Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Stage IV colon cancer patient being treated with FOLFOX+Avastin for only 4 mo. and still the cancer progress?
Is this possible? What should be the next course of action after that? FOLFIRI? Is it even possible that both A) the Avastin doesn't work on this particular patient and B) the 5-FU doesn't work either? ***Sorry, I meant to say 4 rounds of treatment, not 4 months. So, it's really 2 months, and the cancer progressed on FOLFOX+Avastin.
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
The malignancy was progressed way beyond what is considered "curable". Stage 4 cancers are usually treated in order to prolong the life of the patient, by slowing the growth and giving them some time. It doesnt halt the progression. It sounds like a very agressive malignancy.
2 :
It is likely that FOLFIRI would be tried next as they are the first and second â€“line chemotherapies for advanced colon cancer. The data does not support one should be tired first over the other. It is a little difficult to answer the rest of your question, as Iâ€™m not exactly sure what you mean. At the beginning of your question you state the cancer is progressing and toward the end you state the treatment didnâ€™t work. You also didnâ€™t mention how long ago chemo was stopped. Are you saying it did not slow the progression at all? Please understand, I do not mean to be insensitive. I know this must be difficult for you as you obviously care about this person or you would not be on the Internet asking questions. However, I have no way of knowing how much you understand this dreadful disease. The doctors are not trying to cure this person, as they know that is not possible. They are doing their best to give their patient as much time as they can, with the best quality of life. So if the chemo slowed the progression for a while, it did work. I donâ€™t know how long ago they were diagnosed, but you should also know the five year survival rate for stage IV colon cancer is 5%. I am very sorry.
3 :
chemo does not discriminate,kills all-good and bad cells.there might be help at http://411mms.com click on the "about mms" prompt and read it.
4 :
Sweetie, some chemo treatments just don't work and the oncologist has to tweak the treatment. For my Stage III Colon Cancer, I was on FOLFOX + Oxyplatinan. It was not friendly to me and I was only able to last three months on it, or six rounds, then ended up taking Xeloda. It was enough to "so far" (knock on wood) stop the cancer. So, in my situation, my chemo had to be tweaked. Don't pay attention to stats or idiots who quote stats. Each person is different in how they react to cancer and to cancer treatments. There are thousands of Stage III and Stage IV Survivors who have lived past five years out there so just ignore them. The next course of treatment could be anything prescribed by the oncologist--just flow with it and if you question it, get a second opinion and get your mind in the right place to be positive and to mentally combat it. Just remember it isn't unusual to modify or change chemo treatments because they are not responsive to a certain situation. I wish you the best.
5 :
I agree with the poster who said ignore the stats. If I believed my prognosis, I may as well give up. Ignore the states. I'm on Foxflo and it sounds like you need to ask your oncologist about adding another medication. It is hit and miss as to how chemo effects each person. Work with your oncologist and you'll find a treatment plan. Another suggestion is to stay off the internet. Reading all the crap out there will scare you unnecessarily.

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Friday, April 24, 2009

What happends to person that has colon cancer

What happends to person that has colon cancer?

Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
If it's caught early enough, they will live. If not, they may die.
2 :
Nothing if it's diagnosed right away.

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Monday, April 20, 2009

How often should a colon cancer survivor of 14 yrs. have a colonoscopy

How often should a colon cancer survivor of 14 yrs. have a colonoscopy?
these tests have been taken annually & result in finding 1 or 2 polyps which have been removed & found non-cancerous.
Cancer - 6 Answers
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1 :
yearly
2 :
I'd have it done yearly. Better safe than sorry since colon cancer can be very aggressive and grow quickly.
3 :
Every 6 to 12 months, remember early detections is the key to a long life.
4 :
If you are still growing adenomatous polyps, every year, then yearly exams would be good. If you have no polyps, then the interval might be moved to every 3-5 years. You should not go more than 5 years in between exams, with your cancer history. You immediate family also needs exams, generally starting at age 40, and also every 5 years in-between. They are in a high risk group as well, with your colon cancer history.
5 :
the same once a year. i have it done every year.each time they remove two or three.
6 :
My surgeon's schedule; find polyps, see you next year. Find none, 3 years. I never had cancer, but my father did. Due to this history I had a "scope last year. He found 7 polyps. I listen to this man, he had colon cancer himself, and his partner is a cancer specialist.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

My best friend just found out she has colon cancer someone please help me out

My best friend just found out she has colon cancer someone please help me out?
She was having very very bad problems having bowel movements so she had a test done colonoscopy? and called her in today and said she has a tumor causing blockage and she is having surgery monday she is young very young! what is going to happen shes been to upset to talk to anyone could the surgery get rid of everything if its not far along and can it rly be colon cancer?? do u think she needs another opinion? thanks for any answers
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If detected early enough colon cancer is the easiest cancer to treat. She should always get a second opinion. But, I have known many people that have beat colon cancer without it returning.
2 :
If a doctor diagnosed her and is operating on her, it must be cancer. I think only her doctor would know if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. It may not have spread if it's been caught early on.
3 :
I'd have the surgery and then see what the surgeon / oncologist is recommending. I'd get a 2nd opinion if I was not comfortable that all options were considered. But surgery is the main treatment for colon cancer - and can be the only treatment needed for early stages. So she might as well get that done, then start to consider 2nd opinions once the "staging" is done. And yes, the surgery can (in some cases) get rid of all the cancer. But sometimes a patient will also have adjuvant chemo = chemo to mop up any tiny loose cancer cells. Even though the big tumour is gone. (staging = assessment of how advanced the cancer is, and what type. Yes, it's colon cancer, but there are different types of tumour, e.g. adenocarcinoma) A blockage in the colon is urgent - for whatever reason. So that surgery is critical. Good luck to her

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Sunday, April 12, 2009

Any survivors of colon cancer

Any survivors of colon cancer?
Any survivors of colon cancer? I recently found out that a very close relative of mine has colon cancer. Is there anyone who has survived cancer that would like to share their story? It is a very scary time, and any positive outcomes regarding cancer could help uplift his mood. Thanks! More details: what can a family do to help someone with cancer?
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
My very close friend had colon cancer about 5-6 years ago and is just fine. She does keep going for routine check ups. Also, she did take Chemo and feels that was the best thing she could have done for herself. To help a family, we need to just be there for them in any way possible. This isn't a death sentence.
2 :
Check into the Yahoo groups for cancer. I believe there is a specific one for colon cancer, and the group would be able to point you to resources for reading regarding what family can do to help someone with cancer. Much will depend on the stage, etc. Do you know what stage, the tumor size, what treatment so far, in any yet, etc., etc.? Those are helpful things to know for others to advise you. Without knowing more, some basic advise is to be sure that their privacy is not invaded and that it's completely respected, to whatever length they wish to have privacy. Some like to talk about it a lot, others do not wish to talk about it, even with close family members. Respect their wishes above all else. Let them know what support is available from each family member then let them take the lead from there regarding what offers to accept. Do not pry. There is nothing worse than 50 questions from family members when the one with cancer desires some privacy. Family and friends may mean well, but they need to understand that this is the time for the one diagnosed to call the shots as much as they desire and are able. If they would like, designate 1 person to fill in the other family members and friends on whatever details they would like to share -- that way they don't have to repeat themselves 50 times. It's exhausting. Also, CaringBridge online offers a free website to those in medical crisis. Details can be posted at leisure by the person or the designated relay and then family and friends can check the webpage for updates on care and treatment. Contact the major cancer societies for links to others agencies offering different types of helps, including some financial and rides to treatment if the person may need those. The ACS also offers and will send free books on specific cancers, nutrition during treatment, careing for the cancer patient, etc. Be sure that a respected family member or friend urges them to get a second or third opinion from a top cancer treatment facility. All will claim to provide top care. Help them weed through to get to the true specialists like Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson or University of Chicago or City of Hope. Above all, they should have no surgeries or treatment until a top cancer facility gives their opinion. If they must be treated by others, the top facility oncologists can remain on as consultants for treatment. A doctor interested in the best for his or her patient will gladly accept it. Good for you for wanting to find out all you can to help. A specialized cancer forum will be the best information directory you can ever find. Wishing you and yours well.

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

How does the doctor screen u for colon cancer

How does the doctor screen u for colon cancer?
And what r the symptoms of colon cancer?
Cancer - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Camera up your arse.
2 :
If you fart a lot, you probably don't have it.
3 :
The doctor will perform a colonoscopy.
4 :
A small camera on a long flexable stick straight up the pooper. Usually, blood in the stool is the only symptom, but sometimes there is pain I think. I saw it on tv.
5 :
The first thing is to have a digital rectal exam. The doctor will smear the finger that is used onto a little card that is then tested for any signs of blood in your stool. It will come up positive or negative. Then, after 40, you should have a yearly colonoscopy. You will be given meds to put you under and then the doctor puts a scope into your rectum and up into your lower intestines to check for any polyps, growths or abnormalities. This is absolutely essential for anyone over the age of 40. As a radiation oncology nurse, trust me, having a colonoscopy once a year is much less painful than colon cancer.
6 :
with a colonoscopy
7 :
colon cancer is screen by ultrasonography of abdomen. symptoms like mainly diarrhea. whatever patient it will come out in defecation.
8 :
i had a carcinoid tumor in my appendix without knowing. all of a sudden i felt sick and it felt like cramps and food poisoning times 10, so i did the cat scan thing and had the surgery asap. it just happened out of the blue for me.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

What are the warning signs for a colon cancer

What are the warning signs for a colon cancer?

Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
http://allfreecoloncleanse.com Has a good video on Colon Cancer.
2 :
The major signs that you might have colon cancer are: 1) bleeding in stool when you have a bowel movement 2) mucus in stool when you have a bowel movement 3) constant constipation 4) i am sure there are more, but at this point you should be paying a visit to your doctor. All the best!
3 :
The symptoms pertaining to colon cancer are not specific at all. It may start from mild conditions such as fatigue, shortness of breath and irregular bowel movements. You may also experience some color changes in your stool, abdominal cramps and bloating. Colon cancer symptoms may not really be seen on a first-hand basis. You may only see it after a long time that it has been there.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

My father has a colon cancer and in June he has to be under chemotheraphy, we don't know what to do, help

My father has a colon cancer and in June he has to be under chemotheraphy, we don't know what to do, help?
We have to decide what option to choose. its our first time to encounter this kind of situation, i need your advices.
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
what are the options your talking about? my aunt had colon cancer and though its a hard thing to deal with and you get sick, things get better. My mom is going through chemotherapy right now for cancer that was found in her armpit lymphnodes, breast, liver, and spine :( It seems like there is no end in sight but really all we are doing is sticking by her while she is going through treatment and helping her enjoy her time here as much as possible...i know its a hard thing to deal with and face everyday but you need to be strong for the other person. Happiness helps fight sickness :) always remember that :). So do your best to be there for your dad and show him you all love him and care about him enough to stick with him through this ordeal...as for the options...you didnt mention any, you just mentioned chemotherapy...post more information if you'd like more of a reply. and good luck hun. <3
2 :
The doctor said I had stage 4 stomac cancer and lymphomia . I had a huge mass in my stomac about to go into my spine. He said I only had 2 mo,s to live. I was skin and bones and could bearly walk. I was unreal weak . The chemo did no good. I took resveratrol made from muscadime seeds. In 30 days the cancer was gone. The doctor was freaked out . My cousian had brought me the resveratrol. He had given it to a friend that was ate up with cancer . It had spread all over his body. The doctors had given up on him. He took 10 pills for 30 days. Doctors said he was cancer free. That was over 10 yrs ago. Nothing is worse than being told your condition is hopeless. It has about drove me insane. Doctors tell you this like they are drinking a coke. Just unreal . People act like I had the flu. They say I am eating too much. Did they not see I was skin and bones? I never dreamed I would ever get cancer. Something that other people get . Anybody can get it.

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