First long time coming. Need some encouragement
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If your cancer is only in
If your cancer is only in your liver, you need a liver resection. It should be relatively simple for a liver surgeon to surgically remove two very small tumors from your liver. This could be a cure. Chemo alone will not permanently rid you of those tumors. They may disappear for a while or not show up on scans but they will very very likely return. If the tumors are surgically removed with clear margins it may not return. Do you have have cancer elsewhere? Lungs etc... If not please inquire about surgery. Tumors developing in the liver after a colon resection is common. It doesn't have to be a death sentence. I'm also confused as to why your onc would want to go right to Erbitux? (this is why he/she wants to know your k RAS status). Have you done both Folfox and Folfiri? Where are you being treated? Sorry for all the questions. It's just that your situation doesn't sound that bad. Unless I'm missing something, you should be very hopeful that something more can be done for you.
Chelsea
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Chelsea your reply in itselfChelsea71 said:If your cancer is only in
If your cancer is only in your liver, you need a liver resection. It should be relatively simple for a liver surgeon to surgically remove two very small tumors from your liver. This could be a cure. Chemo alone will not permanently rid you of those tumors. They may disappear for a while or not show up on scans but they will very very likely return. If the tumors are surgically removed with clear margins it may not return. Do you have have cancer elsewhere? Lungs etc... If not please inquire about surgery. Tumors developing in the liver after a colon resection is common. It doesn't have to be a death sentence. I'm also confused as to why your onc would want to go right to Erbitux? (this is why he/she wants to know your k RAS status). Have you done both Folfox and Folfiri? Where are you being treated? Sorry for all the questions. It's just that your situation doesn't sound that bad. Unless I'm missing something, you should be very hopeful that something more can be done for you.
Chelsea
Chelsea your reply in itself brings me a lot of joy. I don't know if I didn't type correctly but it had 12 little tumors spread around not just 2. So while I wanted to ask a surgeon I didn't. I went back to chemo and avastin which was very effective in shrinkings them away.
Yes he wants my KRAS for exactly that reason, I feel l Ike the old saying, a surgeon cuts, an onc wants chemo etc. But I also want to ask if avastin was being effective, why not go back to avastin until the avastin is no longer effective.
I think another question I have is how much of a liver you can live without? I have read stories recently of people losing60% of their liver and doing ok. I believe I remember people having even more removed.
As of today I have not had any mets in any other area of my body.
I am being treated through blue ridge cancer care.
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get thee to a surgeon!
There are a lot of people on this site that have had successful liver surgeries. Chelsea is right that it is a possible cure. Also the liver can regenerate itself, so 2 or 12 mets in the same area should be no big deal for a surgeon to remove and you to recover from.
Avastin just keeps blood vessels from growing around tumors, it's not cytotoxic like FOFOX or FOLIRI, so it cannot be used to "cure" you. You'll need to be off Avastin for at least 8 weeks before surgery to help with healing.
There are many of us, myself included, that fall apart waiting for results of our tests. I think it's natural as no one is hoping for a positive scan, ha ha. This is a great place to find support. Many of us have been dealing with cancer for multiple years and are very helpful.
Good luck and keep us posted! Traci
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Traci thanks so much. Yes Itraci43 said:get thee to a surgeon!
There are a lot of people on this site that have had successful liver surgeries. Chelsea is right that it is a possible cure. Also the liver can regenerate itself, so 2 or 12 mets in the same area should be no big deal for a surgeon to remove and you to recover from.
Avastin just keeps blood vessels from growing around tumors, it's not cytotoxic like FOFOX or FOLIRI, so it cannot be used to "cure" you. You'll need to be off Avastin for at least 8 weeks before surgery to help with healing.
There are many of us, myself included, that fall apart waiting for results of our tests. I think it's natural as no one is hoping for a positive scan, ha ha. This is a great place to find support. Many of us have been dealing with cancer for multiple years and are very helpful.
Good luck and keep us posted! Traci
Traci thanks so much. Yes I just hate that I didn't pursue a surgeon earlier. The meta are so small. Some less than 1 mm idiameter. I mean I know it sucks there are so many but they are so small. And I've read about the burning o freezing methods that might also be successful. It is not too late I think. The avastin/chemo did do its job and shrunk the suckers. I have been off of avastin since November 26 so coming into that time period where surgery could be done.
Also wanted to mention that through this process my liver function including that revealed through blood work has never been even a tic out of normal. In other words it has functioned normally throughout.
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Welcome to our family. YouChajones said:Traci thanks so much. Yes I
Traci thanks so much. Yes I just hate that I didn't pursue a surgeon earlier. The meta are so small. Some less than 1 mm idiameter. I mean I know it sucks there are so many but they are so small. And I've read about the burning o freezing methods that might also be successful. It is not too late I think. The avastin/chemo did do its job and shrunk the suckers. I have been off of avastin since November 26 so coming into that time period where surgery could be done.
Also wanted to mention that through this process my liver function including that revealed through blood work has never been even a tic out of normal. In other words it has functioned normally throughout.
Welcome to our family. You can live with this disease. I have been stage IV for over 8 years. Its not easy but you said you are strong so you will be fine. Your anxiety and fears are completely normal. I still experience it even after having over 50 scans. Traci is right. If it is back up in your liver I would see a liver surgeon. I have had 3 liver resections. I have come to trust my liver surgeon more than any of my doctors. In fact he is the only doctor I am seeing for scan results.
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Wow that's a great story! Ijanderson1964 said:Welcome to our family. You
Welcome to our family. You can live with this disease. I have been stage IV for over 8 years. Its not easy but you said you are strong so you will be fine. Your anxiety and fears are completely normal. I still experience it even after having over 50 scans. Traci is right. If it is back up in your liver I would see a liver surgeon. I have had 3 liver resections. I have come to trust my liver surgeon more than any of my doctors. In fact he is the only doctor I am seeing for scan results.
Wow that's a great story! I just assumed it was not operable since theoncologist said so. You guys have made me understand I have to at least see a surgeon. I will start looking Monday morning. I would like to go to UVA. I have a friend who is now a pancreatic cancer survivor! He's my rock.
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My suggestion to you is toChajones said:Wow that's a great story! I
Wow that's a great story! I just assumed it was not operable since theoncologist said so. You guys have made me understand I have to at least see a surgeon. I will start looking Monday morning. I would like to go to UVA. I have a friend who is now a pancreatic cancer survivor! He's my rock.
My suggestion to you is to follow your gut. If it is telling you to get a second or third consult ... then jump on that and do so. I would suggest sooner rather than later. If your feeling UVA is a good choice for your location ... then get there my friend. Do what you need to do to fight this while those suckers are small!
I agree with all of the above advise ... cut out what you can!
My best to you in your journey!
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I bet you will be wrestling with those little boys as teenagers.
But ... I agree with you that you need to get a second opinion from the University of Virginia Cancer Center which is a designated National Cancer Institute. You mentioned in one of your messages that your oncologist said that surgery is not an option for you ... but, you also said you had no evidence of lung tumors. Please consult with UVA as soon as possible. A second opinion could make all the difference in your care.
Peace. ~ Cynthia
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I saw you mentioned UVA. IChajones said:Wow that's a great story! I
Wow that's a great story! I just assumed it was not operable since theoncologist said so. You guys have made me understand I have to at least see a surgeon. I will start looking Monday morning. I would like to go to UVA. I have a friend who is now a pancreatic cancer survivor! He's my rock.
I saw you mentioned UVA. I assume you are from VA. I live outside of Richmond and had all of my liver surgeries at Virginia Commonwealth University MCV hospital. PM me if you want the names of some surgeons there.
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Is there a difference if there are mets to the lungs?devotion10 said:I bet you will be wrestling with those little boys as teenagers.
But ... I agree with you that you need to get a second opinion from the University of Virginia Cancer Center which is a designated National Cancer Institute. You mentioned in one of your messages that your oncologist said that surgery is not an option for you ... but, you also said you had no evidence of lung tumors. Please consult with UVA as soon as possible. A second opinion could make all the difference in your care.
Peace. ~ Cynthia
What is the difference if you have mets in both the lungs and liver? Do they not want to do surgery if you have both? I'm still learning.
Lin
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I think if you have both liver and lung involvement,UncleBuddy said:Is there a difference if there are mets to the lungs?
What is the difference if you have mets in both the lungs and liver? Do they not want to do surgery if you have both? I'm still learning.
Lin
then the assumption is that the disease is systemic, and needs a systemic approach like chemo. The cancer cells are moving through the body via lymph nodes and the circulatory system, and picking bits here and there to remove doesn't solve the root problem. And you have to be off chemo for a period around the surgery, so that can give the cells a chance to really get going. So from what I've read, if you have one or two spots in a single organ, surgery is still a good option, but if multiple organs are involved it's very hard to find a surgeon who will be willing to operate.
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Hi Chajones, and welcome to the board~Chajones said:Wow that's a great story! I
Wow that's a great story! I just assumed it was not operable since theoncologist said so. You guys have made me understand I have to at least see a surgeon. I will start looking Monday morning. I would like to go to UVA. I have a friend who is now a pancreatic cancer survivor! He's my rock.
I def agree with the idea of a 2nd (or even 3rd) opinion. And if it is at all possible, you should be talking with an experienced liver surgeon. I have found that my oncologist doesn't really understand what all is possible with surgery, and I've had much better results working primarily with my surgeon. Surgery is really our only shot at a cure (versus remission), so it's worth the time to find someone who is willing to give it a try.
Pls keep us posted on how you're doing! This is a hard road to walk, but we are here to support you in your journey.
Hugs coming your way~Ann Alexandria
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Thanks everyone! I am goingannalexandria said:I think if you have both liver and lung involvement,
then the assumption is that the disease is systemic, and needs a systemic approach like chemo. The cancer cells are moving through the body via lymph nodes and the circulatory system, and picking bits here and there to remove doesn't solve the root problem. And you have to be off chemo for a period around the surgery, so that can give the cells a chance to really get going. So from what I've read, if you have one or two spots in a single organ, surgery is still a good option, but if multiple organs are involved it's very hard to find a surgeon who will be willing to operate.
Thanks everyone! I am going to start my search for a liver surgeon Monday. My scan isn't until 630 pm. You have given me so much hope and advice in one day. Why did it take so long for me to find this place?
Despite all that's been said, I want to hear more!
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Thanks AAannalexandria said:I think if you have both liver and lung involvement,
then the assumption is that the disease is systemic, and needs a systemic approach like chemo. The cancer cells are moving through the body via lymph nodes and the circulatory system, and picking bits here and there to remove doesn't solve the root problem. And you have to be off chemo for a period around the surgery, so that can give the cells a chance to really get going. So from what I've read, if you have one or two spots in a single organ, surgery is still a good option, but if multiple organs are involved it's very hard to find a surgeon who will be willing to operate.
I wasn't sure how it worked. My brother's onc is doing chemo and will re-evaluate later on. He has a 3 cm met on the liver and 5 nodules on the lungs. He has had so many problems over the past monthor so, so he hasn't had a chance to even finish his chemo. It seems to be a long, slow process for him. Again, thanks for explaining it to me.
Lin
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ChajonesChajones said:Thanks everyone! I am going
Thanks everyone! I am going to start my search for a liver surgeon Monday. My scan isn't until 630 pm. You have given me so much hope and advice in one day. Why did it take so long for me to find this place?
Despite all that's been said, I want to hear more!
Good luck in your search for a surgeon. Stay positive!
Lin
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Mets to liver and lungsUncleBuddy said:Is there a difference if there are mets to the lungs?
What is the difference if you have mets in both the lungs and liver? Do they not want to do surgery if you have both? I'm still learning.
Lin
I have had mets to my lungs since first diagnosed (Feb 2010) as well as liver, ureter and colon and a few other places, did chemo first, still got liver, colon and ureter surgery that same year.
again still with mets to lungs had liver surgery again this past May to remove mets in liver.
Then got NEW PRIMARY colon cancer in sigmoid colon, with mets once again in liver and lungs, then had colon surgery to remove tumor in September BEFORE going back on chemo (was 95% blocked), if you want surgery I have found you have to be your advocate and find the right surgeon, and sometimes demand it, I had been turned down by tumor boards in the beginning, and had I not had my surgeries, I think I can pretty much guarantee I still wouldn't be here.
I am currently on chemo hoping to shrink liver mets again and once again get surgery to remove them, then work on lungs And thorax mets. Had the second primary tumor been located before my liver surgery in May and had been removed at the same time I don't think I would have these new tumor mets, it is believed that the new liver mets came from the new primary tumor.
I recommend meeting with a surgeon ASAP, to discuss your case and see what they want done in order to have surgery.
Winter Marie
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Well, there you go!herdizziness said:Mets to liver and lungs
I have had mets to my lungs since first diagnosed (Feb 2010) as well as liver, ureter and colon and a few other places, did chemo first, still got liver, colon and ureter surgery that same year.
again still with mets to lungs had liver surgery again this past May to remove mets in liver.
Then got NEW PRIMARY colon cancer in sigmoid colon, with mets once again in liver and lungs, then had colon surgery to remove tumor in September BEFORE going back on chemo (was 95% blocked), if you want surgery I have found you have to be your advocate and find the right surgeon, and sometimes demand it, I had been turned down by tumor boards in the beginning, and had I not had my surgeries, I think I can pretty much guarantee I still wouldn't be here.
I am currently on chemo hoping to shrink liver mets again and once again get surgery to remove them, then work on lungs And thorax mets. Had the second primary tumor been located before my liver surgery in May and had been removed at the same time I don't think I would have these new tumor mets, it is believed that the new liver mets came from the new primary tumor.
I recommend meeting with a surgeon ASAP, to discuss your case and see what they want done in order to have surgery.
Winter Marie
One of the beauties of this place is that there is so much information, and people have different experiences depending on a variety of factors.
I kind of think they should try surgery with everyone (I mean, what if we get lucky and they manage it get it all?), but it seems difficult to convince the doctors of that.
I have a feeling that you are an excellent advocate for yourself, WM!
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No Wrong Answer
Whatever answer works for you is probably the right answer. This board is a marvelous place for information and a variety of experiences with each persons unique details.
As for me this board has shown great understanding and acceptance no matter what decision is displayed.
I agree that you sound like a great advocate for yourself and no doubt will make the best decision for you.
Regards,
Art
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Winter is it not odd how yourherdizziness said:Mets to liver and lungs
I have had mets to my lungs since first diagnosed (Feb 2010) as well as liver, ureter and colon and a few other places, did chemo first, still got liver, colon and ureter surgery that same year.
again still with mets to lungs had liver surgery again this past May to remove mets in liver.
Then got NEW PRIMARY colon cancer in sigmoid colon, with mets once again in liver and lungs, then had colon surgery to remove tumor in September BEFORE going back on chemo (was 95% blocked), if you want surgery I have found you have to be your advocate and find the right surgeon, and sometimes demand it, I had been turned down by tumor boards in the beginning, and had I not had my surgeries, I think I can pretty much guarantee I still wouldn't be here.
I am currently on chemo hoping to shrink liver mets again and once again get surgery to remove them, then work on lungs And thorax mets. Had the second primary tumor been located before my liver surgery in May and had been removed at the same time I don't think I would have these new tumor mets, it is believed that the new liver mets came from the new primary tumor.
I recommend meeting with a surgeon ASAP, to discuss your case and see what they want done in order to have surgery.
Winter Marie
Winter is it not odd how your pain can bring hope to so many? Seriously, I don't mean to sound mean, I'm sorry you are here, but I look at you and see you going on 4 years and fighting like a champ and I say, yes! It can be done. And if it can be done, then I can do it! It was not so very long ago that thingslike diabetes were considered extremely deadly. It still produces an incredible number of deaths but it can also be a disease that you can never cure but live with for a very long time.
I don't know where my patH leads. Surgery, chemo, more chemo, chemo forever! Clinical trials? I'm ready for the fight no matter what it requires and no matter how far I have to travel or what I have to ingest. Bring it on if that's what's needed.
I just lost my friend Tom. He was older and a mentor to me. He had a different cancer but battled for 21 years! The last time I saw him he gave me this great advice. He said Chris, don't worry about 20 years, 15 or even 10. Worry about today and set a goal to do whatever you have to survive for 5 years. Because in 5 years all kinds of new treatments will be available. And with the advent of the new treatments that help our immune systems fight, the future looks bright there.
Thank you Winter for another great post
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Oh man, I Said you guys hadfatbob2010 said:No Wrong Answer
Whatever answer works for you is probably the right answer. This board is a marvelous place for information and a variety of experiences with each persons unique details.
As for me this board has shown great understanding and acceptance no matter what decision is displayed.
I agree that you sound like a great advocate for yourself and no doubt will make the best decision for you.
Regards,
Art
Oh man, I Said you guys had me convinced to seek out a surgeon. My friend is a pancreatic Cancer survivor. all of his work was done through UVA which someone here recognized as a top cancer hospital. I went onto their website and found the surgeon. He is the chief surgeon for oncology in liver. I explained all of my scans etc. he wrote me back! He wrote me back within 4 hours!!! He said he is happy to consult with me nd gave me directions to get in touch with his assistant to arrange an appointment and to gather all my records! How great is that???
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