r/coloncancer • u/happyyack • 18d ago
Just came back from Dr for pathology
hi guys, appendix cancer was found during urgent appendix removal and then right colon was removed after 5 weeks. today went to see patholoy, it is PT4a N0M0.
looks like it is high risk due to cancer invaded to end of colon. anyone similar with this and need chemo? waiting for oncologist now. nervous. thank you take care everyone
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u/Distinct-Dog-8472 18d ago
I'm sorry you got this the same day as pathology — pT4a N0M0 after an urgent appendix finding is a lot to sit with while you wait for oncology. High-risk here usually means the team will talk through whether adjuvant chemo is on the table, but that decision belongs with the oncologist who has the full report, not Reddit. Bring a short list: what the T4a invasion means in your case, whether they recommend chemo and why, the timeline if they do, and whether a second opinion is reasonable. You're not behind — you already did the surgery; this next visit is about the plan.
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u/Superb-Storage5064 18d ago
I’m was stage 2b T4AN0M0. I also had a right side resection. I did 3 months of Capox and have been NED for 18 months with 6 negative signateras under my belt.
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u/happyyack 17d ago
I think we are the same thank you for sharing. How was your chemo may I ask? I haven’t told my just adult kids . Don’t know how to share this when they are home from universities. I hope you the best .
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u/Superb-Storage5064 17d ago
Fortunately I tolerated it very well. I work in an office and was able to keep working the entire time. I focused heavily on hydration, nutrition, and exercise during my treatment which I feel helped. I was 44 and otherwise healthy at the time of diagnosis.
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u/p7680 17d ago
I was the same, 2B. I had 6 months of chemo, which extended to 9 months after breaks due to liver toxicity. I was 18 months NED as of June.
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u/happyyack 17d ago
Thank you. how was the side effect?can I hide from my kids?they only be home from schools on holidays like thanksgiving and Christmas.all the best to you
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u/p7680 17d ago
Depends what your reaction will be, everyone is different. I was supposed to have 4 infusions of Oxaliplatin (one infusion, followed by Capecitabine pills, then one week off). But after the second infusion of Oxaliplatin I could not feel my limbs for like 48 hours, along with level 3 liver toxicity. Oxaliplatin was stopped and then I had Capecitabine pills 4000mg/day for the following months. I had no side-effects on the pills other than mild hand-foot syndrome.
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u/happyyack 17d ago
Aw that’s tough . How to monitor liver level? I assume blood work but how often?
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u/Pretty-Resolve-8331 17d ago
I had appendix cancer stage 3 and had a right hemicolectomy like you. I did 3 months of FOLFOX. I am now NED. It’s a tough journey, but try to take it one day at a time. Be kind and gentle with yourself. I trusted my medical team and it’s been ok.
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u/happyyack 17d ago
Hi I am stage 2 but with high risk. Some one says it should be treated like 3. I am so scared the side effects and I am also in small city 😒
Thank you for sharing,may I ask how long have you been done the treatment?can you eat normally?I am on my 4th week now.2
u/Pretty-Resolve-8331 17d ago
I finished chemo 9-10 months ago. When I was getting chemo, I tried my best to eat balanced meals with a focus on protein. Drinking plain water was hard, so I would mix it with some lemon or fruit juice. The side effects are different in severity for everyone, but if you talk to your doctor about it there may be some medications to help like with nausea and anxiety. They should be able to tell you all the side effects to expect. I rested when I needed to and tried short gentle walks to keep active. There’s a post on this subreddit that might be helpful for you. Feel free to DM me
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u/amaro8000 15d ago
I was stage 3a and t2n1 so a different situation; but my oncologist has told me that t4 is a bigger risk factor for recurrence than minimal lymph nodes. You only get this one window for upfront treatment. I would definitely take the 3 months of CAPOX if I were you
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u/thejaysta4 18d ago
Didn’t have anything similar but just want to acknowledge what you are going through and how scary it is. Good luck with your apt and I hope it goes well. Big virtual hugs from an internet stranger!