Stage 4 Colon Cancer - Tumor removed?

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debugy2k
debugy2k Member Posts: 85 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Has anyone have Stage 4 Colon Cancer and had their main tumor removed prior or after chemo?

Our oncologist keeps on saying no on the surgery without really explaining the reason.  So not sure if it's really medically no good or if it has to deal with hospital "politics/insurance/statistics"?

Comments

  • abrub
    abrub CSN Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #2
    Different drs have different approaches

    However, unless the tumor is causing a blockage, recent research shows that surgery is not the first option.  Below is an article on that.  More often, chemo first to shrink tumors; then maybe surgery.

     

    https://www.mskcc.org/press-releases/surgery-not-necessary-most-late-stage-colorectal

  • debugy2k
    debugy2k Member Posts: 85 Member
    #3
    abrub said:

    Different drs have different approaches

    However, unless the tumor is causing a blockage, recent research shows that surgery is not the first option.  Below is an article on that.  More often, chemo first to shrink tumors; then maybe surgery.

     

    https://www.mskcc.org/press-releases/surgery-not-necessary-most-late-stage-colorectal

    Thanks for the info.  

    Thanks for the info.  

  • EissetB
    EissetB Member Posts: 133
    #4
    Mine was removed

    Mine was removed before chemo. It was a tremendous blockage that I can't even poop for over a week!! I had stage 3c. 

  • Bellen
    Bellen CSN Member Posts: 281 Member
    #5
    CRC with several liver mets

    I have been told I am inoperable and will probably be on chemo forever.  I have had no surgery. My CT scans do not say anything about my colon tumour (assuming do not see it in scans) - scans report on liver tumours.  I had my 28th treatment of avastin + Folfiri (one year now).  I have had some extra week breaks, and we are talking about a longer break due to chemo whacking my system - red and white blood cells.  I believe my Onco started with folfiri because he thought I could be on it longer than the folfox due to neuropathy.  Although I have several side effects with my treatment, which results in my stomach feeling crappy throughout the two weeks, plus constipation and diarrhea issues.  He says the tumours often mutate and then I would have to change the chemo - probably to folfox.  

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