Waiting and wondering

I can’t help you with answers but I know how you must feel. It’s tough to know what to ask and when to ask it. I can only suggest you write these questions down and when you next see the doctor, ask him/her. I keep notes all through my treatment. I could never remember everything so it was easier to write it down.

Good luck. Hang in there.

k

Trubrit said:

Have you dad call the surgeon

Your dad can call - and you can listen in - and ask for the Doctor to explain in layman's terms exactly what Grade 1 Tissue means, and anything else you may have questoins about.   He is working for your Dad, and should take the time to make everything clear and understandable (is that a word?).

It seems like there is an information overload every time you go to the Doctors, especially at the beginning. My Oncolgist got used to me really quickly, when I would stop him, and have him explain something to me in details that I understood. 

Wishing your dad all the best. 

Tru

I agree with TruBrit.  The doctors work for your Dad, and you and he should slow them down and make them explain things to both of your satisfaction.  

I'm assuming you are going to U of M in Ann Arbor which is a very good hospital.  I'm not sure when your next doctor's appointment is going to be, but these questions should definitely be addressed before another major surgery is performed.  I'm confused as to what they performed with the first surgery?  Did they try to remove the tumor or just go straight for chemo/radiation?  Wishing your father well.  You are a great son that wants to help and a wonderful caregiver.  Please make sure you are there when he talks to his doctor.

Kim

SophDan2 said:

Just found this.

How are tumor grades classified?

Grading systems differ depending on the type of cancer. In general, tumors are graded as 1, 2, 3, or 4, depending on the amount of abnormality. In Grade 1 tumors, the tumor cells and the organization of the tumor tissue appear close to normal. These tumors tend to grow and spread slowly. In contrast, the cells and tissue of Grade 3 and Grade 4 tumors do not look like normal cells and tissue. Grade 3 and Grade 4 tumors tend to grow rapidly and spread faster than tumors with a lower grade.

 

Been quite a while since I was last on the forum, as I have been holding steady since November 2019. I do occasionally jump on, jsut don't always speak  up.

 

Be well all!!!!

Be sure and visit us around the 12th Feb, OK.

Tru

Atlanta2794 said:

I am 48 years old and newly diagnosed on 1/16/2020 with rectal cancer.  Initial colonoscopy said 6 cm mass, however CT scan shows 1.9 X 0.6 cm.  I have since had a pelvic MRI.  Biopsy from colonoscopy. positive for cancer.  Surgeon says it's slow growing and likely a T-1 or T-2.  CT scan showed it has not spread And likely no lymph node involvement.  How can they tell if lymph nodes are/not involved by CT and MRI?  I thought that requires a biopsy.

I'm getting a second opinion on Thursday.  How do you know who to go to and make the right decisions?

Welcome to the group that you never wanted to join, and I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.  You have come to a very good place for answers and help. 

I'd suggest you post this to the main Colorectal board, introduce yourself so that others can see your situation and help you get through this as well.

It's a good thing that they don't suspect that it has spread.  The only way they can actually find out if it has spread to lymph nodes is to do surgery, take them out and then send them to pathology.

It's always a good thing to get a second opinion.  You just have to go with your feelings on who you think is being upfront with you with your questions.  If they seem rushed, or don't want to give you specifics, then find a doctor you are comfortable with.

Wishing you the best of luck going forward and come back with any other questions.

Kim