Colorectal Cancer: Colon Cancer question

Colon Cancer question?
If someone had colon cancer surgery and they removed 32 lymph nodes (in colon near tumor- non-metastatic) which tested NEGATIVE for cancer but the 2" tumor they removed in the sigmoid region was cancerous but the surgeon felt he got it all, why are they still recommending ChemoTherapy- does this make sense? The patient is a 45 years old Female- it has been categorized as stage 2A. Surgery was 2 weeks ago.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
They can NEVER be sure they got everything. We cant begin to understand how complex cancer is. Just because they removed the tumor, does not mean she does not have cancerous cell in her body. I know chemo is no picnic, but in these cases its much better to be safe then sorry. With the tumor and chemotherapy, she will be sure to be on to a full recovery within a few months.
2 :
I have to disagree with your other answer, as they can tell if it was completely removed. They know this when the cancer was confined to the colon and there were clear margins. However, in this case the cancer went completely through the wall of the colon and cancer cells could be circulating in her body or are waiting in pericolic tissues, there is no way to know until it is too late. If she gets chemo now there is an 80% 5 year survival rate. If she waits and it spreads it drops to 5%.
3 :
Stage 2A means that the colon has been invaded, but lymph nodes have not. There is a great deal of debate right now as to whether chemo is necessary at this stage. Many oncologists feel that it's a "better safe than sorry" procedure, to make absolutely sure there was no invasion of the wall into surrounding tissue. My oncologist actually said that in a way he was glad mine was stage 3, because there was no question of whether chemo was necessary. If he's recommending it, do it. They'll wait at least 6 weeks after surgery to make sure she's healed well, then they'll start her on FOLFOX (5FU, Oxaliplatin, and Leucovorin). They can give her many different anti-nausea medicines, some at the time of chemo. They should also give her calcium supplements at the time. She will get more tired as time goes on (usually 12 treatments over 24 weeks), and she will probably get neuropathy in her hands (pain when they get cold), and mouth sores, along with other side effects (there's only a 5% chance she'll lose her hair). These will get worse, but they're not guaranteed, I only have the neuropathy and tiredness. Keep her warm and well-fed--anything to keep her red blood cell count and white blood cell count up. I'm under strict orders from my retired oncology nurse cousin to breathe through a scarf if it's under 35 degrees. She'll look like the little brother from "A Christmas Story" but it's necessary to keep her white blood cell count up. Tell her good luck--anything she does will increase her odds.
4 :
Why add poisons (chemo) to have to deal with, "just in case"? If the surgeon says he removed the tumour and he"got it all", surely the patient would be well advised to see a dietician, get on track with a healthy eating plan, fresh air, gentle exercise, ie Tai Chi, and allow her immune system to over ride any stray "bad cells" which may exist. Chemo kills both good and bad cells. Not a good option, in my view. All the best, Nvrgvup.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Colon Cancer question