capecitabine for stage 2b or not...difficult decision

Hi Phantomguzzler

Welcome to the forum . I really do feel sorry for people in your position as it’s one of the harder decisions to make . Risk / benefits analysis is tough given the information is limited .

I have thought about people in your situation often and the complexities involved . I still would not be able to give any guidance for the reasons you stated but I would probably seek a second opinion out with my health authority. Not so much out of a lack of trust but to ensure another clinician would take the same course of action or could share some other angle that would assist .

Even if it was just for some peace of mind as this is a big decision. 
In terms of radiotherapy exposure I don’t know the exact science but I do know my mum has had over 35 scans and no one seemed overly concerned . Needs must etc . She never had any actual radiotherapy .

Take care ,

Court 

We also have a search function at the top right hand side which might show some older posts on the topic . 

Thanks for replying Court, I will look at older posts. For a lot of people it is a simpler decision ie if a lymph node is involved. I think I will ask for a second opinion as you suggested. I had had such a great experience with the surgeons and team at the hospital and I though the Marsden would be a similar and I would be exposed to their expertise and that was not really the case.

Exactly , even one obvious risk factor would give you a clearer pathway . However you have very reasonable questions that need more concrete answers when it comes to your health .

Some oncologist are very much researched based and know what’s currently being studied . 
Our helpline staff can let you know how to process it .

0808 808 0000.

Take care ,

Court 

It's possibly because your report states EMVI - (Extramural Venous Invasion,) which means some cancer cells were picked up in a nearby vein - thereby presenting a small risk of recurrence.

This was also on my report; however, my Oncologist was adamant that I was low risk also, & did not need chemo - which I was obviously pleased about. However, in my case, one year later, a CT Scan picked up 2 small Lung Nodules. Then I was put on 6 cycles of Capecitabine - with the hope of shrinking them, prior to Lung Ablation - which worked.

This tablet form of Chemo is generally tolerated well - & although it can have side effects, it is usually less so than treatments that involve infusions. I suffered no ill effects, until the 5th cycle - when I suffered Palmar Plantar in my hands & feet.

I believe that the risks of Chemo are often greater for the elderly.

With regards to CT scans - you will probably need these at six month intervals for the first three years. Apparently they present minimum radiation & are not a danger to the body.

I wish you luck with your decision.

Best wishes

Marianne

Thanks Marianne it is nice actually to read from someone who has had the capecitabine and to have it work. My report says EMVI negative so no veinous invastion. I can't see any risk factors, I had genetic testing as well as my mother had bowel cancer and that also has not found nay genetic markers. I am going to seek a different opinion, actually seek an opinion from an oncologist, I figure it is more up to them than me to be up to date with the latest research and medical treatment for people like me, even if its a gray area.

Hi.it is a hard decision.I had 60 lymph nodes checked and all clear but there was a question mark over whether anything in some surrounding fat which had been removed

I decided to throw everything at the cancer then I had tried my best(I had already had a panproctocolectomy)I felt that that way if it came back I had tried my very best

So I had 4 months of Capox( oxaliplatin and capecitabine) and  3 yrs on Im fine

Obviously it is a personal decision but thought I would just say what I did

Best wishes and do click on my name for how I got on

Kath

Apologies, I mis read your histology.

Yes, the stats. presented re. mop up chemo are very low. I think I was quoted 1.5 - 2% by the Oncologist at the time.

thanks Kath. It is nice to hear good stories like yours. 

Thanks.as you can see from my bio,it wasnt all plain sailing but I got there,as will you.

Kath