Hi,
My brother has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer in March/April, which has spread to his lungs and liver (multi bilateral liver and lung metastases (stage 4). The outlook isn’t good.
He is 47 and was mega fit and healthy… now a little weaker and tired.
This is devastating for us all. He’s not really come to terms with it as yet and is focusing on each day and we don’t speak about the future just the now…
I will need to talk to someone about that aspect, but also just trying to spend time with him and our family as much as possible.
They started him on Folfiri, then expanded to Folfox and now we are exploring Bevacizumab (Avastin) as the Folfiri didn’t work and we are looking to add to the treatment with Bevacizumab.
I’ve also commissioned a Tempus test to see if there is anything more that we can see from his bloods and biopsy for trials and other treatments etc.
The NHS seem to have narrow options when it comes to testing cancer and treating it. I’m not sure if the Tempus test will give us anymore options but worth looking at and we are getting it free as a friend is well connected.
I’m not sure what to do tbh. His oncologist says they can’t do much more than the treatment plan… Anything else would need to be self funded and the Bevacizumab is one aspect.
I just wanted to say what I’m doing for him in case there are other things I can be trying. We do talk with his Oncologist and care team but, it seems like it’s an inevitable road we are walking down, with not many options… just keeping him happy and going through the treatment until time runs out.
We have spoken with a private oncologist and will ask her to review the tempus results when we have them back, which I guess is as much as we can do. She may be able to suggest alternative treatments, for quality of life or to prolong things.
You hear of many people surviving different cancers, heard good things about places like the royal marsden etc, you start second guessing or feeling your brothers on a road with no options with his type of cancer, coupled with the nhs and the limitations of what they can offer.
Other than, discussing the practicalities of wills, spending quality time with family and friends which I’m making sure he does, doing fun things, speaking to my brother and making sure he doesn’t feel alone. I’m not sure what else to do now.
Maybe some time with one of your counsellors? For me and him? He hasn’t spoken to anyone like that, he just doesn’t want to process the bad news…bless him. I’m also finding it difficult, I get angry, cry driving the car when I’ve seen him, just feel empty.
Always his big brother looking after him though, giving him a hug while trying not to break down. It feels like a long goodbye…
interested in your thoughts….
Thanks
Steve
Hello Steve and a warm welcome to MacMillan cancer Community.
I am so sorry to read of your brothers problems and fully understand your concerns. Let me start by saying that the Community is divided up into many forums and or chat rooms and I would suggest that you consider joining
Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum Lung cancer forum andLiver cancer forum to join any forum, click on the link I have provided and when the page opens up, click "join" at the bottom of the page. You will then be able to post questions and also add replies.
You may also wish to join Carers only forum and Emotional support forum again, I have provided the links and details to join are as above.
I have also noted your comments about speaking to one of MacMillan's Counsellors and I am sure you can arrange this by telephoning 0808 808 00 00 (8am - 8pm 7 days a week) or by e-mail to contactus@macmillan.org.uk.
I hope the above is a help on your journey - if i can help any further with site navigation or any further contacts, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes and best of luck - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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