We got the MRI results back and the staging is listed as T3d. No other letters or numbers. I know that means it has penetrated the wall of his rectum more than 15mm.
No staging having anything to do with nodes, and from what I can tell, that is because there was only one node commented on and it was enlarged to 8mm and it’s not considered until it’s 10mm?
The report lists the size of the tumor(7cm), mesorectal lymph node morphology: a rounded 8mm short axis node in the 5 o’clock position, and how far from the anal verge(4cm).
It also states:
There is a nearly circumferential tumor predominantly involving the posterior wall of the rectum extending from the 3:00 position to the 10:00 position. This lesion shows a high degree of T2 signal that is suggestive of underlying mucinous components. The posterior wall of the rectum is markedly indestinct with multiplentumoral expressions that extend dorsally, some as far as 2cm on postcontrast imaging.
Anteriorly, signal abnormality comes within 6mm of the mesorectal fascia. Although posterioly the margins are difficult to delineate, abnormal signal comes within 5mm of the deep pelvic fascia posteriorly.
And then it says:
T stage-T3d:tumor extends >15mm beyond the muscularis propria.
Extramural vascular invasion:yes
The plan is 8 treatments of oxaliplatin chemo followed by 5FU in a pump for two days, every other week. Then radiation and chemo pill for I think six weeks, then hopefully surgery.
Does all this sound right as far as treatment some of you have had, and does the diagnosis sound curable? I have read a lot but wanted to get actual survival stories and opinions here.