Follow-up/monitoring found lesions on liver/spleen after CRC surgery

[patrickt]

My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV CRC in 2016 that spread to liver and lung. She did many rounds of chemo to treat the cancer that metastasized - radiotherapy (lung) and ablation (liver), as well as her CRC resection surgery in December 2016. The treatment plan worked, doctors were amazed with her results. She did regular/monthly monitoring and folllow-up CT scans, MRIs, etc. and found no issues. CEA levels were between 5-9 but the doctors considered that normal for her case. Long story short - her life was practically back to normal.

Until her last regular check up this month where doctors found a slightly elevated CEA level (12) and a lesion on her spleen and liver.

Her doctors say they will do a biopsy on the lesions to confirm if cancerous. We're a little paranoid, so I wonder if anybody here have had a similar experience.

[Lee]

Sorry for what is happening to your mom. I was told the first 2-3 yrs are the most critical as far as the cancer coming back. Sometimes it takes that long for the cancer cells to show themselves. My best advice, if you have not already done so, please get a 2nd opinion at a major cancer hospital or cancer treatment center.

Good luck, so sorry your mom id dealing with this,

Lee

[patrickt]

Thank you for your response. I guess we will have to wait for the biopsy later this month.

[boxhill]

patrickt, what are your mother's tumor genetics? That should play a major role in determining her treatment.

[patrickt]

@boxhill, I haven't heard of that before. How does one determine tumor genetics? Is that a standard test?

[rp1954]

We always get extra blood panels near peak conditions off treatment. Then after surgery and mild, metronomic chemos (extended ADAPT or immunochemo), we can always see what's improved or still a problem. This has afforded us extra chances, helped us see what standard practices can't, and more reassurances long term.

We don't argue or ask, we order them ourselves.

[LPL]

@boxhill, I haven't heard of that before. How does one determine tumor genetics? Is that a standard test?

Please ask your Oncologist. I’m sure they have at least tested some. Maybe they just haven’t told you. Ask for a copy of the result. It is important to know for example MSI-status and if there are mutations in the KRAS and/or BRF gene etc..

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you and your Mom are going through this!*hugs* I hope her biopsy goes well!*hugs*

[MCK]

Is there any way to tell, for sure, if a liver lesion in a met or non cancerous spot? I’m guessing a biopsy is only way to be 100% sure? If they biopsy, what are the risks of a biopsy? CT scan found a sub centimeter liver lesion. I’m waiting on MRI date. Just wondering if the MRI doesn’t rule the lesion out as possible cancer, would the next step be chemo or biopsy?

[texmexflute]

After liver mets were found, I had a liver biopsy. Not really a big deal - out patient, percutaneous. It didn't really hurt and definitely diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. That's the way to tell. MRI can tell that they are there and the approximate size (based on the slice size) but to definitely diagnose they would need biopsy. Not all liver masses are cancer.

[MCK]

Texnexflute, thank you!

[patrickt]

Appreciate everyone's responses. Her biopsy is scheduled late this month and will keep you posted.