Stage 2 stories wanted

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camilazz
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 11, 2017 3:12 am

Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby camilazz » Sat May 20, 2017 11:01 am

I recently (May 3) had LAR to remove tumor (Rectosigmoid colectomy). Pathology results so far are Stage 2 T30N0M but genetics revealed BRAF v600e and MSS. I am meeting oncologist next week but would like to be best prepared as possible. I'm researching treatment options and would like to hear experiences of those farther along in treatment process with similar pathology. Thank- you in advance for sharing.
dx 3/31/17 colonoscopy rectosigmoid junction mass
5/2/17 Surgery LAR Rectosigmoid colon segmental resection
pt3n0m0 BRAF V600E MSS

Beckster
Posts: 438
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:01 pm
Location: New Jersey

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Beckster » Sat May 20, 2017 2:02 pm

Welcome to our forum. Sorry to hear about your diagnoses, but stage II is treatable and curable. I was diagnosed with stage 2A colon cancer of the cecum (right sided). I had LAP surgery in November with pathology of T3N0M0. You will have to wait until your pathology report comes back to see if you have any of the following risk factors for recurrence (T4, less than 12 lymph nodes, lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion, high grade tumor, perforation, obstruction). This will determine if adjunct chemo is needed after surgery. I had 2 high risk factor; high grade and lymphovascular invasion. Because of this, my MD Anderson oncologist suggested chemo. It was up to me, but I decided to do whatever was needed to be disease free. He originally gave me Capox (5/FU in pill form and Oxaliplatin) every 3 weeks for 8 cycles. I went for my first infusion of Oxaliplatin, but had an allergic reaction. No more Oxi! I am now only on the pill, which is Xeloda (5/FU in pill). He was ok doing this because it was my decision to receive the chemo. Xeloda will allow you to take pills wearing a pump for 48 hours and getting a port. I just finished cycle 7 and will be finished June 9th! This treatment fit my lifestyle and people do not even know I am on chemo. Another treatment for stage II if chemo is suggested, is Folfox, which is 5/FU and Oxaliplatin every other week for 12 weeks. You will need a port because they send you home with a 48 hour pump for the 5/FU.

If you have no high risk factors, you will probably go on surveillance (observation). CT scans twice a year with blood work every 3 months for the first 2 years. I hope this helps...if you need any additional info, just let me know.

Best of luck!
Beckster
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

Hey Daddy
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2016 8:42 am

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Hey Daddy » Sat May 20, 2017 2:09 pm

My son was diagnosed 10 months ago with stage 2. His was T4n0m0 and was high grade (poorly differentiated) with lymphvascular and perineural invasion. He did 6 months FOLFOX and has had a clear CT and colonoscopy so he is NED. Your situation is probably more borderline with T3n0m0 on whether or not your Onc recommends chemo. The tumor grade and other risk factors could be the deciding factor. If you do have chemo, I hope it goes as smoothly as my sons. He didn't exactly enjoy it, but it was manageable and now he is as active as ever and feels better than he has in a long time.
DS dx CC Stage IIB (T4N0M0) 3Aug16, 21 yr old
poorly differentiated, lymphovascular and perineural invasion
CEA 29
Colon resection 4Aug16
CEA 2.5
Genetics testing negative
6 mo FOLFOX Sep16 - Mar17
CT Scan Mar17 clear
Colonoscopy Apr17 clear
CEA 1.8
NED
Emergency appendectomy Jun17
Adhesion surgery to clear small bowel obstruction Dec 17

Thetoad
Posts: 165
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 2:46 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Thetoad » Sat May 20, 2017 5:25 pm

Beckster wrote:Welcome to our forum. Sorry to hear about your diagnoses, but stage II is treatable and curable. I was diagnosed with stage 2A colon cancer of the cecum (right sided). I had LAP surgery in November with pathology of T3N0M0. You will have to wait until your pathology report comes back to see if you have any of the following risk factors for recurrence (T4, less than 12 lymph nodes, lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion, high grade tumor, perforation, obstruction). This will determine if adjunct chemo is needed after surgery. I had 2 high risk factor; high grade and lymphovascular invasion. Because of this, my MD Anderson oncologist suggested chemo. It was up to me, but I decided to do whatever was needed to be disease free. He originally gave me Capox (5/FU in pill form and Oxaliplatin) every 3 weeks for 8 cycles. I went for my first infusion of Oxaliplatin, but had an allergic reaction. No more Oxi! I am now only on the pill, which is Xeloda (5/FU in pill). He was ok doing this because it was my decision to receive the chemo. Xeloda will allow you to take pills wearing a pump for 48 hours and getting a port. I just finished cycle 7 and will be finished June 9th! This treatment fit my lifestyle and people do not even know I am on chemo. Another treatment for stage II if chemo is suggested, is Folfox, which is 5/FU and Oxaliplatin every other week for 12 weeks. You will need a port because they send you home with a 48 hour pump for the 5/FU.

If you have no high risk factors, you will probably go on surveillance (observation). CT scans twice a year with blood work every 3 months for the first 2 years. I hope this helps...if you need any additional info, just let me know.

Best of luck!
Beckster

Hi Beckster. I had a small underlying perforation well away from the tumour and there was a complete blockage. I've been told to discount those risk factors as I'm 3 1/2 years after surgery and they are risk factors more at the actual time of surgery. I didn't have chemo and my details are up to date. (Signature? Which I hope goes under this post. Any thoughts?
Emergency extended rt hemi November 2013.
Complete blockage, small perforation.
Stage 2a.
T3N0M0
22 Lymph nodes clear.
No bag.

Yearly appts appts and 6 monthly CEA tests.
Incisional hernia repair, mesh Nov. 2014.
Cellulitus
CEA 1.4 on 28/7/17
27/5/17. Gallbladder removed, open.
Good consultation Feb. 2017
CEA 1.7 on 16/11/17 colonoscopy ok Jan. 2018 :)
Nurse pleased, March 2018. CEA 1.8. One more CEA test and hopefully last appt in November, 2018.
Prostate cancer, Gleason 7 (3+4) Sept. '18.

Beckster
Posts: 438
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:01 pm
Location: New Jersey

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Beckster » Sat May 20, 2017 6:03 pm

Hi Beckster. I had a small underlying perforation well away from the tumour and there was a complete blockage. I've been told to discount those risk factors as I'm 3 1/2 years after surgery and they are risk factors more at the actual time of surgery. I didn't have chemo and my details are up to date. (Signature? Which I hope goes under this post. Any thoughts?[/quote]


I think is is up to the oncologist. My oncologist airs on the side of caution. Since my oncologist is from MD Anderson, he followed their protocol. It seems by your signature that your oncologist did well by you. 3 1/2 years out NED is great!! I hope for the same! My oncologist said that recurrence, if it happens, would be within the first 2 years. He is requesting CT scans every 6 months and bloodwork every 3 months for the first 2 years.

I did not have to take chemo, it was up to me. He said that if I had a T4 tumor, I would not have a choice.
57/F
DX:(CC) 10/19/16
11/4/16- Lap right hemi(cecum)
CEA- Pre Op (1.9), Pre Chemo (2.5)
Type: Adenocarcinoma
Tumor size:3.5 cm x 2.5 x 0.7 cm
Grade: G3
TNM: T3N0M0/IIA
LN: 0/24
LVI present
Surgical margins: clear
MSS
12/27/2016 - Capeox, anaphylactic
1/2/17 to 6/9/17- Xeloda
6/17,12/17,6/18,12/18,6/19,12/19,12/20,12/21 CT Scan NED :D
CEA- 6/17- 3.6, 9/17- 2.8 12/17-2.8, 3/18-3.1, 6/18-3.0, 9/18 2.8, 12/18 2.5 3/19 3.1 6/19 3.1 9/19 2.6 12/19 2.8 6/20 3.0 12/20 2.7 6/21 2.9,[color=#000000]12/21 2.7[/color]
Clear Colonoscopy 10/17, 11/19,11/21 :D

Thetoad
Posts: 165
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 2:46 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Thetoad » Sat May 20, 2017 6:29 pm

Beckster wrote:Hi Beckster. I had a small underlying perforation well away from the tumour and there was a complete blockage. I've been told to discount those risk factors as I'm 3 1/2 years after surgery and they are risk factors more at the actual time of surgery. I didn't have chemo and my details are up to date. (Signature? Which I hope goes under this post. Any thoughts?



I think is is up to the oncologist. My oncologist airs on the side of caution. Since my oncologist is from MD Anderson, he followed their protocol. It seems by your signature that your oncologist did well by you. 3 1/2 years out NED is great!! I hope for the same! My oncologist said that recurrence, if it happens, would be within the first 2 years. He is requesting CT scans every 6 months and bloodwork every 3 months for the first 2 years.

I did not have to take chemo, it was up to me. He said that if I had a T4 tumor, I would not have a choice.[/quote]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I started with 3 monthly CEA tests and appts. I have had one colonoscopy a year after surgery and am due for another late this year, 4 years post surgery. A CT scan 18 months after surgery and no more planned. CEA is now 6 monthly and consultant appts yearly. Great to read about the 2 year bit about recurrence. 3 1/2 does sound good!
I was not offered chemo. I really do hope everything goes well for you.
Emergency extended rt hemi November 2013.
Complete blockage, small perforation.
Stage 2a.
T3N0M0
22 Lymph nodes clear.
No bag.

Yearly appts appts and 6 monthly CEA tests.
Incisional hernia repair, mesh Nov. 2014.
Cellulitus
CEA 1.4 on 28/7/17
27/5/17. Gallbladder removed, open.
Good consultation Feb. 2017
CEA 1.7 on 16/11/17 colonoscopy ok Jan. 2018 :)
Nurse pleased, March 2018. CEA 1.8. One more CEA test and hopefully last appt in November, 2018.
Prostate cancer, Gleason 7 (3+4) Sept. '18.

DarknessEmbraced
Posts: 3816
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:54 pm
Facebook Username: Riann Fletcher
Location: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby DarknessEmbraced » Sun May 21, 2017 2:40 pm

I was diagnosed as stage 2a in 2014. Tumor was at the junction of the sigmoid and rectum. T3N0M0, lymph vascular invasion undetermined. I didn't have chemo and have been in remission since surgery.
Diagnosed 10/28/14, age 36
Colon Resection 11/20/14, LAR (no illeo)
Stage 2a colon cancer, T3NOMO
Lymph-vascular invasion undetermined
0/22 lymph nodes
No chemo, no radiation
Clear Colonoscopy 04/29/15
NED 10/20/15
Ischemic Colitis 01/21/16
NED 11/10/16
CT Scan moved up due to high CEA 08/21/17
NED 09/25/17
NED 12/21/18
Clear colonoscopy 09/23/19
Clear 5 year scans 11/21/19- Considered cured! :)

SurvivorsSpouse
Posts: 88
Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2015 12:38 pm

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby SurvivorsSpouse » Sun May 21, 2017 4:01 pm

At stge 2A risk factors will determine the recommended course. There are many studies saying T3N0M0 tumors are over treated with chemo, so their treatment tends to depend on on onc's experience.

Things he/she will take in to consideration:
Lymphovascular invasion
Perineural invasion
Number of lymph nodes taken (<12 is a risk factor)
Grade
Depth of penetration into the fat

There are plenty of successful protocols that indicate no chemo for 2A with no risk factors and the stats are quite good.

Good luck!!

Thetoad
Posts: 165
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 2:46 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Thetoad » Sun May 21, 2017 5:54 pm

SurvivorsSpouse wrote:At stge 2A risk factors will determine the recommended course. There are many studies saying T3N0M0 tumors are over treated with chemo, so their treatment tends to depend on on onc's experience.

Things he/she will take in to consideration:
Lymphovascular invasion
Perineural invasion
Number of lymph nodes taken (<12 is a risk factor)
Grade
Depth of penetration into the fat

There are plenty of successful protocols that indicate no chemo for 2A with no risk factors and the stats are quite good.

Good luck!!


I'll hang on to the fact that, 'you won't need chemo' comment from my surgeon after the 10 day wait while they 'slice and dice' as he put it, is a positive sign. Meaning I hope, that the risk factors of an obstruction and underlying perforation well away from the tumour, were not considered a major problem.
Emergency extended rt hemi November 2013.
Complete blockage, small perforation.
Stage 2a.
T3N0M0
22 Lymph nodes clear.
No bag.

Yearly appts appts and 6 monthly CEA tests.
Incisional hernia repair, mesh Nov. 2014.
Cellulitus
CEA 1.4 on 28/7/17
27/5/17. Gallbladder removed, open.
Good consultation Feb. 2017
CEA 1.7 on 16/11/17 colonoscopy ok Jan. 2018 :)
Nurse pleased, March 2018. CEA 1.8. One more CEA test and hopefully last appt in November, 2018.
Prostate cancer, Gleason 7 (3+4) Sept. '18.

camilazz
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 11, 2017 3:12 am

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby camilazz » Sat May 27, 2017 12:07 pm

Thank-you all for your responses. I keep looking to find information on MSS BRAF mutant colon cancer to see if there is a protocol to follow besides my oncologists plan to monitor only. As all of you most likely relate to, I spend countless hours looking on line, researching, reading others posts and hoping to find the ultimate answer. Prior to surgery when friends and colleagues would look at me with that oh you have cancer face, I would tell them its okay, I am going to fine, I'll get through this, I find I cant believe this proved true. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall, but perhaps the other shoe is the MSS BRAF 600e that came in after original pathology report.
dx 3/31/17 colonoscopy rectosigmoid junction mass
5/2/17 Surgery LAR Rectosigmoid colon segmental resection
pt3n0m0 BRAF V600E MSS

Dlroadruck
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2017 11:30 pm

Re: Stage 2 stories wanted

Postby Dlroadruck » Sat May 27, 2017 12:55 pm

Did you have the Oncotype DX testing? If not what genetic testing did you have?

Thanks!
Deanna
3/17 51F CC Stage IIA T3N0M0
4/17 Left hemicolectomy (CEA 1.5)
Low Grade
Tumor size 6.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 cm (splenic flexure)
Waiting on Oncotype DX test results


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