Thursday, October 8, 2009

Question about protein markers in a colon cancer patient

Question about protein markers in a colon cancer patient?
I have an aunt who has stage 4 colon cancer and started out w/ 7500 markers? then after the original tumor was removed (metastases in liver and lungs) it was 2500; now after 4 mos of a chemo treatment she has 4500 and has to start a new chemo. What does this all mean? What is a high protein marker count and what is low? And what are they?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
She should prevent that by going on a high protein and fiber diet, eat fruits and vegetables, take a high vitamin c and multi vitamins and drink green tea.
2 :
The tumor marker for colon cancer is called the CEA. The numbers you are reporting are VERY high, especially considering that the normal levels are less than 2.5 ng/ml. While tumor makers aren't 100% effective in measuring the progression of tumor growth, they are a pretty good guideline. Some things other than cancer can give you a false reading, but usually not with levels as high as you are describing. For the CEA (colon cancer tumor marker) things like IBS, colitis and crohn's disease call all give you falsely high readings.
3 :
Danielle is correct the tumor marker for colon cancer is the CEA and normal is less than 2.5. In the case of your aunt the doctor is using the tumor marker to help him or her determine how well your aunt is responding to treatment. Typically a tumor marker will drop significantly just after the tumor is removed. However you aunts has risen with treatment indicating this treatment is not working well for her and now another will be tried.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

What is the stage now with colon cancer IF there is blood in the ostomy pouch

What is the stage now with colon cancer IF there is blood in the ostomy pouch?
woman....92..colon cancer...no chemo, no radiation... now she is listless, not eating, swollen stomach and blood seen in the pouch. its been 5 months since dr said to let nature takes its course. tia
Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
I would get another Doctors opinion as the blood in the pouch the stoma at times will bleed this may be the source of the blood. Get help right away.
2 :
this woman is 92, she is not having "quality" life,,I feel very bad for her, but cases like this are probably the most compelling argument for either euthanasia or legally assisted suicide, as harsh as it may sound..
3 :
There can be many reasons for the blood in the ostomy, but at 92 yrs old, what are you going to do about it except keep her comfortable and soon her journey will be over. It would be cruel to do anything other than just keep her comfortable.

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

29 years old and recently diagnosed with colon cancer

29 years old and recently diagnosed with colon cancer.?
I grew up and still live very near to an old coal stripping mine. Has anyone ever heard of a correlation between colon cancer and living near an old mine? There are ALOT of people in my community (of all ages) who have gotten all kinds of cancer. It just seems fishy to me.
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
First, I'm very sorry for your illness. I wish you the best and that you win your fight! I have never heard of mining itself being carcinogenic, but if the soil is contaminated you might experience leeching in your water.
2 :
awwwww! im sooooo srry!
3 :
"Cancer cluster" is the term scientists use to describe areas with abnormally high incidences of cancer. Unfortunately, cancer clusters are a wide-spread phenomenon. They are often associated with proximity to industrial sites and waste dumps. While I am not familiar with coal-related clusters, it is entirely possible that such a thing exists. May I suggest that you contact your state's Department of Health to inquire about cancer clusters in your area. They may have the information that you are looking for.

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