New To Forum - Sigmoid Mass Treatment Question

[rymbra]

Hi folks,

I wanted to get some reach out to you all to see if you encountered a similar situation to what my dad's and to see what the steps/treatment were. Some time last spring, my Dad started noticing blood in his stool and he went overseas to see family. He had bad stomach pain and diarrhea in August so he returned back to the states. The initial thought was that it was IBS and so he changed his diet and things improved a little bit. Fast forward to April and he began to have black-tar stools. He finally got a colonoscopy and an endoscopy of his stomach on May 10th, 2017 and that same day the Doctor mentioned several things:

1. My dad had a malignant growth in his colon. Stomach was fine.
2. That he needs surgery as soon as possible to remove the growth.
3. That he is very constipated and that he will need a CAT Scan in the ab area.
4. When I asked the doctor what stage he thought my dad was in, he replied that he doesn't know.

I looked at the paper referral for the CAT Scan and in the reasoning it said "sigmoid mass'. 2 days later (Friday May 12th, 2017) we got the CAT scan. Several days later on Wednesday, May 17th, the gastro doctor's nurse called my Dad saying that they got the CAT Scan results and that the doctor would like to discuss other options in person. The appointment isn't until June 6, so basically a little over 2 weeks after the CAT Scan results came in.

With this type of delay and discuss options talk, does this more than likely mean it is pretty advanced (Stage IV)? I just started looking into treatments and it seems like Stage 1-3 are pretty straight-forward in terms of treatment. Just wanted to see what others thought based on their experience if their Doctors delayed the news by that many days.

Thanks!

[Tarsal69]

Definitely cut it out an take 6 folfox treatments if possible that's wat I did an I'm still here

[betsydoglover]

Call the doc office and ask nicely to have the doc call back - if not demand it. These results belong to your Dad and he should not have to wait that long for a discussion of the results. Good luck,

[Lee]

Hi folks,
With this type of delay and discuss options talk, does this more than likely mean it is pretty advanced (Stage IV)? I just started looking into treatments and it seems like Stage 1-3 are pretty straight-forward in terms of treatment. Just wanted to see what others thought based on their experience if their Doctors delayed the news by that many days.

Thanks!

It's odd that he can not see the Dr until June 6. No I would not assume it's stage IV.

When I was diagnosed on a Friday, GI doc was pretty sure it was cancer, these Dr know when they see cancer. Decided over the weekend, not to wait the week for follow up appt. Called the GI office on Monday and said let get this going. Within a few days, I met my Onc, surgeon and radiation Dr (rectal cancer).

Maybe your dad can call office and see if they can speed up appt date or get news over phone, or start the process now. Like I say, these Dr know cancer when they see it.

Hope this helps,

Lee

[WarriorSpouse]

Sorry to hear what your Dad is going through. I am not certain where you are located, but my advice would be to have a second opinion from a major cancer center after the Sigmoid resection. They will be able to see what stage he is diagnosed with based on his biopsy of the tumor, margins, and lymph node inspection. Much is learned after the surgery so be patient.
Good luck and let us know if you have other questions as your Dad moves forward.
WS

[GreenLakeGirl]

What kind of doctor? I would be reluctant to follow the sole treatment advice of a GP or a GI, and he should consider getting an opinion of a colorectal surgeon and an oncologist. I'm not knocking GPS or GIs, but this field of study is constantly changing, and in his shoes, I would consult with someone who specializes in oncology and a board-certified colorectal surgeon.

[CRguy]

.....the doctor would like to discuss other options in person.

1. With a sigmoid mass they may now suggest having chemo / radiation before surgery, instead of going straight to surgery ... depending upon the exact circumstances of your Dad's situation.

2. A second opinion with a specialist could be in his best interest, as others have stated.

3. There should be consideration for having his chest and liver assessed with imaging, if it has not already been done.
( i.e. was the CT scan CAP = chest-abdomen-pelvis, or just abdomen ? )

Best wishes to you and your Dad
CRguy