still hoping for surgery

lortex52
lortex52 Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Wondering if anyone out there can help me with some realistic threads of hope. Husband dx Nov.05 with tumor in section of colon right below the liver and a large liver met in rt. lobe. He's been on chemo for 1 year (folfuri +avastin for 9 mos and now Folfurri +Erbitux for 2mos). There's been stabalization but how long can his poor body take the chemo? Docs don't project out but husband keeps hoping for shrinkage and possible surgery. Has anyone been a candidate for surgery after 1+ year on chemo. Okay, thanks for all your help.
Supportive Spouse

Comments

  • ernie53
    ernie53 Member Posts: 68
    #2
    I know that this may sound laim to you, but never discount the power of prayer. Good Doctors are great, medical support is anazing, but that kick you get from God. I have been on deaths door 3 times now, but He wasn't through with me yet. I wish I could tell you something specific to look foreward to... just trust your instincts.
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #3
    I finally had surgery 2 years after diagnosis. I did chemo (folfox w/ avastin) for 8 months. Rectal cancer with 2 mets to my liver and 1 to my left lung. The chemo side effects were really getting to me, I so stopped chemo at least 6 months before my onc wanted me to. I found a clinical nutritionist with a naturopathic degree also, completely changed my diet and followed her advice. The lung tumor went away first (4 months after I had stopped chemo), then the liver ones (9 months after stopping chemo). I had surgery in January of this year, lymph nodes were all clear, liver was clear but they did find a tiny tumor where original had been. I am now NED.

    Lisa P.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    I had only stage III rectal cancer. Everything went very fast...3 spots on liver, but the gastric surgeon looked at them while he was there, and nothing concerned him. So, I have limited inspiration to add there.

    BUT, 6 months later, I got chemo for 3 months for unrelated breast cancer. I survived. I am now 6 months out from all chemicals, and I have limited lingering side effects.

    This IS going someplace, I promise....I took very good care of my body...and had the mind set that as a 'team', my body and I would claim victory over these two 'intruders'. And, to this day....2 quarts of good old water a day. Nutritionally, I 'sin' occasionally, but I generally eat fresh...and vibrant colored fruits and vegies...

    AND I find a quote from Charlie Chaplin to be appropriate:

    "A day without laughter is wasted"

    Hugs, Kathi
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    KathiM said:

    I had only stage III rectal cancer. Everything went very fast...3 spots on liver, but the gastric surgeon looked at them while he was there, and nothing concerned him. So, I have limited inspiration to add there.

    BUT, 6 months later, I got chemo for 3 months for unrelated breast cancer. I survived. I am now 6 months out from all chemicals, and I have limited lingering side effects.

    This IS going someplace, I promise....I took very good care of my body...and had the mind set that as a 'team', my body and I would claim victory over these two 'intruders'. And, to this day....2 quarts of good old water a day. Nutritionally, I 'sin' occasionally, but I generally eat fresh...and vibrant colored fruits and vegies...

    AND I find a quote from Charlie Chaplin to be appropriate:

    "A day without laughter is wasted"

    Hugs, Kathi

    Aw, poop! Chemo brain....

    Real quote from the great man:

    "A day without laughter is a day wasted"

    Hugs, Kathi
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #6
    Lortex,
    Where is your husband being treated? If possible, if you are not already, I would get a second opinion from a surgeon at a major center such as MD Anderson. Your oncologist should be able to make a referral. There are surgeons at those places who are willing and able to perform operations that others simply are not willing to do, or do not know how to do.
    I would recommend the GI clinic at MD Anderson where I had my liver resection performed. My liver met was not in the most complicated location, but it was not the easiest either.
    I did not have chemo to shrink anything so I cannot comment on that, I just know that there are certain surgeons who specialize in ONLY colorectal liver mets, for example.
    Good luck in your persuit,
    Susan.
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #7
    Did they give a reason for not wanting to do surgery on the colon? More success has been noted by removing as much tumor as possible. They would have to hold off then on the chemo until healed. I would consider getting another opinion from a surgeon and oncologist.

    ****

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