Doctors told us yesterday that my husband (stage 4 rectal tumour with lots of liver mets) is very likely to now be a candidate for liver re-section and removal of the primary rectal tumour. We had always been told until yesterday that there was no hope of surgery so this is amazing news. So far he has had a stoma operation in June 2024 followed by 11 sessions of folfox with number 12 tomorrow. The decision on surgery is conditional on scans at the end of December but we feel the likelihood must be high as there was no reason for them to tell us at this stage, having previously told us surgery was not possible. They could have held this news back until our post scan discussions in January.
Other than sharing a good news story, I wondered whether anyone else has had this turnaround and what was the pathway from this point. We were told he will have more chemo before surgery but we didn’t ask what chemo or for how long. The liver surgeons will also have to decide where the best place is for him to have surgery. I know we have a very long road ahead but to have the first opportunity of a cure rather than management is amazing.
Hi jd 37 welcome to the forum. That sounds like the best news ever for you both. Cancer Treatments are moving on a pace and things that couldn't be treated, now seem to have new opportunities for treatments. Im.not surprised you didn't ask any questions you would go in expecting things to be a certain way and things turned out better than you had ever hoped. I'd have been out the door and skipping down the street. Time for questions later. Hopefully someone will be along soon who may know more about the surgery and pathway to be able to keep you informed. Best Wishes for now.
gail
