Met. to lungs -need info

VonnieKai
VonnieKai Member Posts: 30
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi,
I am new to the group. My husband has rectal cancer - had successful surgery in May 2002 and a clean colonoscopy in June 2003. He was on Xeloda for about seven months and stopped in July 2003. We found out in October 2003 that the cancer spread to his lungs. The oncologist said that chemo may only slow down the growths and that surgery couldn't remove the tumors. He said my husband could choose no treatment, or that he could go on chemo. He is now on Camptosar - I don't think it's being mixed with 5FU, which he had a really bad reaction to in earlier treatments. What experiences have others had with success of the camptosar? The oncologist didn't seem too hopeful, but didn't give us a range of time my husband has "left". I appreciate this because any estimate of his life span would be wrong, but I would like to know, what do we have in store for us? I am not too encouraging now about the camptosar, but maybe I don't have enough information. My husband is 72, was feeling pretty good before the news of the spread to his lungs, had no symptoms of lung disorders. He feels bad (nausea, diarrhea, weakness) from the chemo now. Any advice or comments?
Thanks!
VonnieKai

Comments

  • andreae
    andreae Member Posts: 236
    #2
    I'm in the same situation. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in January 2003. I had pre-op 5FU and radiation, surgery which included resection of my rectum and a partial vaginectomy and post-op 5FU. On Sept. 26 a run-of-the-mill CT was done and further testing confirmed many mets. in my lungs. As I am 21, the doctors didn't really know what to do with me and are now thinking that I should have received a harder-line chemo given the extent of the tumour. I just saw an oncologist on Tuesday who has suggested clinical trials and, if all are closed, will be giving me oxaliplatin and Xeloda. As of right now, I don't really have any advice but I'm sure as things proceed I might have some suggestions.

    Good luck and be well,

    Andrea
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    Hi VonnieKai:

    My name is Monika and although I can't comment to much on treatment for mets to liver (my own husband is stage III with no metasteses....thank GOD), I have heard the Oxilaplatin is a much more tolerable chemo than Camptosar with about the same effect for managing the disease.

    Secondly,I would highly encourage you to get a second opinion...concerning possible surgery. I have found over and over again that doctors are of several different opinions...what one does not suggest or won't do, another is more than willing to try.

    Lastly, don't give up. Things have a way of working out just the way that they are supposed to, even if we don't understand why. Hang in there with hope, faith, prayers....whatever it takes. God keep you both.

    Monika

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