Went to the Oncologist today

Hi Jeff. I didn't have the opportunity to reply to your first post as I kind of stayed away from this cancer stuff for a few days to recharge my own batteries but I do want to welcome you and express how sorry I am that you need to be here. It's a great place though and you couldn't have found a more fun-loving, knowledgable, and compassionate people.

My name is Monika and I am caregiver to my husband Bert who like you was diagnosed with colon cancer (cecum colon, right by the ileocecal value) last year in August. Bert had two tumors removed, both had broken through the bowl wall and affected four lymph nodes however, no other organs as far as the surgeon could tell showed any signs of the disease. Both tumors were andenocarcinoma, grade II, and because of node involvement, Bert went on chemo late August 2003. He was on a regime of 5fu/leuc, once a week for six weeks and then two weeks off. Overall, he handled his treatments fairly well with no major problems until the last few (except for a colon infection....another long story) that he got in October.

In January of this year, I put Bert on my insurance which allowed us treatment at a major cancer center. Upon recommendation, we chose USC/Norris (L.A. area) and treatment by Dr. Heinz Josef Lenz, who I must admit is absolutely outstanding. So is the whole place. Dr. Lenz re-evaluated Bert and firmly believed in adding a third ingredient to the chemo cocktail namely that being oxaliplatin. Although already done with the regime he had originally been on, Dr. Lenz immediately told Bert that he will place him on more chemo, the new combo, for a minimum of 3 months, if not longer. This is because his node involvement was more than three, placing him at high risk for recurrence.

All I can say is so far, so very good. Bert has had two CT's and two PET's and just recently a colonoscopy and everything is clean....no evidence of disease. His CEA (tumor markers) numbers are not within the normal range, but I've learned not to worry so much about these numbers...they are merely a part of the whole "stew" of things and can actually go up in some individuals as a result of chemo itself.

To make a long story short, which is almost impossible for me to do, Bert remains in good health and I thank God every day for his blessings. You will be fine too!!!! and again, welcome to this group.

Monika, who will always be grateful that she found this board. )