Friday, November 28, 2008

Is liver metastases from colon cancer an automatic death sentence

Is liver metastases from colon cancer an automatic death sentence?
Father has just been diagnosed with colon cancer and it has metastasized to liver. Extremely worried about him. Anyone know someone or is going through anything similar that can give some hope?
Cancer - 8 Answers
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1 :
I really don't want to answer this. Go to WebMD or just do a Google search to get your answer.
2 :
Your in my prayers. Go to mayoclinic.com and find out every thing you need to know.
3 :
Almost all patients are treated with chemotherapy. Surgery in selected patients to remove the tumor from the Liver. This is indicated when the primary site of the disease is under control and the extent of the disease in the liver is very limited. Response to treatment depends on the patient's overall condition and the type and extent of the underlying cancer.
4 :
It is not necessarily a death sentance, no. Not at all :-) I have a friend who has fought liver cancer that has mets to other parts of her body, and she's alive, well, and cancer-free for 3 years now! The cool thing about the liver is that it has the ability to regrow itself. I don't know how progressed the liver CA is, but, if they caught it in time, they may just take the cancerous part of his liver out, and let that part just grow back healthy. They may also do some radiation therapy to make sure it doesn't come back. Colon cancer, also, is not a death sentence. If you get a good, thourough surgeon, usually they can take out the cancerous part. Again, they may do some radiation or chemotherapy to make sure it doesn't come back. Unless he's had cancer for years and not known it, I wouldn't worry too much about him. It'll be a rough road getting better, but odds are that he will get better.
5 :
The prognosis depends on the number and size of metastases to the liver, the original tumor's status, timing of the diagnosis of the original tumor and the metastatic disease. The range is from curable to incurable. Your father can authorize his doctor(s) to talk with you about his true prognosis to give you a better understanding. If you live near him, have a family appointment with his doctor - if your dad is OK with that. The doctor's duty is to help his patient through this and that often routinely includes helping the people who love him. Best wishes to you and your father.
6 :
Metastasis of colon cancer is never good. It is treatable, but not curable. However, colon cancer can go to the brain, which has a very poor prognosis and shorter life span than that which went to the liver. You or his doctor may want to discuss end of life treatment. Symptomatic treatment (making your dad comfortable), agressive therapy is a very important topic. I am sorry I cannot offer any better news. My prayers are with you.
7 :
Hi! I don't really know a lot about cancer and please don't put all your hopes in it: But isn't there a new drug for intestinal cancer? Sutent? Don't know about the liver though. Sorry. Good luck!
8 :
Honestly, its better you consult a specialist. I really want to help but I don't think I can give better answers than specialist do. Sorry. good luck Love is omnipresence, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Husband just diagnosed with colon cancer metastatic to liver what is life expectancy with treatment

Husband just diagnosed with colon cancer metastatic to liver what is life expectancy with treatment?
has had surgery to remove the colon cancer His colon cancer is Stage IV , he hasn't had any chemo treatments yet, we are to see his the cancer dr. soon. Yes, we are right with God, very active with our church family. I just wanted to know what others may can tell me that have been thru this before. Know nothing about chemo. He has a large mass in right lobe of liver and several smaller ones in the left lobe.
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
No two cancer cases are the same, you really need to speak with your Oncologist and get several opinions. Metastasis to the liver means the Cancer has spread to the liver. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/metastatic http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~uySy4hv7M03My What stage is the Cancer at? If the Metastasis in the liver can be removed, his cancer can be cured or go into remission. And he can live a long healthy live after-wards. However, the cancer doesn't always stay in remission. Has he had Chemotherapy? If so how many rounds and how long was it? My brothers sister-in-law had colon cancer she was diagnosed around fall of 2004 and found it during testing when she had her gallbladder removed, she had her colon removed and was in chemo for 8 months. At the time I thought that was rather short. They declared her cancer free in July of 2006 and told her it was in remission. A few months later she wasn't feeling well and they told her she was fine, she didn't believe her oncologist so she went to the University of Michigan cancer center where she was sent for some of her treatments in the past. They ran various tests on her and found out her cancer never went into remission and had either spread rapidly or she had a new cancer and there was nothing they could do, she died in January of 2007 at 26 with 2 small children. So from the time she was diagnosed until she died was around 2 & 1/2 years. However, as I mentioned no 2 cancer cases are the same. She had a poor outcome I believe because she had poor treatment and/or care, that doesn't mean your husband will or that he will die from colon cancer. Edit: Here is a link to some info on Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Unfortunately at stage 4 it is too widespread usually for surgery to help him usually because there are too many Metastasis or they are too large. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/DetailedGuide/colorectal-cancer-treating-by-stage-colon For advanced cancers, radiation therapy may also be used to help prevent or relieve symptoms such as pain. While it may shrink tumors for a time, it is very unlikely to result in a cure. If your doctor recommends radiation therapy, it is important that you understand the goal of treatment You may want to also check out some cancer support groups, from http://www.cancer.org both for your husband and yourself (and your kids if you have any - even if they are grown). Your friends and family who have not been touched or effected by Cancer will be sympathetc however they wont know what to say or if they should say anything at all to you. The support groups are people with cancer and there are support groups specifically for caregivers/spouses/children of cancer patients and victims. These people willhave similar experiences to you and can likely help you better.
2 :
There are a few drugs available to treat liver cancer. But they come with side effects as the drugs affect the protein, RNA. It is best to discuss with the oncologist. The prognosis, IMHO, does not seem too good. Do you and your husband want to get right with God? God can heal your husband. Jesus is still a healer today. Get in touch with a UPC church. (United Pentecostal) The pastors there can pray for your husband. God wants to give you peace.
3 :
http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewforum.php?f=1 Please visit this forum; it has many wonderful people on it currently fighting and in remission from colon cancer or colon-rectal cancer. There are Stage IV survivors and fighters that post as well and they are all a very informative group of people.
4 :
I am so sorry your husband is going through this and for you. Chemo for CC iis not easy but he can do it. I will pray for you! Please go to the colonclub.com Here you will find inspiring conversation and stories about stage 4 survivors. If you click on the current and past calendars you will find great info. Good Luck!

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

How do you know if it's hemmoroids or colon cancer? Need advice please

How do you know if it's hemmoroids or colon cancer? Need advice please?
My husband says he thinks he has hemorrhoids. They come and go...sometimes they will be around for a couple of days and then they will go away for a couple of months (he takes preparation H to make it better). Here is my question: How do you know when it's really hemorrhoids or colon cancer? Thanks!
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
By having your health care provider examine you and arrange appropriate testing for you.
2 :
According to others, it's probably hemorrhoids but could be symptoms of colitis, colorectal cancer, and other serious conditions.

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Sunday, November 16, 2008

What are the different stages of colon cancer

What are the different stages of colon cancer?
My dad had a portion of his colon removed. The doctor said he's 98% sure it's cancer and they're going to see whether it's reached stage 3 or not. Do you think if it's reached stage 4 they would have known already? He's had a CT scan before his surgery...would it have been detected from that??
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
He would have known if it was stage 4 from the CT and he would have checked for liver mets during the surgery. So yes from both of these things he would know if it was a stage 4. What is it that you are not understanding?
2 :
YES. If it is stage 3 or 4 cancer he would definetely known about it early. Even in the CT also it will be shown clearly. Anyway, you doctor is the best judge and he will do the needful. I am giving below the details of different stages of Colon cancer just for your information - People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. While colon cancer is among the most preventable of cancers, it is often not diagnosed until symptoms become apparent or bothersome. By that time, the colon cancer may be in a more advanced stage. Colorectal cancer has four distinct stages, along with a fifth stage that is called 'recurring'. Each stage has different treatment options and five-year survival rate. Stage 0 This is the earliest stage of colorectal cancer. The cancer only involves the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum and is confined to polyp(s) (tissue bulging from the surface of an organ). When the polyps are removed during a colonoscopy (a procedure known as a polypectomy), the chance of them progressing to later stages of cancer is eliminated. Stage I Stage I colon cancer involves more than just the inner lining of the colon. The polyp has progressed to a tumor, and extends into the wall of the colon or rectum. Treatment can include surgery to remove the section of the colon that is cancerous. This type of surgery is called a resection. The healthy, non-cancerous sections of the colon are reconnected again. The five-year survival rate is 95 percent. Stage II Stage II colorectal cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the colon to the tissue that surrounds the colon but has not spread to lymph nodes. Cancer spreading in this manner from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. A resection surgery may also be used to treat this stage of cancer. The five-year survival rate drops dramatically to 60 percent. Stage III Cancer that has spread outside the colon and on to the lymph nodes in the area surrounding the colon is known as Stage III. In this stage, the cancer has not spread to other organs in the body, and treatment is more aggressive. Surgical resection of the colon, chemotherapy, and other medical therapies may be necessary. The five-year survival rate is 35 to 60 percent. Stage IV In this stage, the cancer had spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs or liver. In addition to a surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery to remove other affected parts of the body may be necessary. At this stage, there is only a 3 percent chance of reaching the five-year survival time. Recurrent Cancer Cancer that comes back again after treatment, either in the colon, or in some other part of the body, is called recurrent. Even after successful treatment of colon cancer, regular check ups are necessary to catch any recurrent cancer early. In the early stages, colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers. In the later - it is the second most deadly. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in America (lung cancer is the first). Contrary to popular belief, only 15 percent of colon cancer patients must have a permanent colostomy.-

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

How deadly is stage four colon cancer? What is chance of survival

How deadly is stage four colon cancer? What is chance of survival?
I have a friend who was last week diagnosed with stage four cancer, that started in her colon and spread to her ovaries, liver and parts of her stomach. She is a 23 year old young beautiful girl! How does this happen to such a young person? Cancer really is a silent killer - she had no idea until she collapsed in an airport last week. I would like to know what the survival chances are for stage 4 cancer victims?? =(
Cancer - 13 Answers
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1 :
It's tragic to learn about your friend. But advanced colon cancer has a nil next to nothing rate of survival. Sorry.
2 :
Stage 4 colon cancer (metastatic) clearly has the worst prognosis. However, not all stage IV cancers are the same. For example, the NCI reports that patients with 3 or less hepatic (liver) metastases have a five-year survival rate of 20 to 30%.
3 :
Unfortunately, when it is detected at later stages (when distant metastases are present) it is less likely to be curable. Distant metastases means it has spread to the liver, stomach etc. Pray for her and her family and be strong for her. I hope that she is right with God, because he will ease her pain. God Bless, and prayers for you all.
4 :
For some reason, cancer seems to be more aggressive in younger people. That is just my observation. But the good news is that hopefully she is otherwise healthy and strong and will be more able to withstand the aggressive surgeries, chemotherapy and/or radiation than older people. I think that laughter and a positive attitude can be the best medicine that you as her friend can give her right now. Be there for her as much as you can - to avoid her can make this ordeal for her more difficult.
5 :
Colon cancer is very deadly, my father passed away 2 years ago and they caught his very early and that still didn't help. Start four is very bad, I'm very sorry to hear about your friend but if a miracle doesn't happen I'm afraid she's doomed. Once it's spread that much there is not much anyone can do except pray. All you can do is be her friend til the end and help her and her family in this time of need because it only gets worse and it progresses. She is very young indeed and something like this had to be very hard to deal with so she is going to need alot of love and support. I think the survival of this stage is less than 20%. Again I'm very sorry, keep your head up and help your friend and just be there for her.
6 :
my husband passed away last year from liver cancer, im sorry but stage four the doctor will tell you is the final stage there is no hope when its 4. call the doctor they will tell you
7 :
I am SO SORRY to hear this my cousin just lost her 40 year old husband to colon cancer, so I know what you can expect he was on chemo for three months then he got so weak that he could not remain on the chemo anymore he became thin since he could not eat certain foods due to the bag ( I forget what it's called, but it holds you waste from food) he then became so skinny that he looked like a skeleton with skin , it was SO sad & I feel bad for my cousin & the two lovely children that are left here w/ out him Just be there for your friend & help her to enjoy what ever time she has left, I hope she has better luck than my cousin's husband did, but even though we don't understand I believe that everything happens for a reason & we are not in control
8 :
I am almost a 6 year survivor if colon cancer, however, I was a stage 2. I had many many prayers said for me. It is up to God who survives. Hand the problem up to him. Expect a Miracle and you will get one. Remember prayer is louder in groups. I will send your friend an Angel to help her through. Without mine. I would not have had the strength to get through the ordeal. There is hope as long as there is breath. Good luck to your friend.
9 :
THAT USUALLY THE WORST,SORRY
10 :
Let her be a hapi girl every day.
11 :
My sister has stage 5 pacreatic cancer which has now spread through her entire body, once it hits your liver and lymph nodes the bile duct begin to get squashed and jaundice sets in, it becomes very aggressive and digestion becomes difficult. I am sorry to hear about your friend but the end result is not good. My sister was diagnosed 7 weeks ago and has about 1 month left statistically speaking.
12 :
I would not give up. There are a combination of remedies your friend can try that seems promising. I would not use the chemo and radiation. That will just depress your friends immune system even more. Your friend needs to do everything they can to strenghten their immune system. Here is a web site that lists what they can do. I would also see a natural or holistic doctor too. http://www.cancer-prevention.net/ Also includ RM-10 medicinal mushrooms by Garden of Life. The developer of RM-10's grandmother had stage 4 cancer and she is now cancer free.
13 :
Go to www.GoXanthones.com and listen to the audio links on cancer by Dr. John Edwards. He has been using mangosteen juice for his cancer patients with good results. To obtain mangosteen juice go to www.mangosteendiscovery.com. You can order right from that site. All natural and tastes great!

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Saturday, November 8, 2008

Average number of years before colon cancer kills you

Average number of years before colon cancer kills you?
I've been searching for an answer to this for the past hour and can't find anything. How many years, if untreated, does it take for colon cancer to kill you? My dad just got it and they said he's had it for a year.
Cancer - 1 Answers
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1 :
Youâ€™re not going to find that information as there is no way to determine when the cancer first occurred making the information inaccurate and not useful. People usually have colon cancer for 5-8 years before they start having symptoms. Survival rates are based on stage.

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

What is the survival rate of stage 3 colon cancer

What is the survival rate of stage 3 colon cancer?
My friend is a 45 year old male, late stage 3 colon cancer. It is close to the anus and they might have to remove the anus as well. He is in decent physical shape (slightly pudgy), and has started working out. He looks fine right now but he is going to start chemo later today. what should I expect? What will he go through? Will my buddy Al survive? -Mike
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
I think the chamces are better he will survive an he will go through chemo and you sould expect him healthy after chemo.
2 :
Generally 40 to 50 percent will survive for five years after the cancer is diagnosed. That's not *terrific*, but it's still better than a stage IV cancer which is 10 percent or less. Another good reason to have testing done: the survival rate for a stage 1 cancer is 90 percent and above.
3 :
My bil went through that. He ignored his initial symptoms so they didn't get the cancer as soon as they could have. He ended up having chemo, radiation to shrink the tumor, and then surgery. He got a colostomy (the bag thing). It has been hard for him, but he is still with us 7 years after the diagnosis. The cancer and treatment will take it's toll, but he could survive for a long time after this. I wish him the best of luck.
4 :
Encourage him to keep working out. It will help him get through treatments, it will keep him strong, and help his body fight off the disease.
5 :
His chances are fairly good IF HE FOLLOWS his medical plan. It is so important not to miss treatments and speak to him about a med that will bring up his red cell count, the doctors know what it is. I wish you both alot of success

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Saturday, November 1, 2008

When should I be tested for colon cancer

When should I be tested for colon cancer?
If my mom's mom died of colon cancer at 36 and my mom had stage one colon cancer at age 60 what are my chances of getting it and when should I get tested? Also my sister has stage IV breast cancer at 50 and her doctor said I have nothing to worry about and should not be tested early. Is this true?
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
Normally they say to start your exams at 45-50 years old. With your background, I think I would ask my doctor and plan for around 40, unless you have any symptoms then I would have it done right away. Ask you family doctor for the best advice based on your family history. ~
2 :
Every cancer is a different disease. Therefore there is no connection between your motherâ€™s colon cancer and your sisters breast cancer. Although 50 is young for breast cancer it is not young enough to consider a hereditary component. However, your mother was very young for colon cancer. Without more information it is difficult to know if there may be a hereditary component with this or not. It would be helpful for any doctor if you were able to get her medical records. The recommendation for colon cancer screening is to start at 50 years old. Only knowing what little you have mentioned, to be on the safe side I would say you should be screened at 35 years old. At least it will give a baseline and some idea if your colon appears healthy or not and from there the doctor will know how often you should be screened. Your family doctor is not the best person to advise you on this, you should get a consult from a gastroenterologist.
3 :
We are just dealing with colon cancer this year(my sister)A normal time for first testing is 50 but the cancer-care team at Sunnybrook told her kids that if they remained sympton-free then they would need to start testing at 40.You need to watch your breasts for any abnormalities and then you would also start being tested every year at age 40.Normally docs send u for all those tests at age 50.Good Luck and be very aware about your own body..and see the doc if anything feels not right.
4 :
I was told that cancer is genetically link to our ancestor/family member by doctor BUT nobody can guarantee that you may contract one in your life. As per your writing, it is best to do a regular check up earlier as you are categorise in the high risk group due to your family background. I also suggest that you change your daily diet to include a lot of foods/fruits HIGH in anti-oxidant, such as fruits that are colorful. I m telling you from my own experience as i have 2 uncles who pass away around the age of 50++ and the most recent is my father in law who pass away last month. From all these cases , i do a lot of reading/study on cancer and i hope to advise or help as many people as i can. Need to believe in GOOD KARMA

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