Staging colorectal cancer

I think T4 is a grade 3 cancer that’s what I had. I have no idea what the others mean sorry. 

Hi Let66

I have had a look and it seems to refer to pathology report findings .  Possibly referring to the surgical margins .

I think they group such information together along with all other factors like lymph node involvement etc to decide if chemotherapy is beneficial  to the patient and that would all go to the MDT meeting etc . 
How are you finding chemotherapy?

If you want more information our nurses might be able to help on the helpline .

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Take care ,

Court 

Thanks for replying. I know t4 is stage 4 and where it’s gone and nb1 is because it’s gone to 2 if the nodes. 

Thanks for replying.  I know the staging and the nodes but wasn’t sure on the R1.  So I had chemotherapy in jan to shrink tumour but it didn’t so it grew to 11 cm and went into the sacrum. Had an all day op in may to remove it. Surgery was a success so I’m to believe and the chemo is to mop anything up that can’t be seen as they can’t guarantee it won’t return a few years later.  I’m half way through chemo just had 4th session out of 8 yesterday of Oxaliplatin and capecitabine. 
I hate it! I have such horrible side effects. I know everyone has and I do try not to moan about it. It’s the pins and needles not being able to touch, drink or eat cold  for at least 10 days. The fatigue. Changes in output in my illestomy. Nerves around my body. Had my eye and nose take on a life of their own last month. Sickness feeling even with anti sick tablets. they are the worst side effects. But I’m grateful  to still be here. 

R1= microscopic residual tumour per Dr Google. 

Good luvk

Hi Let66 sorry I have just reread my reply and it’s as clear as mud .

I meant the R1 was from the pathology findings on the margins but AnthonyC has been much clearer than my attempt .

Gosh that sounds rough . You would most definitely be allowed a good moan here ! It’s a lot to go through and you are enduring very well with a variety of deferent side effects hitting you at once .

Hope it eases a bit for you .

Court 

I had small bowel cancer 10 years ago and my surgeon told me a T4 was a grade 3 so now I’m confused 

It is Faloola

The R reference you don’t see too much but it’s in reference to surgical margins when the specimen gets sent to pathology . Some pathologist use them . 

After surgery the pathologist checks the margins of the resection to see if any stray cancer cells are near the cut edge . This is done for all stagings  . If one or two are spotted they might indicate that chemotherapy is beneficial to mop them  up . It does not mean they remain the other side of the cut or that it has spread so can apply to any stage of cancer . 
It’s just another piece of the jigsaw to help decide if chemotherapy is beneficial .

Only my understanding and might not be accurate ,

Court 

Hi, this info has come from a website  that gives details of pathology reports, it may help explain what the R1 means

The tumor status following treatment is described by the residual tumor (R) classification: R0, no residual tumor; R1, microscopic residual tumor; R2, macroscopic residual tumor. Residual tumor may be found in the area of primary tumor and its regional lymph nodes and/or at distant sites. The R classification reflects the effects of treatment and influences further treatment planning.

Hi Let66

My husband is on Oxaliplatin and capecitabine just now for his chemo. He's just got his first cycle done and the next one begins at the end of this week. Other than the neuropathy the pins n needles in his fingers, he's so far (touch wood) not had any other adverse side effects on it. He has been having some indegestion and heartburn though to and feels slightly nauseous at times but not physically sick. Putting it down to the tablets and other treatment whether the effects will worsen as the treatment goes on time will tell. Guess its different for everyone and maybe he'll be one of the lucky ones and he sails through it. Take Care. 

Vicky.