I am a relatively fit 78 year old. I was diagnosed with stage 3 locally advanced colon cancer a year ago. It was inoperable as it had adhered itself to the duodenum and possible other nearby organs. I have been undergoing immunotherapy treatment for a year. 3 months in the tumour caused an obstruction and I was given an ileostomy. I am managing this and feeling well.
Latest scans show a reduction in the size of the tumour but still involving the duodenum.
I have now been offered a right hemicolectomy but have been told that because the tumour is possibly located where the pancreas enters the duodenum I might need a whipple procedure.This is a complicated operation and comes with high risks.
The surgeon who broke this news to me admitted he didn’t agree with the decision of the MDT meeting and thought a better option would be to continue with the immunotherapy and be monitored.
so Option 1 - have the op to get rid of the tumour and the stoma but have possible ongoing problems with leakage, bleeding, adhesions, diabetes etc. but no cancer OR
Option 2 - continue immunotherapy. Keep the stoma and be monitored. There would be no guarantee that all the cancer had gone but my life would not change.
Anyone had this surgery? What was your experience?
Hi Midgef74341 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your journey.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated Colon Cancer Support Group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. and once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial/work guidance or just a listening ear.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
