Hi -
NSSG is right; both of those had been found in colonoscopies over the last 1 1/2 years or so. (I am sure if you searched those terms on this site, my posts about
them would turn up.) I was having colonoscopies every 6 months for the last few years, because my GI was concerned that, as a result of damage from inflammation over the decades, my colon was shooting off abnormal cells here and there with increasing frequency. (When I was first diagnosed, the whole study of inflammation and its effects was not advanced.)
After the Goblet Cell finding, I was referred to an oncologist who did blood tests and a 24 hour urine collection test to check for a certain hormone which would indicate that this cancer was in another organ or systemic. (5 HIAA test) That test was clear.
6 months later, when I was scoped, there was a dramatic stricture right at the area where I had had a lot of inflammation over the years. The GI sent me to the surgeon. The docs both hoped the stricture was simply a result of inflammation, but we scheduled surgery. (By now I was ready to get rid of the colon!)
The particular adenocarcinoma that was found actually develops in the submucosa, which is why it had not been found on colonoscopy. It was related to the Goblet, but not classified as such when they took out the colon and lymph nodes and did overall pathology.
The cancer went through the submucosa and colon wall and into 6 of the 44 lymph nodes they removed.
With people who've had this cancer and had it in 4 or less lymph nodes, 3 months of chemo has proved effective. For those with cancer in more than 4 lymph nodes, 6 months is more effective. So we are doing the 6 months, but the oncologist said that if my blood levels go screwy after Session 10, we might call it quits and he would think we had done enough.
The cancer was all removed during surgery, and according to CT scan I am clear, but the chemo is to take care of any undetectable, developing cancer cells. Dr. had me sign a document that my understanding is, this treatment is for a full cure. Yay!!
I LOVE my surgeon. When he got in there and saw how things looked, he removed more than we'd thought he might. Thank goodness! He basically saved my life. Because I have always been overweight, I find this quite agreeable, but - he removed 15 pounds of me in that surgery! That's a lot of tissue!
I hope that helps answer some questions.
NSSG, I am doing well! Back to work part time, feeling good except for the 4 days around chemo.
