Colon Cancer - Second Opinion (cont.)

The Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville took my case to the tumor board (liver) and it was determined that surgery with liver resection could be possible. In addition, the lung nodules may be able to be treated with radio-frequency ablation (RFA). I was scheduled to have multiple studies (CT scan, PET scan, and MRI) as well as consultations with the surgeon and the radiation oncologist over a two day period.

I completed all the scans on the 1st day which were available when I saw the surgeon. He was very optimistic about being able to remove the cancer in the liver with surgery, but wanted input from the Gynecologist as it appeared that my right ovary might also be involved. I saw the Oncologist at the end of this long day. She understood the Radiation Oncologist's view, but believed that surgery on the liver and radiation treatment of the lungs was beneficial and possible.

The next day I saw the Radiation Oncologist. He stated that although he could treat the cancer in the lungs with radiation, he felt it would not be beneficial in the long run because we could not treat all the areas in the abdominal cavity seen on initial scans. He noted that even if we were to remove all signs of cancer with surgery and radiation treatments, it is likely that I would have a recurrence in 2 to 5 years. He would take my case to the tumor board (lung), which would meet Tuesday of the following week, to help determine the best course of action for my case. The Gynecologist was also optimistic about performing the surgery and that since there was no sign of cancer in the abdominal cavity, irradiating the lungs along with liver resection was positive option.

The following week I was notified that felt it would not be in my best interest to treat the lung lesions with radiation.  It was felt that Chemotherapy was the best option to continue to suppress the cancer foci in the abdominal cavity. A change in chemotherapy was also recommended due the probable increase in size of one of the lung lesions.

This has been an informative emotional roller-coaster. I have began to realized how extensive my disease was at the time of my diagnosis. It involved not just my liver and lung, but also several sites within the abdominal cavity, which the chemotherapy has reduced to be undetectable by scan. I have gone from feeling that there was a possibility of no chemotherapy with surgery and radiation or RFA to there being a possible progression of disease and a change in chemotherapy. Looks like I have a lot to think about.