Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

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

Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Beckster » Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:44 pm

I am posting this to see updates on Stage II Colon Cancer members. Stage II is very controversial when it comes to treatments...some of us had adjunct chemo and some did not. We have no lymph node involvement, but still at risk for recurrence. I see so many updates from stage III and IV, but none for Stage II. How are the Stage II peeps on this forum doing? Is everyone still NED? Would love to hear updates....

I will start... I had a right hemi resection in November of 2016.. 2 high risk factor- LVI and Grade 3. I sometimes wonder how much these two are subjective. Started with Capeox but allergic to Oxi on first infusion. Finished 6 months of Xeloda with no interruptions. So far, so good...still NED. Just had my appt last month and my CEA went up from 2.8 to 3.1. Not to concerned. Having a scan and bloodwork in June. I might breathe a little easier when I hit the 2 year mark with no recurrence. It has been a rough year...my dad died last week, 2 days after my onc appt.
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

Teddybear
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:23 pm

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Teddybear » Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:36 pm

I am a stage 2A just starting my journey. Sigmoid Lap colectomy six weeks ago. Have been living in the gray area of adjunct therapy. Visited three oncologist and all had a different take on what to do. It was clear none of them really know how to proceed with stage 2. Very disheartening how little is understood about treating CRC. I decided on Xeloda mono therapy for 6 months to start in two weeks. I could not find anything to justify oxi at this time. I hope others with more to offer respond.

:D
DX CC Feb 2018
Feb 2018 Lap sigmoind resection
2A
T3N0M0/G2
0/14 nodes
Oncogene 14
Margins clear
MSS
April-June 2018 Xeloda

Teddybear
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:23 pm

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Teddybear » Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:38 pm

Very sorry for the loss of your father. I wish your family peace .
DX CC Feb 2018
Feb 2018 Lap sigmoind resection
2A
T3N0M0/G2
0/14 nodes
Oncogene 14
Margins clear
MSS
April-June 2018 Xeloda

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

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Beckster » Thu Apr 05, 2018 9:03 pm

Teddybear wrote:I am a stage 2A just starting my journey. Sigmoid Lap colectomy six weeks ago. Have been living in the gray area of adjunct therapy. Visited three oncologist and all had a different take on what to do. It was clear none of them really know how to proceed with stage 2. Very disheartening how little is understood about treating CRC. I decided on Xeloda mono therapy for 6 months to start in two weeks. I could not find anything to justify oxi at this time. I hope others with more to offer respond.

:D

Thanks for responding.... Stage II is so gray....I did Xeloda for 6 months. It is doable, but just watch for hand and foot. If you hands and/or feet start to get red and you have a hard time walking or using your hands, tell your onc. Mine started after the 2nd cycle. What was the reason for doing chemo with no high risk features (less than 12 lymph nodes, perforation, obstruction, LVI/PNI, T4 tumor, preoperative elevated CEA)? Good luck...if you have any questions, let me know.
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

Teddybear
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:23 pm

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Teddybear » Thu Apr 05, 2018 9:30 pm

I decided on doing chemo after oncologist explained a cancer cell can get out and travel leaving no trace until it decides to grow. I know the few studies on stage 2 show little to no difference with chemo, but I want to do everything I can. My oncologist said xeloda kills cancer cells so I am hoping if there is any escapees the xeloda may help. I hope this gets easier. I am living in a frame of mind of fear. Did you take any vacations while on Xeloda? I really want to do something with my kids this summer. Just don’t know how bad therapy will be.
DX CC Feb 2018
Feb 2018 Lap sigmoind resection
2A
T3N0M0/G2
0/14 nodes
Oncogene 14
Margins clear
MSS
April-June 2018 Xeloda

menreeq
Posts: 70
Joined: Fri Jun 30, 2017 10:26 am

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby menreeq » Fri Apr 06, 2018 12:22 am

While on Xeloda, I traveled cross country for the holidays. I avoided international travel even though I wasn’t immunosuppressed. My labs were normal, no drop in white blood cells or platelets. Although my chance for complication was low, I didn’t feel like taking major risks. My main issue was hand foot syndrome and fatigue.

I think you’ll be okay to travel with your kids this summer. You’ll have an idea of what your symptoms will be like by then. Also, you could look into the medical centers at your destination. If there’s a good academic center nearby, you know you can get high level care if anything untoward happens.

I’m not even a year out, but the update is that I am NED.
Stage IIA rectosigmoid CC (T3N0M0)
Dx 6/5/17 @age 41ls
Workup: c-scope, EUS, rectal MRI, CT C/A/P
AdenoCA 5.5cm, WHO Grade 2, 0/22 LN, no distant mets
CEA 1.9 (6/5/17), 0.8 (2/28/18), 1.0 (9/17/18), 1.1 (4/16/19), 1.0 (9/24/19), 1.7 (7/8/20)
No lymphovasc/perineural invasion, clear margins
MSI intact, OncotypeDx RS 7
Lap sig colectomy 6/23/17, no ileo/colostomy
Genetics neg for mutations, 4 VUS
Xeloda monotherapy 8/13/17-1/22/18
PET/CT 3/21/18 NED
CT C/A/P 9/17/18 NED, 3/8/19 NED, 9/19/19 NED, 5/13/20 NED

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

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Beckster » Fri Apr 06, 2018 6:22 am

Teddybear wrote:I decided on doing chemo after oncologist explained a cancer cell can get out and travel leaving no trace until it decides to grow. I know the few studies on stage 2 show little to no difference with chemo, but I want to do everything I can. My oncologist said xeloda kills cancer cells so I am hoping if there is any escapees the xeloda may help. I hope this gets easier. I am living in a frame of mind of fear. Did you take any vacations while on Xeloda? I really want to do something with my kids this summer. Just don’t know how bad therapy will be.


Went on vacation while on Xeloda...no problem. Just try to stay out of the sun. My onc did not want me sitting out in the sun until my chemo was done. One day, I worked outside in 90 degree weather... :shock: My hands and feet burned so much that I had to soak them in cold water. It took 2 hours to calm them down.
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

Deb m
Posts: 558
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2014 10:08 am

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Deb m » Fri Apr 06, 2018 8:29 am

Hello,

My husband is a stage IIt4a survivor. His cancer was in his cecum. He had surgery to remove his cecum, 15 inches of his ascending colon, his terminal ilium, a couple inches of his small intestine, his appendix, which the tumor penetrated the orifice of and 24 lymph nodes. He did 6 months of folfox, last two treatments without oxy due to neurophy getting to bad. We had our treatments done locally, but everything else at MDA in Texas. We have been cut loose from everything now except colonoscopy's every three years. He is 7 1/2 years out from surgery. He was considered high risk for recurrence because of the t4 and positive LVI. With the exception of very slight neurophy lingering on the bottom of his feet, he, I would say is as good as he was before he got sick. It seemed like we would never get to this point, but we just took it one day at a time. It was very difficult for us because my husband was the bread maker in the house and he being a pilot, was unable to fly while undergoing chemo. Our income totally stopped and we had to go on cobra to continue his insurance, very expensive! We have two boys who were at the time 12 and 13 years old., also very difficult for them. Do I still worry about every little stomach ache, cold, back ache etc he gets, you bet. I don't think the fear every goes totally away, but it does get better.

Stage two is the controversial stage as far as treatment and follow ups go, which is how we ended up at MDA. What our local oncologist was suggesting just didn't sound correct. The major cancer centers seem to have a good understanding of stage two and who should be treated ect. The local hospitals just kind of "wing it". Stage II is tuns better than stage III and Iv, but still is very concerning, especially if you have high risk features like we did.

My husband was just 50 at diagnosis and has quite a bit of cancer history on his mothers side of the family. Hence, we had genetic testing done at MDA and he is MSS with no genetic abnormality. I was surprised by this because of his many family members have had cancer. Sometimes I think there is a genetic problem in him somewhere, and its one that they haven't learned about yet and don't test for. He has two brothers and a sister. All except his sister have had cancer. Prostate, lung and him with colon. He also has three of his 5 aunts who have had cancer of different kinds and cousins from the same side of the family and yet he tested neg for any genetic abnormality? I worry about my sons even though he was neg for everything.

At any rate, we are very grateful for our outcome and pray that his good health continues.

I truly wish all of you the best, hang in there!

deb m

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

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby susie0915 » Fri Apr 06, 2018 9:01 am

I was stage 2A rectal cancer, diagnosed May, 2015. Did the radiation/chemo, had surgery, and Xelox after. After completing chemo/radiation, my surgeon did a sigmoidoscopy and said all that was left was scar tissue. Also a pet scan showed no evidence of disease. Surgeon said may not need chemo after surgery depending on pathology report. Pathology showed clear margins, 0/24 lymph nodes and minimal residual cancer cells remained. Oncologist recommended chemo even though chance of recurrence was low, she could not guarantee cancer cells did not get into blood stream. My chemo was delayed a few weeks as I had a bowel blockage 4 weeks after surgery and was in the hospital for 3 1/2 weeks. I did require surgery to remove scar tissue and my surgeon reversed my ileostomy at that time to avoid another abdominal surgery later. Probably made it a little tougher during chemo, but I made it through the 6 rounds. I am still currently NED and have a follow up appointment with my oncologist in May. My CEA has always been less than .5 but did increase to 1.1 during chemo and was as high as 1.0 last year. My oncologist will order a ct scan when I see her. There is a small spot on my lung that is being monitored although my oncologist is certain it is related to the scarring and inflammation in my lungs due to a possible auto immune disorder. There has been no change the past year, but it is always on my mind when scan time comes up.
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

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Robino1
Posts: 463
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2017 12:09 pm
Facebook Username: Robin.lawthers
Location: Florida

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Robino1 » Fri Apr 06, 2018 3:29 pm

2014 colon cancer stage IIA. Resection right ascending colon. No chemo.

3 years (almost to the day) stage IV recurrence with seeding on my omentum and caking on my liver.

Hindsight- wish I had pressed to get chemo.

Currently I've just finished my 16th round of chemo. My CEA was declining nicely then rose a bit but is now going down again. I just had a bit of skin cancer removed and I tribute the spike in CEA to the skin cancer (hey, it's possible ;) ).

Next CT scan is scheduled for the 11th. I hope to see what has been on all the reports: 'Marked response to therapy'. :mrgreen:
At 54 2014 1st colonoscopy colon cancer detect
Colon resect margins clear. No chemo Stage II
2017
Distend abd, pain in intestines.
CT scan seeding & Ascites
Lap diag - cancer on the omentum
CEA 217; 219
FOLFOX started 6/17
CEA 202
8/29/17 CT melting of tumor.
Latest CT scan shows 2 new tumors and return of ascites.
CEA: (2017)9/30 -109; 10/12 -99.1; 11/4 -90.7; 11/30 -70.7; 12/14 -83.4; (2018)1/4 -73.3; 2/1-84.2; 89.2; 89.8; 88.5; 81.8: 93.5; 107; 119
BRAF V600e

KimT
Posts: 695
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:53 pm

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby KimT » Fri Apr 06, 2018 7:35 pm

Stage 2a. 10cm tumor in the cecum. No chemo. No reoccurrence in 8 years.

I did have a second primary cancer 18 months after my colon cancer diagnosis. The second primary was ovarian and I did do chemo for that one.
2/10 dx colon cancer
right hemicolectomy 3/19/10
Stage 2a 0/43 nodes
Lynch syndrome
3/14/10 colon resection/ removal of metal clips
Nov 11 dx ovarian cancer

User avatar
teacher49
Posts: 189
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2011 10:34 am

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby teacher49 » Fri Apr 06, 2018 10:32 pm

I was Stage 2A rectal cancer diagnosed in 2011. Mine was ultra low so following chemo-rad, with 50% shrinkage of 4cm tumor I had abdominoperineal surgery with perm colostomy. I did adjuvant chemo to try to improve on the recurrence rate. So far all good. Only regret was that I didn't stop adj. chemo with oxaliplatin at 6 wks instead of at 10 wks. I do have peripheral neuropathy in my feet. Doesn't impair me, used to it.
F, 62,CRC, Adenoca, mod diff
cT3N0M0 Stage IIA May 2011
chemorad
APR on 9/27/11 Margins & Nodes Neg
comp.after surg/2 pelvic abscesses/Sepsis/Hosp 40 days
10th FOLFOX 6/6/2012 feet went numb
5FU to finish
NED 8/11/2021

weisssoccermom
Posts: 5988
Joined: Thu May 10, 2007 2:32 pm
Location: Pacific NW

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby weisssoccermom » Sat Apr 07, 2018 1:56 am

Stage IIA rectal cancer. Chemoradiation + transanal excision.....not the 'standard of care'.
Attempted the XELOX....severe allergic reaction to oxi....stopped after one cycle
Still continued with Xeloda only.....

I am here.....almost 12 years from diagnosis....11 years from my surgery (April 20th).
Dx 6/22/2006 IIA rectal cancer
6 wks rad/Xeloda -finished 9/06
1st attempt transanal excision 11/06
11/17/06 XELOX 1 cycle
5 months Xeloda only Dec '06 - April '07
10+ blood clots, 1 DVT 1/07
transanal excision 4/20/07 path-NO CANCER CELLS!
NED now and forever!
Perform random acts of kindness

Teddybear
Posts: 37
Joined: Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:23 pm

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Teddybear » Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:49 pm

Good Luck on your CT Scan Wednesday Robin. Please let us know how it goes. Many prayers for you!
DX CC Feb 2018
Feb 2018 Lap sigmoind resection
2A
T3N0M0/G2
0/14 nodes
Oncogene 14
Margins clear
MSS
April-June 2018 Xeloda

Eleda
Posts: 328
Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2017 2:28 am
Facebook Username: adele Morgan
Location: Ireland

Re: Looking for Stage II Updates for Colon Cancer Peeps

Postby Eleda » Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:45 pm

Weisssoccermom
My surgeons nurse rang me today to talk about transanal ular,,,!!!!
Ive 6 lymphnodes effected also and would stage originally at Dukes C
Im curious as to the severity of this option, and recovery??
My tumor was 3 cm 2.5cm above AV which has shrunk by 80%
Not sure this is,why they are thinking thia option??
Can u talk me through the procedure???
Im.assuming ill still need laparoscopy to remove the lymphnodes, and loop illiostomy

Thanks ADELE
SWF, 47
Mom to 3 sons 6/8/12
Dec4th 2017 colonoscopy for minor intermittent rectal bleeding during Summer
CEA 4.4
DX T3 L3C M0 2.5/3 cm above AV.
JAN 3RD started 1650mg Zelda 2xday, with 28 radiation
Did tagamet 800mg daily and 75mg IV VIT C WEEKLY UNTIL SURGERY and
Tumor reduce by 80% 1 LN still remaining
TATME May10th, temp illeostomy
10/07/2018 CEA 3
MMR INTACT
Began FOLFOX July 10th
24/08/2018 Allergic reaction so next infusion lucovorin and 5fu
CEA 4
Second attempt with oxi aug 12th


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