Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/28/2007

Question
My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and had about 18 inches of his colon removed with the cancer in August of 06.  At that time his cancer was staged at II.  He was 53 years old.  How we found out about it was he had gone into seizures on two occasions,while standing quickly (we were at church both times).  His blood pressure dropped, he became hot, but felt cold and clamy, very tired, thirsty, and white as a sheet.  Upon admittance to the hospital, his heboglobin count was at 7 with them telling us they felt he was bleeding internally.  The cancer was discover a couple of days later.  Now at his year check up, he had a CT scan a couple of days ago, bloodwork yesterday, and another colonoscopy scheduled for next week. I wouldn't be concerned except for last week (at church again!) he had another episode like last year.  He didn't have a seizure this time, but all of the other symptoms as before, white as ghost, blurred vision, thirsty, sweaty, and nearly passing out.  He has not passed any blood in his stool, he says he feels fine, but I'm not so sure. Last night the lab that took his CT scan and asked if he had ever had another one.  I told him he had a year ago and gave them the name of the hospital that administerd the scan. They said they wanted to "compare" the two. Of course they wouldn't tell us anything.  Did they see something? Is that a routine practice? Please give me your opinion.  Do you think the cancer has come back? Do you think it has spread? Please be honest with me. I know we'll get some answers next week but the waiting is hard.

Answer
It IS rotine to compare pictures but they MAY still have "seen" something. I do not KNOW. It may have but still I do not know. Have they checked his hemoglobine level this time? That is the first thing I would do. If it is low again his situation may be serious. Also his stools should be checked for microscopic traces of blood. Was his CEA level checked before his first operation and if so what was it? Has it been checked again now and if so what is it? I would probably also suggest an MRI brain scan to be on the safe side. Please do keep me posted!

It may have but it is impossible to be sure without knowing more facts!
Thanks!