Colonoscopy Article

[Guest guest]

Colonoscopy is absolutely necessary and BEFORE 50.

I am a member of an online colon cancer support group and most of our

members were diagnosed in their 30's and 40's. In addition your every 10 years

is

crazy. Every 5 Max is what the doctor told me and I am under 50 and DON'T have

cancer.

Here is my husband's story and please tell your readers Get a colonoscopy

every 5 years at least!

Thanks!

Narice

Caregiver to Phil

Diagnosed June 19, 2003

Stage 4 with multiple liver mets (Initially thought to be pancreatic)

July 2003-Severe swelling, Some Jaundice PCP tells us NOT to

Seek treatment.

We begin treatment with Dr. Jan Rothman

at Regional Cancer Center Erie, PA

5FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin

August 2003- Phil's weight drops from 165 to 135

September 2003-Phil goes off diuretic (oops)

In late September he has CT showing

significant

Reduction of tumor. ;-)

December 2003- Tumor stable side effects so far are minimal some flu

like symptoms with the Oxilaplatin, dry chapped

hands

and occasional nausea

March 2004-Weight gain of 20 lb. (fluctuates between 155-160)

Tumor still stable, (13 cm in colon multiple liver

mets. Largest being 9 cm

April 2004 1 month chemo break YIPEEE!!!!!

April 21, 2004-Phil starts on new chemo 5 FU, Leucovorin, Oxilaplatin

AND Avastin via 46 HR pump. Weight 160.

April 23.2004 Mouth sores develop Using *magic mouthwash*.

CEA 2.5 down from 3.5 before Avastin

Low red & white counts

Dr. states *You could be the poster person for chemo response, when I first

saw you in the hospital last June 2003 I practically had to 'scrape you off

the

wall.' " :->

5/17/04 Red & white counts normalized. Platelet count down to 88,000

(normal 150,000. Chemo postponed for 1st time since diagnosis

5/24/04 weight 160

All blood counts at or near normal. Platelets at 122,000

June 2004 One year and still here

Chemo June 17 severe mouth sores develop platelets drop to 49,000 150,000

normal White counts drops to .09! Normal is 4.5

Starts week of Neuprogen to boost white count on July 1

7/7/04 Blood Counts normal chemo resumes

July 2004 CHEMO BREAKS yippee!!!!!

8/3/04 Chemo resumes FOXIL + Avastin

Bleeding gums (probably due to dental work), dark urine

Resolved by week's end. Blood counts still normal

8/17 Removed Oxilaplatin Hives during 5FU Leucovorin treatment Avastin and

46

hr.

5FU continues.

8/19 Endoscopy reveals Acid Reflux as cause of black stools and bloody

vomit.

THANK YOU GOD!!

8/20 Acidphex heals acid Reflux so no more bleeding but Phil will stay on it

to heal lesions in his esophagus and prevent further damage.

Sept. 2004 No noticeable problems CT scan scheduled for October

October 2004 CT scan reveals no change. No reduction and no new growth

YIPPEE

November 2004 Low blood counts lead to a blood transfusion and need for IV

and oral iron.

December 2004 Counts up slightly and chemo resumes.

Oncologist is considering SURGERY!!!! :

January 21, 2005 colonoscopy Dr. could not find the tumor!!!!! :

Feb.2005 CT and PET scan confirms above resume chemo

Consult with Liver specialist Dr. Geller from University of Pittsburgh

Medical Canter scheduled for Monday Feb.28.

April 1 2005 surgical implants of chemo pump to liver and removal of

gallbladder which would be affected by same. Pump delivers a 5FU like chemo

to

liver

to work on multiple liver mets on a2 week on 2 week off schedule. Pump is

refilled by injection,

April 19, 2005

Recovery going well Stitches to be removed April 21. Phil working full

schedule

May 27, 2005 Feeling great weight up to 183 still on FUDR pump and Avastin

30 min IV every other week.

June July 2005 Pump begins leaking causing stomach ulcer, back pain and need

for transfusion. Surgery performed to plug leaking artery which was diameter

of a strand of hair! Back Ache and ulcer resolved

July 28 Colon tumor still gone Liver tumors are present but stable

Choice to discontinue if desired but Phil decides to stay with

Avastin and FUDR. Chemo resumes