Hello everyone,
Thank you for reason this
Last year my mom has been diagnosed with right colon cancer stage 4, she had part of her colon removed and consequently had 7 sessions of chemotherapy. After that, her doctor reassured her that she did not have to worry as she was clinically healed and she was only going to do follow up checks. So we were all very surprised when at one of her last appointments after 6 months from the end of the chemo, they found 10 metastasis of 2.5 cm all over her liver. She was shocked and at the beginning we were very anxious and confused as we could not understand the prognosis. She is 64 yrs old, she is a strong and intelligent woman, ready to fight everything for her happiness! doctors also said she is in good clinical condition and liver is overall healthy.
The plan for her now is to have 3 months chemo and then reassess with the surgeon.
I keep reading that there is a very low percentage to heal from this type of cancer, and that very likely it will become a “chronic” condition. I am just trying to understand if is going to be possible for her to enjoy her days or years ahead even tho she will have to continue to have treatments for a long time.. or if we have to prepare for the worst I don’t know what it’s like to have “chronic” cancer.
I am here to have more information, inspiration and positive experiences or thoughts
thank you very much
Silvia
Hi Silvia and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s diagnosis and the journey she is on. This is such a stressful and challenging time for all the family but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community area is like our reception desk where we can signpost you on to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Liver, secondary cancer and Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer groups.
These groups will be safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Family and friends and Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
