Good evening, everyone.
It's been a while since my last post. I wanted to provide a brief update on my journey. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2023, specifically in the sigmoid colon. I underwent robotic surgery in August 2023 and spent 48 hours in the hospital post-surgery before being discharged.
During my first CT scan after the surgery, they found an indeterminate lung nodule. This nodule has been monitored every three months with follow-up scans. Although it has been growing a bit, it remains too small for a biopsy. My pathology results showed that all lymph nodes were clear except for one blood vessel that was involved. As a result, I was advised to undergo Capox chemotherapy for four cycles, which I started in October 2023 and finished at the end of January 2024. I had a break between the third and fourth cycles due to very low platelet counts.
Regarding the lung nodule, I had another scan in January 2024 and again in May 2024, and the nodule was stabilized. My oncologist recommended another scan at the end of the year, which took place in November 2024. It was also my first-year colonoscopy in September 2024, and I'm happy to report that it was all clear.
Today, I saw my oncologist, who informed me that the November 2024 scan was clear and that the lung nodule has decreased in size compared to the previous scan. Since I was not undergoing any active treatment, they do not believe the lung nodule is related to my colon cancer diagnosis as a metastasis.
My CEA levels each time they were checked were as follows: 0.7, 1.1, 1.4, 1.8, 1, less than 1, and the last one from January 31 showed less than 1.
Today, I was discharged from the oncology team and referred back to the colorectal team with a 5-year surveillance plan. My next blood test for CEA levels is scheduled for six months from now.
Never give up hope. This journey has been tough, and chemotherapy is not easy, but I am grateful that I can still enjoy my life. What I’ve learned from this experience is that I won’t let my diagnosis take control of me. I understand that I can't control what happens, and this realization has brought me peace.
All my love 
️ Natallia
Thank you so much for this Natallia.
My story is very similar to yours and it gives me hope to see how your journey is progressing. I had cancer diagnosed on 4th September 2024 and a hemicolectomy on September 13th I was also offered CAPOX, but I had a nasty reaction to the capecitabine so it was stopped.
When I was first given a CT scan, they detected a small node in my lung too.
Because the cancer in my bowel was more urgent, that was dealt with first. On Dec 31st I had a PET scan to try and work out what the lung thing was, however, the results have been inconclusive. They are happy that they think my bowel is clear of cancer, but they are keeping an eye on the lung thing.
Your story makes me feel hope and reassured too and I’m so grateful that you took the time to post it. I’m also so pleased that your node is shrinking and that things are looking positive for you 
Very Best Wishes,
Nic x
