The Colon Club

It's been almost a year since my final surgery to remove my rectosigmoid colon cancer(stage 4). I think I remember the doc saying I had a positive lymph node.

I've been having similar symptoms to the ones I had prior to discovering that I had cancer. This has been going on for about 3 weeks.

I just had my colonoscopy and it was clear so I was wondering if a recurrence could develope back in the liver because of the lymph node.

I've had a pain under my right rib cage similar to before so I'm a little concerned.

I have called my onc and he has ordered labs to be drawn tomorrow with my port flush. I don't know what he has ordered yet(talked to nurse not onc personally)

Depending on these results he may order a ct scan.

Any opinions, personal experiences, scenarios would really be appreciated.

What could he be looking for in the lab test? I assuming a cea because it is a marker for me....anything else?

Thanks in advance! Prayers also requested!

If you are extra worried like I was, perhaps you can go to your local GP or doctor and have them get you a ultrasound abdominal. Perhaps this can ease your mind a little bit more?

Joannerogers wrote:... What could he be looking for in the lab test? I assuming a CEA because it is a marker for me....anything else?

I don't really know. Maybe he's looking for elevated liver enzymes, or for tumor marker CA19-9.

My onc told me the other day that my most recent blood tests showed slightly elevated liver enzymes. He said if they continue to remain elevated he will need to order a scan. So yes, they could be testing for liver enzymes.

Thanks all, waiting for lab results now.

Labs all good, cea 2.7!

Great news! Hope any other tests indicate all is good and set your mind at ease.

We all understand how scary it feels when things seem off.

Joannerogers wrote:Labs all good, cea 2.7!

Congratulations Joanne! With CEA low and stable everything should be good!
I had pain sometimes under ribs from I thought my scar tissue. I have a lot of it. My surgeon confirmed it and everything looked good on scans. I have less pain while doing frequent pilates.

Mariane,
Funny you should say that! I was just thinking this must be scar tissue and thought that yoga might help. Good to hear from you again!

I've aired my views on better bloodwork before. It takes a while to get it all going, and one's mind can play tricks while waiting for your personal stats to better develop. In the end better bloodwork can provide more reassurance if you're clear, with some better warning and answers if you're not.