Hi, I am not sure of the name of the drug, but it was administered by an anesthesiologist at my surgeon's clinic. In fact, my surgeon had two other doc's in observation with him that day. They did 24 procedures all using this new drug. The anesthia doc said it was my lucky day, because of the obser...

Has anyone got any experience with an epidural for colectomy surgery? My DH's surgeon said he may go that way because he is not fond of the idea of putting him back on the morphine pump so soon after his first operation. I had a laparoscopic colectomy and had an epidural for pain control. It was ef...

Hi - I am Stage IV - diagnosed in 5/05 and off chemo since 12/05 and NED. I go for CT and PET scans every 3 months. For a while the insurance company dragged their feet on the PET, but always ended up paying. The last two they paid within 3 weeks without question. Every oncologist is different. Mine...

Hi Maggie - I also have Stage IV CRC, diagnosed in 5/2005 with small liver mets. The mets disappeared with chemo and I have been no evidence of disease now for 23+ months. In my case my colon tumor was large - though I have no idea of the size, I was told by both the GI doc and the colorectal surgeo...

Hi Missjv, Sean - Yes, I am lucky to have liver mets go away with just chemo. Although (in the "we can never be satisfied" department) I sort of wish I had a liver resection. However, my onc had me evaluated twice at NIH in the Spring of 2006 and with 3 days of testing each time they could find noth...

Hi - I don't post here often (mostly on CSN since I am 57), but I am a Stage IV (liver mets) survivor. I was diagnosed in May 2005 and I only had 6 rounds of chemo (Xeloda/oxaliplatin/Avastin). On December 1 2005 we took a "chemo break' (after 6 cycles). My scans have been negative ever since (inclu...

Hi - Well I live in Washington DC are also, and while I agree that the cost accepted by most physicians is far less than the theoretical billed cost, my colonoscopies have cost more than yours - last one 11/2006. My husband's (different doc, different insurance) cost approximately the same). Theoret...

This is interesting - I am suspicious - as always - regarding these things, but I will ask my onc about this in July. They don't sound like "quacks", but it is also strange that insurance most likely won't pay. CEA is fraught with difficulties - wish I had some real info with respect to this test as...

I recently totaled up the costs of my diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosed 5/23/05 - Stage IV (liver met), laparoscopic colectomy, 6 cycles of Xeloda/oxaliplatin/Avastin, NED since September 2005. Total billed to my insurance company: $187,000 Total paid by my insurance company: $129,000 Total paid by...

Hi - I am Stage IV - liver mets) - diagnosed late May 2005. I have been NED (no evidence of disease) since the end of August 2005. I completed 6 treatments of Xeloda/oxaliplatin/Avastin - ending in early Dec, 2005. I had colon surgery, but never had liver surgery. My latest CT and PET scans were on ...

Hi - At least a CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis is in order before colon surgery. If anything suspicious shows, they may at least do a liver biopsy during colon surgery. If your friend already had surgery without these, then he / she really should have the CT scans before starting treatment. Pr...

Great post, Rodney - I'd love to see the whole thing.

Betsy

Hi Rodney and all - So this video is my cynical friend Rodney at his best. IT is somewhat offensive and probably especially so to those who are new to this disease. But to those who are doing well, better or have been dealing with this a long time etc. (which would include me), there is a hideous hu...

Rodney (and all) - I think if you go to work for an employer that provides (even if you have to pay significantly) group health insurance, it is issued on a "non-medical" basis, meaning no health exam required and no pre-existing condition issues. I have changed jobs a couple of times and never had ...

Hi - I don't post here very often - (age 57 and I figure this board is mostly for younger folks) but I am a Stage IV colorectal survivor. And, your post really struck me. The absolute worst thing I have ever done was to read my medical records. Not only is the "information" scary, but mostly medical...