Colon Cancer Forum - Stage IIA Colon Cancer & Chemotherapy

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Q: Stage IIA Colon Cancer & Chemotherapy

asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 29th, 2006

I was recently diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I had the right part removed. Ten lymph nodes were tested and all tested negative. Blood work was done and there is no indication it has spread. I am classed as Stage 2a. I am pending a colonoscopy within the month.

My doctor said I had 2 courses of action; one being observation and the other to start Chemo. He recommended 5FU with Levcovorin if I chose chemotherapy. I do not like to be given this choice and I am basically getting a second opinion. My gut feeling is to not do the Chemotherapy since there are no signs it has spread but I wanted to be reassured this is the right course of action. I am prepared to do the Chemo understanding there is a 6 percent chance it will help.

Thank you

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on January 5th, 2007

Colon Cancer Answer A2073

According to the stage of colon cancer (IIA), it is not recommended that you use adjuvant chemotherapy but conventional protocol dictates that you return to your doctor only for regular check ups: standard blood analyses (blood count, sedimentation, hemoglobin, liver status and renal status) and blood level of the so called "carcino-embryonal antigen" (CEA) must be performed once a month. Further, an abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy should be done once a year. You can consult an oncologist for an expert opinion.

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