Cytoreductive surgery

F Grade 1 day ago

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I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in Feb 23 and had a successful bowel resection followed by chemo. In May 24 the cancer returned to the liver. This was suscessfully removed. In Aug 25 the cancer has returned to the liver and peritoneal lining, now described as Peritoneal Metastatis, which is terminal. Presently I'm about to start on my 3rd (of 12) 2 weekly cycles of FOLFIRI. Today I have been advised I may be suitable to be selected for Cytoreductive surgery. In the first instance I would need to come off the chemo to have a keyhole exploritory examination. My concerns are firstly the concequences of taking a break from chemo, and then having a huge (possibly 18 hour) operation, just for an extra few years. I am a 73 year old fit ( except for cancer) male. Presently, I had accepted that my cancer was terminal and my prognosis was 6- 18 months.

The question I have is has anyone had or have heard from anyone who has experienced this surgery (Cytoreductive). My gut feeling is not to go ahead, as I have been through enough already (including having a problimatic stama with an awful reversal).

eddiel 1 day ago

Hi F Grade, and a warm welcome to the forum, from a fellow non curable, though I'm so sorry you find yourself here, regarding the cytoreductive surgery, also called debulking surgery, my daughter had this operation earlier this year, for a different cancer,"ovarian," having 6 organs and a part of her lower bowel removed in a 9+ hour operation, successful, and was back on her feet in a few days, I understand my daughter's example would have differences to yours, should you have it, but I also hope it gives you a little optimism when making your decision. My friend there are specific cancer forums where you may find the answers your looking for, the @peritoneal forum @bowel cancer forum and @liver cancer forum

F Grade 1 day ago in reply to eddiel

Thank you so much, your reply was most helpful. I'm sorry you are in "that" club, I hope you are coping ok and your daughter has fully revovered.

I will try one of the groups you suggested.

Thanks again.

eddiel 1 day ago in reply to F Grade

Thank you my friend, my daughter and her mum, have both had cancer recently and were told they maybe had a year to live initially, but thanks to two wonderful teams treating them, they are now both NED, clear of cancer, so sometimes we beat the odds

Eddie