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Colon Cancer/colon cancer metz to liver

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Expert: - 1/14/2007


Question
My step-father had a total colectomy on May and started chemotherapy shortly after. He was able to take 10 treatments when it was discovered that the cancer has metastasized to his liver and lymph nodes. His chest CT was negative. My mom wants to know what we can expect in terms of his stamina, pain and quality of life. They are going to try avastin. The doctor told my mom that he has about 3-6 months to live. Right now he sleeps most of the day and when he is awake he seems to be so exhausted and not stable on his feet. He is 70 years old and never had any other health problems before this. Please help me understand what we can expect as his condition progresses.  

Answer
Unfortunately once his cancer has spread to his liver and elsewhere it is no longer curable. What the chemo therapy can do at best is to prolong his survival time somewhat and hopefully to some extent and for some time relieve his symptoms - but at a cost of sometimes harsh side effects. Though it is hard to predict survival time with any accuracy I generally agree with his dr. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

Colon Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

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I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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