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Boston male 43 yr,
Colonoscopy+CT Scan - 11/2013:
dx Stage IV-A Colon Cancer w/ 12 mets to liver;
Was told that liver resection is not an option:
Was told that removal of colon tumor is urgent (risk of imminent obstruction);
Looking for alternatives...
Deferring today's planned colon tumor surgery until Monday (4 days of clear fluid diet until then)
Planning to spend Friday at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to get 2nd opinion
Spending today getting ready for Friday's Dana-Faber consultation
Seeking advice on questions to ask at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Seeking advice on possible treatment scenarios after Monday's colon surgery...
Jason43 wrote:I have not slept in 3 days. I basically went for a routine colonoscopy by choice of myself. I had 2 episodes of blood in my stool so I mentioned it to my primary. He really didn't see the need of sending me and told me he was 99% sure it was a hemroid. He said my blood work is always perfect and he left it at that. I pushed for the colonoscopy and he said if it will make you feel better go ahead as he then set up the exam. Here I lay in my bed with my iPad writing on this forum with stage 4 colon cancer that has spotted to my liver. I don't know what to do, I don't know what to think and I'm numb. I see the oncologist on Monday but other than that I'm lost. Can someone explain what happens next? Why am I not in the hospital? I feel great. I have no issues besides arthritis in my back. I'm a 43 year old male and I'm craving for answers. I have a 7 year old boy. I read I have a 8% chance to make it 5 years? Is this all accurate? Can anyone, someone please help. Thank you so much.
Jason43 wrote:I can't thank everyone enough. I will be on here daily. I just want a chance to beat this. I want a chance to live. I will give it my all. I am from Boston mass and was thinking about going to dana farber cancer clinic wich I here is quite good. I once again can't thank everyone enough. This is so gut wrenching. I feel like such a burden to my girlfriend and my mom. I thank everyone so much. I truly do
Jason43 wrote:...What is the HAI pump? I'm sorry to bother you but I am clueless to all this. I don't want to be on Google as it seems to be a bad thing however I am trying to gain knowledge on this situation. I have chose to get a second opinion at Dana Farber Institute in Boston Mass regardless thanks again so much.
Jason43 wrote:I can't thank everyone enough, really. Today I see the oncologist for the first time. I am a nervous wreck. I just want to get some info on diet, on exercise. Am I able to do normal things like this? So many questions to be answered. So many variables. I have become so humbled at 43 years of age. I don't want to die. Thanks everybody.
Jason43 wrote:I saw a oncologist today for the first time since being diagnosed. She said my liver has many spots on it and can not be resessed. I don't even know if I'm saying it properly. She said I have a tumor in my colon that is blocking my stool. She wants to remove tumor immediately however I have a appointment with dana farber in Boston on Friday. She is saying my liver can't be resessed. Can someone please help me. She said I am in the stage of non curable cancer and I have 3 years at best. If I do nothing she said I will have 2 months to live...... Do I remove tumor immediately or do I wait for second opinion? I'm 43 years old.... Thanks so much
Jason43 wrote:All this is so overwhelming. They are telling me my tumor is obstructing my colon and I need to have it removed ASAP... I explained that I have a appointment at dana farber on Friday this week however they say it needs to be out NOW... They just scheduled surgery for Thursday to remove tumor... What should I do?
Jason43 wrote:I can't explain in words what you guys have done for me so far, greatly appreciated however I don't know what to do. As I was driving this morning to my second cat scan in 2 days to check my lungs now as my liver has 12 spots on it my phone rang. It was the oncologist who I just spoke to yesterday for the first time. She told me that after speaking with the dr. Who performed the colonoscopy that I'm obstructed. She wants me to have the tumor removed immediately. She thinks it is a bad idea not to take the tumor out immediately. She has no problem with me seeking a second opinion at Dana Farber wich is suppose to be Friday but she explained that there is no time to wait to remove this tumor. She is very worried that it could burst then I'm in serious trouble. I just don't know what to do.. I guess my question is this. I was diagnosed 6 days ago and I haven't slept I don't know what's rite or wrong. I'm scared. I've never been sick. If they remove the tumor Thursday wich they want to do does this mean I can not be cured? I just don't get it. They say my liver can not be resected. But I guess that's what I'm going for a second opinion on Friday is for rite? I'm just so confused. All I know she is pleading with me to remove the tumor Thursday. This is so crazy, what is the rite move?
Jason43 wrote:As I stated earlier today I was advised to immediately take out the tumor because of obstruction. The thing that gets me is that the surgeon performing the procedure is the same surgeon that performed my gastric bypass 7 years ago. They want me to go with him because he knows my new anatomy so to speak if that makes any sense. He is not colon board certified however I don't have time to wait I guess. And like I said my appt. With dana farber is friday however that still means they have to make a operation date if they suggest the same thing. I'm leaning to taking the tumor out thursday even though he is not board certified. I don't have many options do I??? I feel like I losing my sanity. Thanks again guys and girls. I'm so appreciattive. I just don't have the time to find another surgeon by tomorrow. I tried calling dana farber today and the soonest I could get in is friday. And even then like I mentioned , that's not even giving me a date to remove the tumor.. this is so much. I'm stressing like crazy. Thanks everybody... so grateful to have your support.
Jason43 wrote:I always start by thanking everyone because I feel with out this board I would have no hope.. this gives me hope..I made the very tuff desision today of postponing my tumor removal until monday so that I may seek my appointment with dana farber in boston. The surgeon said it was a risk but if it made me feel better that's what he will do. I do have a blockage but gave me a good feeling I would last until monday. I took all of your advice and made my ultimate desicion. The question is now what am I hoping for at dana farber? If they sau the same thing at least I know I gave them a chance. I hope I made the correct desicion. I'm very nervous. The surgeon stated he would rather me seek a second opinion and be comfortable than add stress about not getting second opinion. What do you guys think?
Cj51 wrote:I've been thinking about you for a few hours, and thought I should probably keep my mouth shut, but I just really need to say this. I apologize if I offend you. Earlier today, you got pretty much a unanimous opinion that the obstruction is an emergency and you should get that resolved first, then take the time to get opinions about what to do next. I think second opinions are wonderful. BUT, if my oncologist was looking at my test results and was on the phone pleading with me to have my tumor removed before my colon burst from obstruction, I'd pay attention. An internet forum, even one as wonderful as this one, is filled with non-medical personnel who don't know your particular situation, haven't seen your scans, and can only give you a perspective from their own unique experience. I have a high degree of respect for everyone on this forum, but It concerns me that anyone would even consider encouraging you to put off surgery when your doctor is telling you that it's urgent that you have it. It concerns me even more that you're doing just that. I disagree that it's a tough decision. To my way of thinking, it's clear: Take care of the emergency situation first, then go on to the next most threatening thing.
I am one who never wants to say "what if", and make many decisions accordingly. However, there's also "I wish I had...", and this well meaning stranger on the internet thinks you should be listening to the doctor that's right there, seeing your records and knowing your situation. Obstruction is nothing to mess around with, and Monday is a long way off. If your colon bursts, as your doctor fears, and they have to do emergency surgery, then you don't get to choose the time or the surgeon. Acting now gives you that ability, and from what I hear, your surgeon isn't a colorectal surgeon but he or she is familiar with your unique inner physique, and so seems a good choice. I realize that you are under a great deal of stress and aren't sleeping, which makes it hard to think clearly. No harm taken at all. I truly mean that. I already made my desicion and I have to live with it. I hope! My thought process was as follows, my surgery was suppose to be today 11/21/13 my appointment tomorrow is with dana farber. If I get to dana farber and they second that it has to come out at once, I'm hoping they will possibly do emergency surgery at once. If not I wait till Monday as planned. I truly respect your opinion and have not one negative thought toward you, not one. Quite honestly my family and girlfriend all wanted me in there today. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Also I made 2 bowel movements in past 2 days wich made me lean to waiting.
So, I've said my piece. I do not agree that waiting is a wise course of action. I just thought that someone ought to say so. You may feel free to chide me later if everything goes just fine, for as someone said earlier, it's your body, your disease and your risk to take. I, for my part, really hope you reconsider. At the very least, please at follow the suggestions to stay on clear liquids, and at the first sign of discomfort from the obstruction, please contact the doctor immediately. Again, I hope that I've not offended you, but you did ask for opinions. Know that we will be here for you no matter what you do next. This is an awesome community.
Good luck to you,
Cj
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