A dear friend was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, metastasized to his liver. He had surgery 4 days ago to remove the colon tumor. We’re told he has multiple tumors in both sides of the liver. In about 3 weeks, he is supposed to start an aggressive course of chemotherapy. What should we be asking? All new to us, and quite devastating. Thanks so much for any advice and support.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your friend.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress, confusion and questions on everyone connected but from my long experience talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.
Can I direct you to this links to our Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Liver cancer support groups as this will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.
Just follow the links above, hitting ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.
As I was the person with the cancer my experience of supporting someone is very limited, although my wife has been amazing over my 20 years. But you may find our Careers Only and Friends and Family groups a good place where you can connect with others support family through their cancer journey but more importantly the carers care for each other.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have a Maggie’s Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and your friend would find visiting a great help.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best.
