I had right hemicolonphty and have now been informed this has spread to my liver, the surgeon has referred me to royal marsden but was unsure if chemo will work, really scared . Any other treatments available.
I had right hemicolonphty and have now been informed this has spread to my liver, the surgeon has referred me to royal marsden but was unsure if chemo will work, really scared . Any other treatments available.
Dear Pubjt
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Debbie, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I am sorry to hear that you have been told that you have secondary liver cancer following a right hemicolectomy. I can understand that it must have been a shock to be told this news. I can see that you have joined the secondary liver cancer forum and hope that you are finding that supportive.
Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records, so we can’t give personalised information. But I can let you know that chemotherapy is very commonly used as a treatment when bowel cancer has spread to the liver. For many people it can be very helpful in shrinking the area (or areas) of cancer and controlling it for a long time. However, there might be other treatments that would also be suitable for you. The treatments for bowel cancer that has spread to the liver are described on the Cancer Research UK website.
When you see your doctor at the Royal Marsden, they will explain the treatment options that might be suitable for you. They can also explain the benefits and possible side effects of each type of treatment.
Finding out that your cancer has spread can be a very emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. You can also check the cancer care map to find details of support and information in your area.
An organisation called Maggie’s offers psychological support and support groups for anyone affected by cancer. They also offer online gentle exercise sessions, art therapy, and relaxation sessions that many people find supportive.
I hope that this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel welcome to get back in touch with us by email, webchat or phone. We offer practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm. It is often easier to discuss things by phone when we can get a clearer picture of your situation.
With best wishes
Debbie
Ref** DC/Lrob
