Stage 3b Colon Cancer

Rdw960 22 days ago

4 replies
115 subscribers
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Hi I am new to this site. I am a 64 year old male in generally very good health.

i was diagnosed with bowel cancer following a colonoscopy as a consequence of a positive bowel screening. 3cm tumour removed approximately 4 weeks ago by way of an anterior resection of colon. I was also advised that following initial CT and MRI scan that there were enlarged nodes identified near cancer. They also confirmed that there were no obvious signs that the cancer had spread to any of my major organs.

I have since been advised that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes with 8 out of 15 removed near cancer were found to be cancerous. I am now waiting a couple of more weeks to fully recover from surgery to then start chemotherapy with 4 cycles of 3 weeks planned.The consultant has also stated that it was an aggressive cancer than has been removed - is he saying this due to the number of effected lymph nodes?

I am now due a CT scan on Monday which the consultant is going to use as a baseline prior to chemotherapy.

Does anyone know if after the completion of chemotherapy can they will do a further CT scan to see if it has worked and check if any rouge lymph nodes have been eradicated?

is it fairly likely that even with chemotherapy that the spread of cancer to other organs over time is inevitable, or should I be more hopeful for a positive outcome. I am really concerned due to the high number of affected lymph nodes found.

As you can probably tell I am extremely worried and am struggling to see a positive way out of this situation.

SJP524 22 days ago

Hi rdw960

Your cancer journey and diagnosis sounds exactly like mine and if it is reassuring to hear, my consultant is positive my 4 rounds of chemo will be sufficient enough to kill any remaining cancer cells that might be circulating due to the spread to the lymph nodes.

Things to remember when in panic mode,

Technically you are cancer free now as the tumour has been removed and the affected lymph nodes have been removed.(this single statement from my consultant made me feel more confident)

8 out of 15 lymph nodes had cancer cells - that means 7 didn’t and they remove more than they think they need to around the affected section of the bowel just to be safe so it is highly likely there are no other cancerous lymph nodes left in you. (Again, my consultant telling me this gave me confidence)

Your other scans (CT/MRI) show no signs of spread to other organs, and it would if there had been any spread.

And according to cancer research UK 65 out of 100 people (65%) with stage 3 bowel cancer will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after they're diagnosed.

Regarding screening. Once you have completed all rounds of chemo you will have a CEA blood test to check for cancer related proteins ( Carcinoembryonic Antigen). You may also have a CT/MRI scan. Then you’ll have a colonoscopy and CT scan 1 year after your surgery.

I know it’s really hard to be positive during such a difficult time. I have been up and down on the emotional rollercoaster many many times but I keep revisiting the things I’ve highlighted to remember above and they often bring me back to a comfortable place on the rollercoaster.

I wish you all the best for the rest of your journey.

Rdw960 22 days ago in reply to SJP524

Hi SJP524

Thanks so much for your kind reply and the positivity you have shown to my situation and concerns.

I think I would have had less trepidation to my treatment and potential outcome if like you I had the opportunity to speak to a consultant, particularly with his/her positive attitude.

Thanks again and I wish you the very best in your journey.

Arial88 21 days ago

Hi, just saying I completely understand how you are feeling. Prior to surgery it looked like I was stage 2, moderately differentiated cells, nothing too alarming.... post surgery 3 nodes out of 14 were affected and I was told the cancer was in fact Grade 3, the highest grade and very aggressive. I am now on cycle 2 of 4 cycles. I worry a lot about recurrence, but am doing my best to stay in the present moment. Thanks SJP524 for your reply, your consultant sounds wonderful! It is so true we need to focus on the being cancer free element of all this and see the chemo as mopping up any stray cells that may have escaped.

My consultant also explained I will be on the standard 5 year surveillance - CEA bloods, colonoscopies - first CT scan around a year after diagnosis

Wishing you both all the best xx

Susan13 21 days ago

I'm sorry this is happening to you. It's likely that the "aggressive" comment is based on the biomarkers in your tumor. Certain mutations are known to be aggressive. This probably means they will take a more aggressive approach with your treatment.