But you need to try not to worry. CEA is not a tell all. My husbands CEA had a rise recently (see I HATE NUMBERS)...Then it dropped to it's lowest level yet. There are so many things that can cause it to rise, and it's only our human nature to obsess upon that number and naturally think the worse. The truth will be told in the PET scan results and until they come back then you can't worry about the unknown. Eaiser said than done, it is a rollercoaster ride! You are in my thoughts and prayers! please come back to let us know how the results come back. 

Oh, I am so sorry! It's so hard to hear, My husband had 30 liver mets, most of which are longer visable with chemo. He started on Folfox with Avastain, but has swithched to Folfri with Erbitux. I wish he would become resectable but so far is not. He handles the chemo well, is just really tired for a few days. He has managed to continue to work and still does most of the things he did before, just tires sooner. Keep in mind though that everyone reacts to chemo differently so I feel that he is VERY lucky. He does have a rash all over from the Erbitux but it is a good thing according to the oncologist it means it's working. 

This is a tough journey and I am so sorry you are here. Know that the support you will recieve amongst the group is amazing so many inspirational stories that will give you hope. You are not alone in this you have so many here that will guide you through, pray and comfort you. 

Sorry the news is not good.  See with Stage 2 it is iffy whether "mop up" treatment should be used.  Most oncologists will recommend it to get stray cells from surgery leftovers or ones seeping into the wall of the colon.  At Stage 2 it is usually left up to the patient whether they want it or not.  It's a decision not easy to make so I'm sorry you and your dad are in this situation.  He will likely have chemo now.  I'm not sure where the original growth was but sometimes there is radiation involved too.  Wait until you talk to the doctor again and see what their plan is. Don't get too stressed out though.  CRC has come a long way and there are many treatments available that have been very successful in the last 15 years.  Wishing your dad the best.

Kim

You said that your dad is concerned about side effects and that is so understandable.  It is something that your dad needs to know that you are by his side.  The side effects can be tolerable.  There are so many medications that can help him get through the treatments.  Many people continue working through treatments so let your dad know that it is not a "bed ridden" absolute that he won't be able to handle it because most people get through it.  There can be some pitfalls, but the benefit vs. no treatment is what he has to look at.  What is the long term outcome that he wants?  Does he trust his doctor?  Will he listen to them?  Those are the questions that are important for him and he needs to make those decisions but then can't question why afterwards.  He needs to be comfortable with his own decision.  Wishing him well.

Kim

planner2 said:

Thanks Kim

... had a consult today and the doctor bluntly said he has to have chemo if wants to see the next year... off we go to get another consultation.

I survived and worked through all 12 chemo[Folfox] rounds, with a port needle in my chest and chemo ball clipped to my belt, on many days. I was more fatigued and sensitive to warm days and cold water, among other annoyances, but I got through it. I was 49 at the time, I didn't read your dad's age anywhere, but it's amazing what you can get through when you have to. When the crc showed up in my liver, they needle-biopsied it a couple times, it's a hassle, but not a lingering thing. The Cea spike is similar to what I had with my two recurrances, I went from 6-44 by the first liver resection and 4-17 with the second, so no it doesn't necessarily indicate cancer spreading rapidly at all. Tell your pop he can get through this and hang out a lot longer, he just needs to set his mind on taking it day by day, and one thing, one appointment at a time. My best to both of you........................................Dave

Hi, Hope it goes well for your dad.  You stated he was stage 2 and didnt want to do chemo.  Could you answer a few question if you know!

STage IIa, IIb, or IIc

What was his Tumor description?  T1-2, T3a-b, T3(c), T3(d) or T4a orT4b

On Pathology report:  Did it say he had Lymphovascular Invasion?, Perinerual Invasion, or Tumor budding?

IF he was Stage IIa, with a T3a-b or less, and No Lymphvascular Invasion or Perinueral Invasion or Tumor budding, then no chemo woudve been a reaonsable call.  IF however, it was a T3c-d ot certainly a T4 tumor, making its IIB, or IIC, or with any "high risk factors for future Recurrence" like Lymphovascular Invasion, PNI, or tumor budding, then chemo was needed IMO.  At least oral pill form (Capacetibine/ Xeloda).  

Either way, He will do fine with Chemo and can get through it.  If he has side effects they will reduce the dosage or change it up to what he can tolerate.  Even the oral pill form by itself at a minimum would be usefl. 

Good luck and I am curious as the answers to the questions above if you know them

planner2 said:

thanks Sammy

It was T2N0M0 with good margins.

T2N0Mo is Stage 1.  No one really does chemo at that stage.  Would not have expected Mets to other organs with a T2N0MO.  The tumor was contained within the bowell wall.  Something else was going on at time of DX that was missed I bet.  Without your dads medical history, its hard to know.