questions about Colon Cancer ...if anyone can help me out

[shaking2]

My Dad has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer, in Sept he had a tumor removed from the colon. Today we got the results from a PET scan and the Dr said that his lymph nodes show cancer in the abdomen and neck. He also thinks there is cancer activity going on in his left upper leg.
My question is that he said his CEA level was 211..I guess this is a blood level that detects cancer activity. He did say this was "quite elevated" but was wondering if anyone has experience with this.

[Emmi]

I'm so sorry. Sounds like he has stage 4 Colon Cancer. Unfortunately this can't be good. I wish I could tell you something better and hopeful but that would be
dishonest. I'm so sorry. I hope he isn't suffering or in pain. Have they discussed
treatment options or prognosis?

(((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))

[Emmi]

BTW, it's hard to tell you much regarding the CEA level as different laboratories have
different normal ranges and levels.

[shaking2]

Originally when we met with the Oncologist before the PET scan he said he was a stage 3b, but that was before he thought it was in the lymph nodes. So today we found this out, the Dr did say that he won't be able to cure him just control the cancer.
He will start chemo I believe next week for 4 months and then they will repeat the PET scan to see if the chemo is working...which I hope it does.
My Dad is 76 and had to have a tumor removed in the lung in August then they found the tumor in the colon in Sept. so it's been a tough road the last couple months. He is feeling good right now..so hopefully he won't get too sick from treatments.

[AmymOH]

I'm so sorry your dad received this news. You all will be in my prayers.

[HeatherPa]

My dad has stage 4 colon cancer. I will ask my mom about the CEA levels. My father is 58 and he has a spot on his liver and has numerous nodes that are affected. He also has to wear a bag (colostomy). The doctors removed a tumor that wrapped itself around his colon and was moving upward. He has been getting chemo since March. I have to tell you that he has tolerated chemo. He goes in for chemo on a monday morning and is at the hospital for the whole day and goes home wearing a pump. He returns to the hospital on day 3 and has it removed. He is on chemo and also AVASTIN. The avastin is new and has been getting great results for colon cancer patients. We were all amazed at how well chemo has been going. My dad has not lost his hair infact you cannot tell he has cancer. He has developed developed in his hands and feet and is VERY sensitive to cold. He cannot even drink cold things, eat icecream,and has to watch when he even opens the refridge door. The sensation he feels when he drinks or inhales something cold is that his throat is closing up on him. That is not the case however it is the nuerpathy from the chemo. He is very tired the first 4 days of chemo. Esp day 1 because he is at the hospital for 6 plus hours and is given benadryl while there. With the avastin you have to watch for bleeding. He has had it where it comes out thru his bag but it is not excessive to stop the avastin. thank goodness!!!

Colon cancer and in fact all cancer just s@cks! I am doing OK now but that it because he is doing well. I still cannot grasp that it is "quality vs quantity" of life for him. I love him dearly.

If you need anything please feel free to PM me. Even if it is to just unload. My heart breaks for you and your family.

Also make sure that he gets a flu shot and a phonomia (sp) shot. They stressed this and gave it to him in the oncologists office.


Aslo please make sure that you and your siblings get screened. My brother and I had to. My dad's 2 sisters also had to be screened because of the high chances it runs in the family.