Just Answer


Ask A Question - Help - Register - Login

In 2003, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. The ...

Sent to Health Experts October 07, 2005 8:21 a.m.

In 2003, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. The cancer had grown through the abdominal wall and three lymph nodes tested positive. He also had cancerous cells in the anal area. He had part of his colon removed, and had radiation to the rectal area. He had six months of chemotherapy. He was feeling better, and almost his old self for almost a year, then doctors found a small tumor on his liver during a routine test. It was biopsied, was cancerous, and was removed surgically. During the surgery, two other small tumors were seen and removed from his liver. The surgeon said he wasn't sure about the margins...My husband is almost at the end of his second round of chemotherapy and this time, he had Avastin treatments. No more tumors have been seen, although he has had frequent problems with intestinal blockages. (thought to be caused by scar tissue). These are my questions:Since all visible tumors were removed, is there any chance that he can survive this cancer? Has anyone ever survived colon cancer that has spread to the liver? If recurrence is inevitable, what amount of time do you think he has left before the recurrences and the medical problems start again? (The doctors theorize that the liver tumors were there at the time of his colon surgery, but were just too small to see, as opposed to being a recurrence.) I am aware that most people don't survive colon cancer once it has mestasized to distant sites, but I am hopeful that Avastin will provide a cure for people like my husband, who may have cells in their system but have no visible tumors. Is there ANY evidence to support this hope? My husband is 52 years old, doesn't drink, hasn't smoked for five years, and is otherwise healthy. In order for me to understand and deal with what is happening, I need straight answers. Thank You.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $20

Answer
October 07, 2005 9:15 a.m. (53 minutes and 57 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),
I am sorry to hear about your husband, he is battling tremendous odds, and as per your description seems to be a fighter, I wish both of you all the best!
Coming to your questions:
Since all visible tumors were removed, is there any chance that he can survive this cancer? Has anyone ever survived colon cancer that has spread to the liver? If recurrence is inevitable, what amount of time do you think he has left before the recurrences and the medical problems start again?
The fact that there is liver spread indicates that the cancer is stage 4. If we go by your doctor's interpretation that these might be simultanteous would still make it at least a stage 3 cancer.
In both the cases there are 2 favorable points for your husband:
"Patients with 1 to 3 involved nodes have a significantly better prognosis than those with 4 or more involved nodes.
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%. "
http://www.alternative-cancer-treatments.com/colon-cancer-prognosis.htm

I am aware that most people don't survive colon cancer once it has mestasized to distant sites, but I am hopeful that Avastin will provide a cure for people like my husband, who may have cells in their system but have no visible tumors. Is there ANY evidence to support this hope?
Avastin does NOT offer a cure, the cure would be through the traditional therapies like surgery and chemo, however Avastin is good addition to the armament. It increases the duration of patient survival by 17 % ! (On an average around 5 months)
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=41692

So what this means is that your husband has a decent chance to get through his treatment, but he will need all the support he gets from you, keep up his spirits and yours too!
Do let me know if you need more information, please remember to 'accept' the reply if you find it useful; a positive rating & a bonus at your discretion would be appreciated,

Regards

Dr. Gupta

Gaurav Gupta -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 4597 Health Accepts
Physician, online medical researcher, & will try to listen and understand you

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers:

	DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Medical Questions & Online Health Advice > Surgery Questions

Question List - Become an Expert - Terms of Service - Security & Privacy - About Us
© 2008 Just Answer Corp.