Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I found you ...

[Guest guest]

Hi Karima

I think you're making a smart choice to go ahead with the surgery. Your surgeon

has probably seen a number of cases where the radiation didn't make much

difference in the size of the tumor. The oncologist will get over it. I think

it's important to have chemo after the surgery though - even if the margins and

the lymph nodes are clear, the chemo can clean up any stray cells that can't be

detected with the methods available today. Take care!

P

Barbara Gari wrote:

Hi Joyce

Xeloda is the chemo the doc gave me a prescription for.

I went to see the surgeon again today and have decided to go ahead with

the surgery. We have set a date for July 27th which is 4 weeks; he wants me

to have a cardiac workup just to make sure I won't have a problem during the

operation. He doesn't know me so...I guess this is an okay thing.

Tomorrow both the oncologist and chemotherapist have asked me to come in ..

I think they want to plead their case; I am also seeing my regular physician

so as to get the plan firmed up in my head. Afterall, he recommended all of

them.

I am so sorry for what your husband is going through.

I guess we can second guess ourselves forever.

In any event the plan is set. And I will definitely be corresponding on the

list.

Thanks again,

Karima

-- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I

found you

> ...

>

> Karima,

> I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

tumor

> in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

via

> pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

tumor.

> We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

was

> to remove the tumor.

> They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

follow

> up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

one

> year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

the

> way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage. If

he

> were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

and

> not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his bladder

> control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

were

> doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

and

> I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100% sure

> that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the surgery

> option first.

> Best Wishes,

> Joyce

> > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

consensus

> > amongst doctors.

> >

> >

> > Karima.

> >

> >

> >

> > P

> > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

chemotherapy

> for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Karima,

could not have said it any better. It sounds like you are

making a wise choice to me. I would even try to get the surgeon to

speed up the surgery, time is precious.

As far as the Xeloda, I think you will do just fine with it.

Let us know if we can give you any more advise and please keep us

informed as to your progress.

Best Wishes and Good Luck,

Joyce-

-- In colon_cancer_support , Perkins

<antivon@y...> wrote:

> Hi Karima

> I think you're making a smart choice to go ahead with the surgery.

Your surgeon has probably seen a number of cases where the radiation

didn't make much difference in the size of the tumor. The oncologist

will get over it. I think it's important to have chemo after the

surgery though - even if the margins and the lymph nodes are clear,

the chemo can clean up any stray cells that can't be detected with

the methods available today. Take care!

> P

>

>

> Barbara Gari <Karima@w...> wrote:

> Hi Joyce

> Xeloda is the chemo the doc gave me a prescription for.

>

> I went to see the surgeon again today and have decided to go ahead

with

> the surgery. We have set a date for July 27th which is 4 weeks;

he wants me

> to have a cardiac workup just to make sure I won't have a problem

during the

> operation. He doesn't know me so...I guess this is an okay thing.

>

> Tomorrow both the oncologist and chemotherapist have asked me to

come in ..

> I think they want to plead their case; I am also seeing my regular

physician

> so as to get the plan firmed up in my head. Afterall, he

recommended all of

> them.

>

> I am so sorry for what your husband is going through.

>

> I guess we can second guess ourselves forever.

>

> In any event the plan is set. And I will definitely be

corresponding on the

> list.

>

> Thanks again,

> Karima

>

> -- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Karima,

could not have said it any better. It sounds like you are

making a wise choice to me. I would even try to get the surgeon to

speed up the surgery, time is precious.

As far as the Xeloda, I think you will do just fine with it.

Let us know if we can give you any more advise and please keep us

informed as to your progress.

Best Wishes and Good Luck,

Joyce-

-- In colon_cancer_support , Perkins

<antivon@y...> wrote:

> Hi Karima

> I think you're making a smart choice to go ahead with the surgery.

Your surgeon has probably seen a number of cases where the radiation

didn't make much difference in the size of the tumor. The oncologist

will get over it. I think it's important to have chemo after the

surgery though - even if the margins and the lymph nodes are clear,

the chemo can clean up any stray cells that can't be detected with

the methods available today. Take care!

> P

>

>

> Barbara Gari <Karima@w...> wrote:

> Hi Joyce

> Xeloda is the chemo the doc gave me a prescription for.

>

> I went to see the surgeon again today and have decided to go ahead

with

> the surgery. We have set a date for July 27th which is 4 weeks;

he wants me

> to have a cardiac workup just to make sure I won't have a problem

during the

> operation. He doesn't know me so...I guess this is an okay thing.

>

> Tomorrow both the oncologist and chemotherapist have asked me to

come in ..

> I think they want to plead their case; I am also seeing my regular

physician

> so as to get the plan firmed up in my head. Afterall, he

recommended all of

> them.

>

> I am so sorry for what your husband is going through.

>

> I guess we can second guess ourselves forever.

>

> In any event the plan is set. And I will definitely be

corresponding on the

> list.

>

> Thanks again,

> Karima

>

> -- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Karima,

could not have said it any better. It sounds like you are

making a wise choice to me. I would even try to get the surgeon to

speed up the surgery, time is precious.

As far as the Xeloda, I think you will do just fine with it.

Let us know if we can give you any more advise and please keep us

informed as to your progress.

Best Wishes and Good Luck,

Joyce-

-- In colon_cancer_support , Perkins

<antivon@y...> wrote:

> Hi Karima

> I think you're making a smart choice to go ahead with the surgery.

Your surgeon has probably seen a number of cases where the radiation

didn't make much difference in the size of the tumor. The oncologist

will get over it. I think it's important to have chemo after the

surgery though - even if the margins and the lymph nodes are clear,

the chemo can clean up any stray cells that can't be detected with

the methods available today. Take care!

> P

>

>

> Barbara Gari <Karima@w...> wrote:

> Hi Joyce

> Xeloda is the chemo the doc gave me a prescription for.

>

> I went to see the surgeon again today and have decided to go ahead

with

> the surgery. We have set a date for July 27th which is 4 weeks;

he wants me

> to have a cardiac workup just to make sure I won't have a problem

during the

> operation. He doesn't know me so...I guess this is an okay thing.

>

> Tomorrow both the oncologist and chemotherapist have asked me to

come in ..

> I think they want to plead their case; I am also seeing my regular

physician

> so as to get the plan firmed up in my head. Afterall, he

recommended all of

> them.

>

> I am so sorry for what your husband is going through.

>

> I guess we can second guess ourselves forever.

>

> In any event the plan is set. And I will definitely be

corresponding on the

> list.

>

> Thanks again,

> Karima

>

> -- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce

Xeloda is the chemo the doc gave me a prescription for.

I went to see the surgeon again today and have decided to go ahead with

the surgery. We have set a date for July 27th which is 4 weeks; he wants me

to have a cardiac workup just to make sure I won't have a problem during the

operation. He doesn't know me so...I guess this is an okay thing.

Tomorrow both the oncologist and chemotherapist have asked me to come in ..

I think they want to plead their case; I am also seeing my regular physician

so as to get the plan firmed up in my head. Afterall, he recommended all of

them.

I am so sorry for what your husband is going through.

I guess we can second guess ourselves forever.

In any event the plan is set. And I will definitely be corresponding on the

list.

Thanks again,

Karima

-- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I

found you

> ...

>

> Karima,

> I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

tumor

> in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

via

> pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

tumor.

> We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

was

> to remove the tumor.

> They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

follow

> up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

one

> year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

the

> way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage. If

he

> were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

and

> not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his bladder

> control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

were

> doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

and

> I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100% sure

> that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the surgery

> option first.

> Best Wishes,

> Joyce

> > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

consensus

> > amongst doctors.

> >

> >

> > Karima.

> >

> >

> >

> > P

> > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

chemotherapy

> for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Karima-I had to have radiation therapy because I had a mid rectal

tumor that had broken through the wall and was starting to attach to

adjacent tissue. Shrinkage did allow them to remove my primary

tumor.

As others have said, in cases where the tumor is less advanced, the

answers may be less clear cut. That is where an experienced

colorectal surgeon and sometimes second opinions can be helpful in

making decisions. It sounds like you have found someone who comes

highly regarded, and that is a big plus. I would encourage your

oncologist to talk to the surgeon so that your oncologist can discuss

his concerns directly with the surgeon and see if they can get on the

same page. Radiation prior to surgery does make the surgeon's job a

bit more difficult as it slows the rate of healing of surgical wounds.

It is very common for surgeons to make a temporary ileostomy to

bypass the site of surgery (especially after radiation) to allow the

surgical site to heal fully and reduce the risk of breakdown of the

surgical site. Most of the time, even if the surgeon is pretty

certain they will be able to spare the anal sphincter, they have an

ostomy nurse discuss colostomies with you as well, and mark a spot to

place a colostomy, so that, if they find, when they actually are at

surgery that that a creation of a colostomy would be necessary in

order to be able to remove the tumor more completely they can place

it at a position that will make care easiest.

As mentioned, sometimes recovery of sphincter tone can take a

while or may never be completely regained. I would talk with the

surgeon carefully about how much difficulty you may have post

operatively and in the future with sphincter tone. I had much more

advanced disease, (Stage 4) and chose to keep my ileostomy, because

I did not want to have to deal with the long rehabilitation, frequent

bowel movements that would have made my ability to travel and enjoy

life more difficult. I have had my ileostomy for almost 2 yrs and

find it little trouble to care for.

I can sympathize with your living situation. I am single and I lived

by myself 500 miles from my two sisters during the first year of my

diagnosis and during my 2 surgeries. My sister flew out to stay with

me during my two surgeries and for a week after. In the interim, my

friends and coworkers were wonderful. While, I actually made it

through the routine trips for radiation, chemotherapy most other

appointments and procedures most of the time completely on my own,

their encouragement and the knowledge that they were available at

any time should I need them gave me a great deal of peace of mind.

There are plenty of people in the same situation as you and I. You

may want to discuss your living situation with either a social worker

or one of the oncology nurses to find out what resourses may be

available for you. There are groups in some areas for instance that

will provide transportation to or from appointments if you are unable

to drive, etc.

Despite their very generous offers, my friends were pretty busy with

their own families and work however, and I know that helping out if a

person is ill for a long time can be an awefully big job. I therefore

talked with my oncologist's nurses about my situation so that I could

make contingency plans. I checked into services that could provide

part time assistance at home if it would become necessary. I tried

to plan how I could deal with things if I could not manage to climb

stairs in my townhouse for a while, etc. None of this became

necessary. I did hire a cleaning service to clean my house. That

was a big help.

Pets are great for lifting one's spirits. I have a cat who is great

company, but no dogs. One of my friends however would frequently

show up at my door while I was recuperating, with her silly dog that

always is wanting to go for a walk. I know I got up and out and

exercising much more than I would have otherwise, speeding my

recovery.

If your dogs require a lot of physical energy to care for, you might

want to ask if any staff at your regular vets would be interested in

helping out pet sitting or just taking them out for an extra long

walk if you are unable, and they are going a little crazy for more

exercise.

Having backup plans like this in place early on, even if they

ultimately prove unneeded, gives additional peace of mind and allow

you to spend your energy on beating this thing, which it sounds like

you have a good chance of doing.

Best wishes for a smooth treatment and recovery.

Kris

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Yes, once the surgery is completed and additional biopsies take of the

surrounding tissue, there still may be radiation and there definitely will

be chemo therapy.

Thanks for your support. This list helped me clear the fuzz out of my brain

Thanks to all.

Karima

-- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I

found you

> ...

>

> Karima,

> I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

tumor

> in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

via

> pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

tumor.

> We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

was

> to remove the tumor.

> They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

follow

> up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

one

> year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

the

> way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage. If

he

> were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

and

> not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his bladder

> control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

were

> doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

and

> I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100% sure

> that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the surgery

> option first.

> Best Wishes,

> Joyce

> > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

consensus

> > amongst doctors.

> >

> >

> > Karima.

> >

> >

> >

> > P

> > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

chemotherapy

> for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Yes, I am going to ask my primary physician today if he can get his surgeon

to forego this stress/cardio stuff. We shall see. I guess I only have so

much control. If it was up to me I would go today.

Karima

-- Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Dear Rene,

Yes this is the same Dr. Moskowicz. He is the second surgeon.

Both my primary care physician and the first surgeon I went to sent me to

him.

I would like to call you before I go out today. I am jumping in the shower

now and have an appointment in less than 45 minutes.

I am feeling alarm...did I misread something?

Karima

[Guest guest]

Hi Karima,

I know it is a pain but I wouldn't forgo the cardio workup. My dad had a

pacemaker for 15+ years and the liver surgeon wanted a workup before he would do

a resection. He came through the surgery fine. One year later he had to have

another colon resection and they skimped on the workup. He ended up dying of

complications from ARDS. I think there were many factors that caused that but

in hindsight I wish they had done a more thorough workup prior to the surgery -

one that also contained a chest x-ray.

Kathy L.

Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Karima,

I know it is a pain but I wouldn't forgo the cardio workup. My dad had a

pacemaker for 15+ years and the liver surgeon wanted a workup before he would do

a resection. He came through the surgery fine. One year later he had to have

another colon resection and they skimped on the workup. He ended up dying of

complications from ARDS. I think there were many factors that caused that but

in hindsight I wish they had done a more thorough workup prior to the surgery -

one that also contained a chest x-ray.

Kathy L.

Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Karima,

I know it is a pain but I wouldn't forgo the cardio workup. My dad had a

pacemaker for 15+ years and the liver surgeon wanted a workup before he would do

a resection. He came through the surgery fine. One year later he had to have

another colon resection and they skimped on the workup. He ended up dying of

complications from ARDS. I think there were many factors that caused that but

in hindsight I wish they had done a more thorough workup prior to the surgery -

one that also contained a chest x-ray.

Kathy L.

Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad

I

> found you

> > ...

> >

> > Karima,

> > I agree with about the radiation. My husband had a 2cm

> tumor

> > in the rectum. He had 6 weeks of chemo 24hrs a day 7days a week

> via

> > pump. He also had at the same time radiation to shrink the

> tumor.

> > We were never given the option of a ultrasound to see if it had

> > invaded the wall. They told us at the time the only way to tell

> was

> > to remove the tumor.

> > They removed 24 lymph nodes and all were negative. We wanted

> follow

> > up chemo and they said he was cured. Wrong, it came back exactly

> one

> > year later. His tumor did penetrate the wall but did not go all

> the

> > way thru. The radiation did some really bad damage and did not

> > shrink the tumor a lot. He developed a fistula that bonded the

> > bladder to the wall of the colon and caused permanent damage.

If

> he

> > were given the chance again he said he would go for the surgery

> and

> > not wasted any more time. He still has problems with his

bladder

> > control and constantly has to monitor for infections. He was

> > actually passing gas thru the penis. At the time we thought we

> were

> > doing the right thing because it was even written in the medical

> > magazines that this was the way to go. Hindsite is 20 20 and we

> > just have to deal with our mistakes and go on.

> > I agree with others, I just wish we had found this message group

> and

> > I think we would have made wiser desicions. If they are 100%

sure

> > that your has not penetrated the wall I would jump at the

surgery

> > option first.

> > Best Wishes,

> > Joyce

> > > I believe we can beat this cancer, the thing is to get a

> consensus

> > > amongst doctors.

> > >

> > >

> > > Karima.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > P

> > > Caregiver to husband, Dale, who is 73 and undergoing

> chemotherapy

> > for Stage IV rectal cancer diagnosed in 2002

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Karima,

I am so sorry that I have not been able to get in a read my e-mail. This

was the week for Glen my husband to have chemo, it's a long week for both of

us.

Please send me you phone number and a good time to call to rdrake@direcway

com I will make every effort to check my e-mail regular for the next few

days.

Rene

-- Re: Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I found

you ...

Dear Rene,

Yes this is the same Dr. Moskowicz. He is the second surgeon.

Both my primary care physician and the first surgeon I went to sent me to

him.

I would like to call you before I go out today. I am jumping in the shower

now and have an appointment in less than 45 minutes.

I am feeling alarm...did I misread something?

Karima

[Guest guest]

Karima,

I am so sorry that I have not been able to get in a read my e-mail. This

was the week for Glen my husband to have chemo, it's a long week for both of

us.

Please send me you phone number and a good time to call to rdrake@direcway

com I will make every effort to check my e-mail regular for the next few

days.

Rene

-- Re: Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I found

you ...

Dear Rene,

Yes this is the same Dr. Moskowicz. He is the second surgeon.

Both my primary care physician and the first surgeon I went to sent me to

him.

I would like to call you before I go out today. I am jumping in the shower

now and have an appointment in less than 45 minutes.

I am feeling alarm...did I misread something?

Karima

[Guest guest]

Karima,

I am so sorry that I have not been able to get in a read my e-mail. This

was the week for Glen my husband to have chemo, it's a long week for both of

us.

Please send me you phone number and a good time to call to rdrake@direcway

com I will make every effort to check my e-mail regular for the next few

days.

Rene

-- Re: Re: diagnosed May 27th. I'm glad I found

you ...

Dear Rene,

Yes this is the same Dr. Moskowicz. He is the second surgeon.

Both my primary care physician and the first surgeon I went to sent me to

him.

I would like to call you before I go out today. I am jumping in the shower

now and have an appointment in less than 45 minutes.

I am feeling alarm...did I misread something?

Karima