I had my first post-surgery visit with my oncologist, Dr. G, today. He went over the pathology report from surgery:
1. The tumor in my colon was 20% of its original size. It was removed (along with 10 inches of my colon).
2. All 20 lymph nodes that were removed were negative for cancer.
3. The spot that was and then wasn't in my liver really was there. It was removed.
4. The cancer cells in the liver were the same cells as my colon tumor.
Dr. G said that my tumor was/is very sensitive to chemotherapy (which is a good thing) and that I responded very well to radiation too. He also said we need to keep an eye out on my liver and that I will probably need yet another MRI in the near future.
So what's next? Chemotherapy and lots of it.
In a little over two weeks I will start a chemo regimen called FOLFOX. Every two weeks I will go in for 2 hours of chemo via an IV. Then I will be given a pump that will administer 5-FU for 46 hours. Then I get to recover.
The current plan is to do eight rounds (i.e., 16 weeks) of this. If I do "good", I may get an additional four rounds. (Lucky me!)
Dr. G says that I will probably experience nausea and diarrhea, but I won't lose my hair. Personally, I'd be willing to trade the hair for less nausea, but apparently I don't get to choose.
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5 comments:
I'm so glad you are doing well. I'm sure the chemo won't be fun. Everyone here at Champion Group says "hi" and thank goodness you are doing well. Holler if you need anything at all!!!!!
Ben
Hang in there.
Nelson
I saw a tee shirt yesterday that said "The liver is evil and must be punished". When this is all over, we should get a bottle of tequila and punish our livers.
-- Norman
Doug: Suzanne K. and I have been trying to figure out how to post to your blog.... let's see if this works. I am reading it, just didn't know how to get in touch, and things are still really crazy and uncertain in my life.
Doug,
Yep, chemo is a great time...make sure you have some entertainment in the chemo room. My experience was that it really isn't a place for light conversation and they frown on you bringing in a cocktail.
Kilgo
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