From First Colonoscopy to Continuous Chemotherapy: How to Keep Thriving

Jeff W. was in great health when he had his first colonoscopy at 50 years old in 2019. That routine exam uncovered a tumor in his sigmoid colon. Further scans confirmed stage IV colorectal cancer that had already spread to his liver (four lesions) and lungs (three lesions). Jeff immediately underwent surgery to remove the primary tumor and began the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX. Though the liver tumors responded positively, the cancer in his lungs continued to progress, prompting a switch to FOLFIRI.

By late 2020, Jeff’s local care team considered him inoperable. Refusing to accept a dire prognosis, he sought a second opinion at MD Anderson in January 2021. His new care team pursued an aggressive approach: a bilateral thoracotomy resulted in 24 wedge resections from his lungs, followed by multiple ablations targeting liver tumors. In July 2021, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treated additional nodules in his lungs. Jeff briefly achieved “no evidence of disease” (NED) at three months post-op, though new growths emerged soon after, requiring continuous chemotherapy since mid-2021.

Despite ongoing treatments and new tumors, Jeff has surpassed four years since his initial diagnosis. He maintains an active lifestyle, credits his supportive family, and values the innovative care at MD Anderson. Today, he encourages other patients to explore every treatment option and seek second opinions when facing advanced colorectal cancer.