Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

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NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:31 am

Aqx99 wrote:You will probably need to measure your output to help tell if you have diarrhea and to see how much fluid you are losing. The oxaliplatin always gave me muscle cramps in my calves and hands. I could barely walk out of the infusion center sometimes. After climbing the stairs in my home holding the handrail, my hand would stay in the clutched position until I forcibly straightened it out. I ate a lot of potatoes during chemo because they really thickened my output.


No cramps this morning, calves or arms. I think that I didn't have enough electrolytes the first day and had cramps from it but the other days were more likely a combination of the farmers walks and maybe the oxy. It normally takes three days to rebuild muscle (or recover from teardown) for me and that would be just about right. The effects on the heels and arms were the day after the oxy and started after the weightlifting. I am monitoring things fairly closely right now for any issues.

This morning I spent five minutes clearing ice off the windshield before going to the grocery store and I used an old pair of Marmot waterproof gloves with a nice liner. I didn't have any issues with the cold like yesterday but it was around freezing and it wasn't raining. Yesterday it was mid-20s and raining so my fleece gloves got soaked and my fingers were numb and cold. After we returned, I cleared off the other car - it had two inches of snow under 3/4 inch of ice. That took about 40 minutes. The only places I had the cold feelings were on my nose and a bit on the chin. I growing a lot of facial hair to help protect against the cold. I actually felt fine doing that. It may be that my body was warm from clearing ice and snow or that the effects of the Oxy are fading - I really hope it's the latter. I have to later clear off a bit of snow and ice off the roof in preparation for a storm starting tonight going into tomorrow morning that should leave us with 3-6 inches and take care of some other outside stuff.

We're going to Costco today (insane, huh?) and I will buy the Balaclava and Ski Mask if they still have them in stock.

The sweet potatoes do a nice job on thickening for me. I will try the potatoes as well. I had a lot of stinging yesterday but nothing after last night. I've been looking for a watching videos on crusting and applying the Convex Natura wafers. I wish that there were far more video examples out there than I've found so far.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

benben
Posts: 324
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 3:18 pm
Location: Washington State

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby benben » Sun Dec 24, 2017 1:32 pm

I know that I started getting a lot of cramping on Folfox around mid treatment, that got progressively worse each treatment.
It was mostly right after waking up for me and required some stretching the hamstrings to loosen things up.

I tried to keep up with the weights, but it was quite difficult to do when my strength and energy levels were so low. Mostly stuck with the 2-4 mile walks as much as possible.

But have faith. I'm two months out and the muscle mass has really started to pack on. I went for my survivor appointment and they were shocked to find my weight
already back to pre-surgery. Scaled in at 182.5. After scaling at 163 on Oct 24 (and as far down as 153 at treatment 7). I'd venture to guess at least 90% of that is muscle mass as I'm getting definition back into my shoulders/pecks and biceps and that's just from averaging 45 minutes of not so vigorous lifting every other day. Even my neuropathy seems to be continually dissipating.
It's amazing how quickly our bodies can rebound from these things. I'd guess you'll also rebound quickly.

Keep at it Mike. You're doing quite well.
----------------------
3/29/17 diagnosed CRC - 44 y/o Male
4/17/17 ULAR - Straight anastomosis - no ostomy.
Path: low grade T3n1m0 - moderate diff.
KRAS - NO, MLH1/PMS2/MSH6/MSH2 - Normal.
5/3 med port install
5/22 folfox - first treatment.
3rd treat, delayed - low ANC - reduced to 90% OXI
zarxio all treats
Treat 7 - 75% OXI
Treats 8-12 - NO OXI, Luke & 5FU
10/20/17 CT- NED
3/18 Scope - Clean
11/8 PORT OUT!
7/22 CT - NED (5 years!)

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:10 pm

benben wrote:I know that I started getting a lot of cramping on Folfox around mid treatment, that got progressively worse each treatment.
It was mostly right after waking up for me and required some stretching the hamstrings to loosen things up.

I tried to keep up with the weights, but it was quite difficult to do when my strength and energy levels were so low. Mostly stuck with the 2-4 mile walks as much as possible.

But have faith. I'm two months out and the muscle mass has really started to pack on. I went for my survivor appointment and they were shocked to find my weight
already back to pre-surgery. Scaled in at 182.5. After scaling at 163 on Oct 24 (and as far down as 153 at treatment 7). I'd venture to guess at least 90% of that is muscle mass as I'm getting definition back into my shoulders/pecks and biceps and that's just from averaging 45 minutes of not so vigorous lifting every other day. Even my neuropathy seems to be continually dissipating.
It's amazing how quickly our bodies can rebound from these things. I'd guess you'll also rebound quickly.

Keep at it Mike. You're doing quite well.


I think that it bounces back if you're used to working out. I've been laid up with injuries before and always worked my way back. It sounds like you're doing great.

That expression "survivor appointment" sounds great.

I went to Costco and they didn't have Balaclavas in my size but I picked up a package of Bolle Ski Goggles (antifog) so these will be good walking outside tomorrow. Forecast is 6-10 inches of snow with wind at 20-30 MPH. I didn't check the temperatures. I will use my Balaclava shirt and maybe a scarf (I have this nice Scottish six-foot scarf that I got in London in the 1980s). I also picked up some battery-powered handwarmers. They are basically 4,600 mah batteries connected to a heating element. You put them in your palm and press the button on the top and they heat to 114 degrees. I need to check out the reviews but these may be handy in the car for a quick warmup after clearing it of ice and snow.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Mon Dec 25, 2017 1:39 pm

I cleared off the car while my son did most of the shoveling. My hands were still numb, though.

So I opened up the Celestron Elements hand warmers and tried them out and they work great. They heat up in about 30 seconds and they get rid of the numbness really quickly. I can be inside but my hands will still be numb for quite a while. What gets rid of the numb feeling is direct contact with something over 100 degrees. I was also getting used to the numbness outside though it obviously affected my dexterity.

The ski mask really worked out well too. It blocked the wind from my upper face and eyes so I didn't have the paralyzed eye feeling - worst when it freezes halfway. Now I just need a proper Balaclava. My Balaclava shirt works okay for now but I want a piece that's more flexible to use with other clothes.

I noticed several people with Raynaud's in the reviews for the handwarmers (you recharge them with a USB cable) which is a good sign. Costco has them 2 for $30 while Amazon sells them 1 for $34.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

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susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby susie0915 » Mon Dec 25, 2017 2:51 pm

Thanks mike. I ordered a hand warmer from survivor frog for $25. Works pretty good. It's rechargeable and about the size of a computer mouse. Is that what the two you mentioned from Costco and Amazon are like?
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Mon Dec 25, 2017 2:59 pm

susie0915 wrote:Thanks mike. I ordered a hand warmer from survivor frog for $25. Works pretty good. It's rechargeable and about the size of a computer mouse. Is that what the two you mentioned from Costco and Amazon are like?


The ones that I have look like this:

Image
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

benben
Posts: 324
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 3:18 pm
Location: Washington State

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby benben » Mon Dec 25, 2017 3:27 pm

NHMike wrote:
I think that it bounces back if you're used to working out. I've been laid up with injuries before and always worked my way back. It sounds like you're doing great.

That expression "survivor appointment" sounds great.

I went to Costco and they didn't have Balaclavas in my size but I picked up a package of Bolle Ski Goggles (antifog) so these will be good walking outside tomorrow. Forecast is 6-10 inches of snow with wind at 20-30 MPH. I didn't check the temperatures. I will use my Balaclava shirt and maybe a scarf (I have this nice Scottish six-foot scarf that I got in London in the 1980s). I also picked up some battery-powered handwarmers. They are basically 4,600 mah batteries connected to a heating element. You put them in your palm and press the button on the top and they heat to 114 degrees. I need to check out the reviews but these may be handy in the car for a quick warmup after clearing it of ice and snow.


Yes, I'm feeling great. Hope it stays that way and I can reside in NED.

You guys have it even more rough with enduring Oxali during the cold. I can't imagine going through treatment in the winter.
I got shivers in the summer while on treatment if I was in an AC room under 72 degrees. Sounds like you're being innovative in ways to battle the cold though.
Stay Warm!
----------------------
3/29/17 diagnosed CRC - 44 y/o Male
4/17/17 ULAR - Straight anastomosis - no ostomy.
Path: low grade T3n1m0 - moderate diff.
KRAS - NO, MLH1/PMS2/MSH6/MSH2 - Normal.
5/3 med port install
5/22 folfox - first treatment.
3rd treat, delayed - low ANC - reduced to 90% OXI
zarxio all treats
Treat 7 - 75% OXI
Treats 8-12 - NO OXI, Luke & 5FU
10/20/17 CT- NED
3/18 Scope - Clean
11/8 PORT OUT!
7/22 CT - NED (5 years!)

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Tue Dec 26, 2017 8:16 am

I got my 12/20 CEA report and it was 1.4. So 2.7, 1.9, 1.8, 0.6, and 1.4. The 2.7 was after diagnosis. 1.9 1/2 way through Neo-Adjuvant. 1.8 after Neo-Adjuvant. 0.6 after surgery. 1.4 the day of Adjuvant start. The 0.6 was at Dana Farber and the rest at my local hospital. Local hospital normal range is <= 3.8. Dana Farber normal range is <= 2.5. If we go by ratios, then Dana Farber is 0.24 while the local hospital is 0.37. But we don't know if the values in the scale are strictly linear. So somewhat of a minor worry. But the remaining tests should be at the local hospital so I should get some consistency over time.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Tue Dec 26, 2017 11:48 am

The Xeloda is starting to have an impact on my stamina as I'm quite tired today. Contributing are staying up to watch a movie with the family last night, only six hours of sleep and a lot of work clearing snow off a roof. I have a bunch of other physical chores to do today but I'm taking breaks and watching my heartrate. I wanted to go to the gym as well but I might not have time.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

Aqx99
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:28 am
Facebook Username: aqx99
Location: Pfafftown, NC

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby Aqx99 » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:04 pm

NHMike wrote:I got my 12/20 CEA report and it was 1.4. So 2.7, 1.9, 1.8, 0.6, and 1.4. The 2.7 was after diagnosis. 1.9 1/2 way through Neo-Adjuvant. 1.8 after Neo-Adjuvant. 0.6 after surgery. 1.4 the day of Adjuvant start. The 0.6 was at Dana Farber and the rest at my local hospital. Local hospital normal range is <= 3.8. Dana Farber normal range is <= 2.5. If we go by ratios, then Dana Farber is 0.24 while the local hospital is 0.37. But we don't know if the values in the scale are strictly linear. So somewhat of a minor worry. But the remaining tests should be at the local hospital so I should get some consistency over time.


There are different methodologies for running the CEA. The two hospitals may be using different ones from each other. My first CEA was run one way, the second and third were run a different way. Each methodology has its own standard ranges.
Anne, 40
Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer
T3N1bM0
2/21/17 Dx, Age 39
2/21/17 CEA 0.9
3/23/17 - 5/2/17 Chemoradiation, 28 treatments
6/14/17 Robotic LAR w/temp loop ileostomy, ovaries & fallopian tubes removed, 2/21 lymph nodes positive
7/24/17 - 12/18/17 CapeOx, 6 Cycles
7/24/17 Dx w/ovarian cancer
9/6/17 CA 125 11.1
11/27/17 CEA 2.6
12/5/17 CT NED
12/13/17 CEA 2.9
1/11/18 CA 125 8.6
1/23/18 Reversal
3/21/18 CT enlarged thymus
4/6/18 PET NED
7/10/18 CT NED
7/11/18 CEA 2.6
9/18 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:09 pm

Aqx99 wrote:There are different methodologies for running the CEA. The two hospitals may be using different ones from each other. My first CEA was run one way, the second and third were run a different way. Each methodology has its own standard ranges.


That's what I'm thinking. I'll get another CEA from the local hospital in a few weeks and am hoping for a stable number around 1.4.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

Aqx99
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:28 am
Facebook Username: aqx99
Location: Pfafftown, NC

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby Aqx99 » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:15 pm

NHMike wrote:
Aqx99 wrote:There are different methodologies for running the CEA. The two hospitals may be using different ones from each other. My first CEA was run one way, the second and third were run a different way. Each methodology has its own standard ranges.


That's what I'm thinking. I'll get another CEA from the local hospital in a few weeks and am hoping for a stable number around 1.4.


Don't panic if your number does go up a bit. My oncologist told me that very often chemo can cause a temporary rise in the CEA. She said she would only worry if it goes above normal.
Anne, 40
Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer
T3N1bM0
2/21/17 Dx, Age 39
2/21/17 CEA 0.9
3/23/17 - 5/2/17 Chemoradiation, 28 treatments
6/14/17 Robotic LAR w/temp loop ileostomy, ovaries & fallopian tubes removed, 2/21 lymph nodes positive
7/24/17 - 12/18/17 CapeOx, 6 Cycles
7/24/17 Dx w/ovarian cancer
9/6/17 CA 125 11.1
11/27/17 CEA 2.6
12/5/17 CT NED
12/13/17 CEA 2.9
1/11/18 CA 125 8.6
1/23/18 Reversal
3/21/18 CT enlarged thymus
4/6/18 PET NED
7/10/18 CT NED
7/11/18 CEA 2.6
9/18 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:20 pm

Aqx99 wrote:
Don't panic if your number does go up a bit. My oncologist told me that very often chemo can cause a temporary rise in the CEA. She said she would only worry if it goes above normal.


All of my numbers, even with a huge tumor, were in the normal range, so the numbers are relative. My numbers wet 1.9 during chemo before but the Oxal is the wild card. Still, if the Oxal is kicking any cancer cells as hard as it is kicking me, then the number should stay below 1.9.
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT

Aqx99
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:28 am
Facebook Username: aqx99
Location: Pfafftown, NC

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby Aqx99 » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:24 pm

NHMike wrote:
Aqx99 wrote:
Don't panic if your number does go up a bit. My oncologist told me that very often chemo can cause a temporary rise in the CEA. She said she would only worry if it goes above normal.


All of my numbers, even with a huge tumor, were in the normal range, so the numbers are relative. My numbers wet 1.9 during chemo before but the Oxal is the wild card. Still, if the Oxal is kicking any cancer cells as hard as it is kicking me, then the number should stay below 1.9.


My CEA at diagnosis was 0.9, I freaked when my first post treatment CEA was 2.6, then two weeks later it was 2.9. I trust my oncologist, if she isn't worried, I'm not either.
Anne, 40
Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer
T3N1bM0
2/21/17 Dx, Age 39
2/21/17 CEA 0.9
3/23/17 - 5/2/17 Chemoradiation, 28 treatments
6/14/17 Robotic LAR w/temp loop ileostomy, ovaries & fallopian tubes removed, 2/21 lymph nodes positive
7/24/17 - 12/18/17 CapeOx, 6 Cycles
7/24/17 Dx w/ovarian cancer
9/6/17 CA 125 11.1
11/27/17 CEA 2.6
12/5/17 CT NED
12/13/17 CEA 2.9
1/11/18 CA 125 8.6
1/23/18 Reversal
3/21/18 CT enlarged thymus
4/6/18 PET NED
7/10/18 CT NED
7/11/18 CEA 2.6
9/18 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

NHMike
Posts: 2555
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:43 am

Re: Rectal cancer (Stage 3A) diagnosed late June 2017

Postby NHMike » Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:38 pm

Aqx99 wrote:My CEA at diagnosis was 0.9, I freaked when my first post treatment CEA was 2.6, then two weeks later it was 2.9. I trust my oncologist, if she isn't worried, I'm not either.


Okay, that would freak me out!
6/17: ER rectal bleeding; Colonoscopy
7/17: 3B rectal. T3N1bM0. 5.2 4.5 4.3 cm. Lymphs: 6 x 4 mm, 8 x 6, 5 x 5
7/17-9/17: Xeloda radiation
7/5: CEA 2.7; 8/16: 1.9; 11/30: 0.6; 12/20 1.4; 1/10 1.8; 1/31 2.2; 2/28 2.6; 4/10 2.8; 5/1 2.8; 5/29 3.2; 7/13 4.5; 8/9 2.8, 2/12 1.2
MSS, KRAS G12D
10/17: 2.7 2.2 1.6 cm (-90%). Lymphs: 3 x 3 mm (-62.5%), 4 x 3 (-75%), 5 x 3 (-40%). 5.1 CM from AV
10/17: LAR, Temp Ileostomy, Path Complete Response
CapeOx (8) 12/17-6/18
7/18: Reversal, Port Removal
2/19: Clean CT


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