Comments on: Introducing: From the Desk of Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz

By: Hans J. Lemson

Hans J. Lemson — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:53:59 +0000

please, I startd with tonsil cancer in nov. 2009
then esophagus cancer jan. 2011
nos spot on liver has increased in size, and city of hope is starting Irinotecan chemo tomorrow for 3 wks.

I truly want to meet you doctor, for your majoe advise, and possible transfer to your full treatment and care.

Please, please, I have an appt with you on may23-…that is a life time away…can you help me…earlier..

THANKS, Hans

By: Kate Murphy

Kate Murphy — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:04:17 +0000

Just a friendly reminder that neither Dr. Lenz nor the staff of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition can comment on individual diagnoses.

We can’t offer advice on treatment or other specific needs.

Please be careful about posting complete medical information about your individual case.

By: Kate Murphy

Kate Murphy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:21:50 +0000

since your liver surgery was aborted, I assume that you still have some tumors in your liver. The chemotherapy is probably important for them.

Chemotherapy is not as effective for peritoneal tumors but not knowing your full history, it is difficult to know what is true for you.

This is a good question to ask your doctor. Also, ask him or her what the goal of your treatment is and how the selected chemotherapy fits the goal.

We here at the Colorectal Cancer Coalition cannot offer medical advice. Do talk this over with your own doctor.

By: Anon

Anon — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:12:13 +0000

Does FOLFIRI/Avastin treat one small (lentil sized) lesion on the peritoneum found during liver resection surgery that was aborted? I worry tha tthe chemotherapy will not reach this. Thanks.

By: Heinz-Josef Lenz

Heinz-Josef Lenz — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:09:32 +0000

Karen, what an interesting course you had. Very glad that you are doing well with chemo. i recommend the following supplements for my patietns calcium 1500mg per day, Vitamin D 3000 IU, vitamin B6 300mg per day and tell them to avoid high doses antioxidants Vit C, E or selenium. FOr diet (see my other posts) but avoid red meat, no alcohol, prefer white meat and fish, medeterian food has been shown benefecial. hope this helps and god bless

By: KAREN

KAREN — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:03:59 +0000

I had my colon and rectum removed in May 2004 because of StageII rectal cancer, and a long history of ulcerative colitis. I was treated with 5FU for 3 weeks, and could not tollerate any more. In September 2008,4 1/2 years later, I had a metastasized tumor removed from my lung, and no chemo. I had another metasta sized tumor on my arm after I banged it on something a few months ago, and I am being treated with FolFox 4 with Avastin every 2 weeks for 6 months, and 15 Radiation treatments every day for 3 weeks. I started two weeks ago, and already notice a difference in the tumor.
My question is are vitamins and minerals good or bad during chemo treatment? Also, is there a good diet to follow during this time?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Karen

By: Christina

Christina — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:59:04 +0000

Thanks Dr. Lenz! I was wondering why chemo radiation for Stage IIa rectal cancer is considered standard when the data has shown that although local re-occurence is lower with it that overall survival and disease free living is the same?

By: Heinz-Josef Lenz

Heinz-Josef Lenz — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:53:15 +0000

Christina, you are doing well, still treat with xeloda and oxaliplatin patients wiht rectal cancer. The chemo is more effective to prevent metastates however we were hoping that we could increase the rate of complete resolution of cancer with this chemo and radiation and that did not show does not mean this is not a good therapy. since in oxaliplatin is only given for max 6 months in this setting the rate of neurotoxicity is much lower than in patients who have advanced disease and get oxaliplatin for much longer. Hope this helps. HJL

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:14:19 +0000

Hi! I just found this website as I am trying to find out how much benefit if any for Stage IIa Rectal cancer patients of taking Oxaliplatin instead of Xeloda. Could you please show me where to find the data that there is no benefit? I am very worried about the permanent neuropathy side effects of oxaliplatin. Thanks!

By: Heinz-Josef Lenz

Heinz-Josef Lenz — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:35:31 +0000

i agree witht the B6 300mg and vit D as well as calcium dont use the B12 since there are very little data HJL