Need Positive Thoughts

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jcavanaugh
jcavanaugh Member Posts: 100
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Need any positive thoughts or stories! My dad, who has stage IV colon cancer (diagnosed May 2002) has been on a continuous pattern since diagnosis. According to his oncologists, his CEA is a good marker for him. Recent history - major liver surgery in October 2005 to remove three spots (cut off left side of liver, oblated spot in right side of liver - after pathology report found out there was no cancer in left side of liver). Flash forward to today. Has had clean pet scans since October 2005 until now. His cea increased by 2 points from beginning of August to now. New score is 5.5. At time of October 05 surgery, cea was 17 (with one liver met). According to recent pet scan (done at new place due to move and not compared to previous scan in June 06), he has one liver met that is measurable and multiple spots (not measurable I guess). Radiologist says that he cannot tell what those spots are because he does not have access to previous scans for comparison. He comments in the report on the extensive surgery done on my dad's liver. We are going back to Johns Hopkins next Tuesday (surgeon for October 05 operation). Any encouraging words or experiences would be helpful. Could the multiple spots that are not defenitive on a CT/Pet be scar tissue??

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  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #2
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    When I was diagnosed back in June there were two "spots" in the liver. They turned out to be cysts. Perhaps your father's spots are cysts, too, and have been there all along. Comparison with the old scans will settle the issue as to whether these are new or old spots. And if new, they could still be harmless, like my cysts.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
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    I have three liver 'spots'. Been there, and on each scan, since I was dx'ed Nov 04. Ultrasound, then examined during bowel resection...cysts....
    It WOULD help if you could get the old scan...then it could be compared, both for existance and size variance....
    Sending my strongest vibes....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #4
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    I would recommend to put all scans together, all blood tests together, everything you have, all history and show it to new doctor and old doctor and then compare what they will say.

    So many times they have no clue what they are talking about, especially when they do not have all history in place. Please get all information first before getting really worried. Maybe it is all insignificant.

    Wishing you the best. And please do let us know what happens.

    God Bless,
    Eleonora
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #5
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    Hi,
    I can remember talking to your dad when he he first came to the discussion board. Please give him my regards and best wishes . If he asks how I'm going ,tell him I'll be 9 years clear in jan. My thoughts are with you,best of luck ,Ron.
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #6
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    The spots on the scans could be scar tissue. It would probablly be best if you can collect the actual scans he had and take them with to Johns Hopkins to let them make the comparison.

    Good luck,
    ****

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