Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 6/10/2006

Question
No, he doesn't really want anyone to go with him. He won't take his long-time girlfriend either. He told me today that his echo came back fine. He always says no change, but we don't know exactly what that means. He seems to be having CAT scans about every 6 weeks, is this normal? We have to piece together informatation with what he tells each of us and then look for more info on the computer. He has been told that the colon cancer has mets on his skin. He has had radiation many months ago for it. He has sores on his chest with black scabs. Would this be from the radiation or just the skin cancer itself, and it itches. I think he's doing as well as can be expected for being diagnosed in 1998. His mom died from complications of colorectal cancer, and all of us kids have had colonoscopies and are fine.
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Followup To

Question -
My father has stage four colon cancer and lymphadema of his left arm. He has had diarrhea for the last week with no flu symptoms. He finally told his dr. and has lost at least 10 pounds in week. He has finally called the dr to let him know it isn't getting better. He's now on prescription med. Would this be something to worry about? He also had an echo about a week ago. Would this be a routine test or only for infection or fluid around the heart? He admits, he doesn't understand what the drs tell him.

Answer -
This sounds rather serious to me. Would it be possible for you to go with him to his dr. to get better information. It is very difficult for me to evaluate this further without more information - that his dr. most probably has.


Answer
You can try to talk to his dr. directly, but it is not sure that you will get any information. His dr. can just state that patient secrecy & privacy will forbid him to tell you anything but you can at least ask. It is impossible for me to tell you what these wounds are without 1. examining them & 2. knowing more with regards to the therapy he has received. Such a high frequency of CT scans is remarkable! You, his children, due to your possible genetic burden will all need colonoscopy checks at least once a year during your lifetimes. If you can gather more information, please do keep me posted!