disease spread

[jane]

I am currently NED following all the usual treatments for stage 3 rectal cancer. I now fret over every little ache and pain. For those people who later found their disease had spread to their lungs and liver I am curious whether they had any symptoms or were completely shocked by the finding. My oncologist says that tiredness would be the first symptom. What do others think? I actually feel REALLY WELL at present and want to stay that way. Hence I want to know if there is anything else I should look for. I see my oncologist every 3 months, when I get examined and my blood results are checked. I get my CEA checked too and liver function tests. So far all is well. I finished treatment in July 2006.

Cheers,
Jane

[sue]

I had no signs of recurance. My CEA level told us. Be sure to keep up with your apt's for blood work and scans!

I am currently NED following all the usual treatments for stage 3 rectal cancer. I now fret over every little ache and pain. For those people who later found their disease had spread to their lungs and liver I am curious whether they had any symptoms or were completely shocked by the finding. My oncologist says that tiredness would be the first symptom. What do others think? I actually feel REALLY WELL at present and want to stay that way. Hence I want to know if there is anything else I should look for. I see my oncologist every 3 months, when I get examined and my blood results are checked. I get my CEA checked too and liver function tests. So far all is well. I finished treatment in July 2006.

Cheers,
Jane

[missjv]

hi jane,
just keep up with your docs and testing i was diagnosed stage 4 with no symptoms and a cea of 2. i had no clue i had cancer. doing very well now but it was a shock. as long as you follow up and keep on schedule if something should happen to pop up then it can be dealt with right away.



missjv

[Luv2Run]

Hi Jane,

I also had Stage III rectal with 1 lymph node involvement. Dx'd in July 2005, had surgery, 6 months of 5FU and 25 radiation treatments. Just had my yearly post-treatment CAT scan and CEA. I was stressing for a few weeks - before the test because of the high-profile people whose cancer has returned, and while waiting for my results.

My appt. with my oncologist was this past Monday. He was surprised I was stressing - he said that I'm one of his patients that he does not worry at all about ... he keeps telling me the cancer is GONE - don't stress over it!!! My CAT was fine and my CEA is 0.8. I did my happy dance in front of him!!

You will be fine ... 80% is attitude - keep it positive!

[margotmagoo]

Hi Jane,
I also finished folfox in July 2006. Having your blood labs done every three months is the way to keep track of any changes. Earliest changes will be detected that way first and if there is suspicion then a CAT scan would be ordered....at least that is how it worked for me. Keep it up!! Sounds like you are doing well. I understand how you probably jump at every twinge and pain....it is normal to feel that way as everything is suspect now. Don't be afraid to be a pest because acting as your own advocate is the best -- Hey....a rhyme!! I should trademark that!!
Margot