cucaracha wrote:@NHMike
Thank you for sharing your history. It puts it in a better perspective for me.
I thought the ultrasound would designate the area for the FNA? How does that work when the ultrasound comes back positive for cancer and the FNA does not? This is probably why I had a hard time interpreting the pathology report. I just asked my PCP to go over it with me next week.
Yeah, I can see that if the cancer came back, I could potentially be in a dangerous predicament. My radiation oncologist has told me I have received the maximum amount of radiation for that location in my body.
Yes, I am certainly aware of the QoL with the LAR and the syndrome. That's why I am trying to avoid the radical treatment. I met with my surgeon this past Friday to go over the details once again for my surgery. Also, it was another opportunity for him to specify how much of my rectum he would take (2/3). He also said the surgery won't affect my prostate due to the location of the excision.
I haven't asked any of my doctors yet if I could do W&W. I have asked if there was anything else we could do, but they said no. Why wouldn't a TAE be an option now? I didn't see anywhere on my pathology or MRI the depth of the tumor at its current reduced state. My original MRI from 1/07/20 listed the tumor has 3mm beyond the rectal wall.
Thanks for the insight, Eric
cucaracha wrote:@Phillypatient
I spoke to MSK today. Since I live in California, they recommended a hospital from the NCI network. It just so happens UCSF is very close to me. I tried calling numerous times and even left a message. But no one got back to me. Luckily I had a phone meeting with my PCP to go over my pathology report. I told him I would like a 2nd opinion, and he sent in the referral as a rush. I guess it's a good sign when the hospital is so hard to get a hold of anyone.
prayingforccr wrote:Phillypatient wrote:At MSK, the doctor there suggested to do the chemotherapy before surgery because they have observed complete clinical response in patients that have residual tumors post radiation. You are going to have to do the chemo anyway. I’d much happier I did it pre surgery when I functioned normally. Doctor Aguilar is the head of colorectal surgery and head of the study. It’s worth a shot. They’ve also written some papers for the layman to read. I would do anything I could to avoid the surgery if possible.
Good luck and feel free to ask questions
I have been/am being treated by msk.
We did 5 weeks crt (radiation/capecetabine/m3814) and I just completed my 8th round of folfox.
I took 5 weeks In between CRT and chemotherapy.
All actions were done with giving me the best chance to achieve a pcr or ccr and avoid a colostomy.
I believe this is the new standard of care going forward.
crt, then folfox/then surgery (if needed)
I am to have a colonoscopy next week to see if there is any persistent disease.
The tumor was at least 85% dead/necrotic after my first folfox session.
I am PRAYING for a ccr.
I have NO IDEA what the gameplan might be if there is a near ccr and a small amount of tumor remaining.
prayingforccr wrote:Phillypatient wrote:At MSK, the doctor there suggested to do the chemotherapy before surgery because they have observed complete clinical response in patients that have residual tumors post radiation. You are going to have to do the chemo anyway. I’d much happier I did it pre surgery when I functioned normally. Doctor Aguilar is the head of colorectal surgery and head of the study. It’s worth a shot. They’ve also written some papers for the layman to read. I would do anything I could to avoid the surgery if possible.
Good luck and feel free to ask questions
I have been/am being treated by msk.
We did 5 weeks crt (radiation/capecetabine/m3814) and I just completed my 8th round of folfox.
I took 5 weeks In between CRT and chemotherapy.
All actions were done with giving me the best chance to achieve a pcr or ccr and avoid a colostomy.
I believe this is the new standard of care going forward.
crt, then folfox/then surgery (if needed)
I am to have a colonoscopy next week to see if there is any persistent disease.
The tumor was at least 85% dead/necrotic after my first folfox session.
I am PRAYING for a ccr.
I have NO IDEA what the gameplan might be if there is a near ccr and a small amount of tumor remaining.
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