The Colon Club

Hello all, this is my very first post here. My DH was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2018. He had chemo/radiation prior to surgery, removal of part of colon/rectum and then pump chemo every other week for 4 months. We were so happy to have two clear scans after that. Then due to COVID, a scan was pushed back. Last scan in June showed a 2cm mass I his liver. Luckily the tumor was able to be surgically removed with clear margins. The plan is to start Xeloda next week. My question is when should the HAI pump be considered? We love our oncology team and they are an hour away. MSK is many states away from us. I just want to make sure we make the right decisions. Is an HAI pump mainly to get you to surgery or should it be chosen as a maintenance? Any experience with similar situation, Xeloda, etc. is appeciated. Thank you all for your help. This forum is a Godsend, so full of hope and inspiration.

I am not an HAI pumper here BUTT .....
just wanted to "bump you up" in case some other members may have missed your post

I know we do have some members who could give you more info !

Cheers and best wishes on the Journey
CRguy

I’m also not HAI myself as I’m not in the US, but from everything I’ve observed I think the best answer is “as soon as a reputable hospital would be prepared to offer you one”.

An HAI Pump can be used for both purposes - to get liver tumors reduced in size/number enough for a patient to be able to have surgery OR after surgery to lessen the chance of a recurrence. (Approximately 50% to 75% of patients develop a recurrence of the disease within two years after a liver resection.)

In my case, I had the liver resection and at the same time they implanted an HAI Pump. I then had several cycles of FUDR in the pump. Like your husband, I was also on Xeloda both pre-surgery and post-surgery. Since my HAI pump treatment my liver has remained completely clear.

Soooo.... in terms of your question, since your DH already had a a liver resection, it is vitally important they monitor him for a recurrence. Make sure he is getting frequent scans and CEA tests (assuming CEA is a good marker for him). Personally, if I were you, I'd have a consultation about the pump now. But, due to Covid travel issues + living farther away from NYC + the fact that he had only a single tumor in his liver, I can understand waiting. But ONLY if he is heavily monitored. And at any sign of a recurrence, I would immediately arrange for a consultation with Dr. Kemeny.

MSK was also "several states" away for me - I live on the west coast. But sometimes you have to do what you need to do. So don't hesitate to call Dr. Kemey's office if you want a consultation. I hope your DH stays clear now and everything turns out fine. But the HAI pump is a Godsend if you need it. Trust me on this. I wouldn't be alive to be writing you now if it wasn't for it!

Hope this helps!
Juliej

Thank you all So much for your input. He meets with oncologist monthly for blood results and scans are scheduled every 3 months. My DH thoughts are to remain on the Xeloda and if a tumor should appear back in his liver, to explore the HAI pump option. Of course we are hoping and praying we will be the percentage that it doesn’t come back. I will say his oncologist and team have been on top of everything from the start. We have nothing but pure respect and gratitude for all they have done thus far.