Hi, I am new to this group but I've been reading the threads since last year when my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 1 rectal cancer T2N0M0. It really helped me a lot and gave me relief and hope everytime I'm reading the threads.
I would just like to share my Mom's story and ask for your advice... When we found out that my Mom has a rectal tumor, we immediately went to a surgeon and seek medical advise. His advise was to remove the tumor but since it is on the very low part of her rectum, the doctor said that she will be having a permanent colostomy. my mom had her surgery and She did not advised to have a chemo since it is only stage 1. Instead, the onco ordered her to have a monitoring test every 6 mos. Last Feb was her first monitoring and it all went well. from CT scan to CEA to chest xray. And then, just last week, she had her 2nd monitoring which turned out that there are 4 lung nodules seen on her right upper lobe. the biggest is at 7mm with ground glass opacity. Last Feb, her CEA is 0.97 and this August, it goes up to 1.15, I'm not sure if the increase is a sign that the nodules are mets. I am scheduled to meet her onco next week. But I am really afraid that this might be another battle that we need to face. Last year's experience was so traumatic to me and for the family. Seeing my mom in pain hurts me a lot. Does anyone had an experience with stage 1 rectal cancer that has metastasis? what is the probability that these nodules are mets?