I have just finished 20 radiation treatments for some tumors in my lung that was metastic colon cancer. I had a colon tumor removed in November, 2004 that had metastasized to my lymph nodes along with 35 lymph nodes. I recieved chemo after the surgery with six months of oxyplatin and 5fu/levecor every two weeks. I was reassured I was cancer free. I had regular blood tests to monitor my cea count and was told everything was fine. In July, 2006 my cea count was elevated slighty(4.6) and another blood test was performed and the count went down(4.0) but not to the regular levels(2.0). I also developed a slight dry cough and was told by my oncologist that nothing was wrong. In November, 2006 I was admitted to my local hospital with severe chest pains, thinking I was having a heart attack I was much surprised to learn that I had pnuemonia caused by a tumor the size of an orange in my upper left lung and broncial tube. Two other tumors were found the size of lemons in my lower lobes of the left lung. I went back to my oncolgist for a followup after being released from the hospital. When questioned by my wife why I had never had any kind of scans for cancer while under his care, he replied that if he scaned 100 people off the street he would find some with cancer and any way if they had found it the prognosis would be the same. I couldn't believe my ears! I had already resolved not to be treated by theis oncologist again and went to the Duke University Cancer Center. They thoroughly tested me and removed one of the smaller tumors and recommended a course of radiation to reduce the larger one and to follow up with xeloda and avastin. I am supposed to begin this treatment in a month. Thanks for your patience with my story. Now my question. Has anyone had a similar experience with your colon cancer metastasizing in the lung and has anyone had any experience with xeloda/avastin treatments and the results?
Thanks, MPA