my case is different from yours in that mine spread to my liver, and I don't have a choice. 

Annabelle41415 said:

Sorry to hear of Father

First off I'm sorry to hear of your father.  Stage 2 can be very treatable especially if they find no spreading.  He should definitely have a CT scan done as this will tell if it has spread.  PET scans are hard to approve through the insurance companies as they are very expensive and the insurance companies don't want to pay for it.  CT scans are more easily obtained and can show a great deal in spreading.  Make sure someone goes with him to the Oncologists' appointment and ask for a CT scan.  Also, you should start a new post about your dad.  That way people can respond only to your questions.  Wishing your father much luck. 

Kim

We had his ct abdomen pelvis it was clean anybody with same situation can you guide me did you opt for chemo or not  doc is leaving this decision upto us

A lot of people call this "mop up chemo" after a lower stage, especially if there was surgery involved.  If they remove the tumor and get clean margins there is no guarantee that during surgery there wasn't some microscopic cells that got loose so they want to do a "mop up" to rid those cells before they can spread elsewhere with chemo.  Just remember if you are given the option and it comes back, you can't second guess and say "what if".  You have to make sure the decision you can live with.  It's hard, but there can't be any regrets either way.

Kim

Annabelle41415 said:

Mop Up Chemo

A lot of people call this "mop up chemo" after a lower stage, especially if there was surgery involved.  If they remove the tumor and get clean margins there is no guarantee that during surgery there wasn't some microscopic cells that got loose so they want to do a "mop up" to rid those cells before they can spread elsewhere with chemo.  Just remember if you are given the option and it comes back, you can't second guess and say "what if".  You have to make sure the decision you can live with.  It's hard, but there can't be any regrets either way.

Kim

thankyou my dear i would need some more info would like to share your stage, chemo drugs and CEA level what was CT scan report i shall be grateful

keefer said:

Coffee and Tea Restrictions on Xeloda

My 2a brother is taking xeloda and doing radiaxn for colorectal ca.... Said his dr told him NO coffee or tea WITH MEALS (interefers with iron absorption????) although he's allowed to drink both (as desired) between meals. Is this "solid," or is this yet another reason to not completely trust this onco?

Thanks!

kEEfEr

I don't recall this restriction but my chemoteach was back in July. I'm taking Xeloda right now and sometimes I take it with a cup of tea if it's a drink that I have handy. I sometimes drink coffee or tea with meal - again if there happens to be a drink handy. So I'm curious about this recommendation as well.

Just to offer another opinion. I was 11b 8 years ago and chose no chemo. I had some risk factors...7.5 CEA at diagnosis, obstructed. Although my CEA hovers between 3-5, I have not had a recurrence though have continued to be followed closely. In fact, will have a CT tomorrow. I have had a lacunar stroke in that time but no cancer. Again, there is no right or wrong but you need to be able to live with the decision and have an oncologist comfortable with that route. If my onc had disagreed, I would have listened. My situation was presented to the tumor board at the major teaching hospital where I was treated and there were differing opinions. A difficult decison for sure. Best wishes for peace in whatever you decide.

CM

Worriedchild said:

My Father Stage 2 Colon CA

We had his ct abdomen pelvis it was clean anybody with same situation can you guide me did you opt for chemo or not  doc is leaving this decision upto us

When you are presented with an option to "take or not" you have to be very careful in the decision and if you choose not to and the disease come's back you have to be comfortable with the decision you made not to take it. If however you choose to take the treatment you also have to be aware of the side effects but also know that this is a "mop up" chemo which can catch any lingering cells that could possibly spread to other areas of the body.   Just remember, it's a decision you can live with or possibly regret.  It's hard that's for sure.  Good luck and best of luck to your dad.

Kim