Surgery is off the table

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Hi All

So I’ve been having palliative chemo, 12 rounds which I’ve just finished. I’ve had my scans and am waiting for my appointment with the oncologist, next Monday.
From a conversation I had with the oncologist before my last chemo session it’s been decided that surgery isn’t going to be a viable option. Quality of life vs extent of life.

My cancer seems to have spread super quick from when I had the scans and surgery for Appendicitis in February 2020 to the delayed colonoscopy in September 2020 because of COVID. From the colon, It’s now in my lymph nodes, Liver, lungs, ovaries and something suspicious going on in my right kidney.

I know everything is palliative for me but if surgery is of the table what other options do I have, other than more chemo, which to be honest I don’t really want to do any more of. Are there other treatments that I could possibly be put forward for. I’d like to go armed with some questions for the oncologist rather than just feeling that’s it, and the clock starts ticking down, so to speak, but I don’t know what I should be asking. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Susan x

court over 3 years ago

Hi SG007

Sorry to hear that ! I think the last time we chatted you had some good shrinkage with chemo and well done for enduring 12 rounds .

I do hear what your saying though and the question that popped into my mind was regarding your cell type . If you are MSI or have lunch syndrome then Immunotherapy might be a possibility and seems to be an easier to tolerate regime than some chemotherapy agents . But like everything else it requires to match a criteria but worth a chat with your team .

The other aspect you might want to chat with your team about is symptom management away from chemo . Is it largely pain relief ? To maximise quality time you want to ensure you get the best method of achieving this . I do sometimes think this is a conversation that could do with more discussion from professionals to expand what they actually mean by “ quality” and how that’s achieved.

How is your mum getting on ?
Hope your doing ok . I know you have caring responsibility too!

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

SG007 over 3 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court

thanks for your reply. I will definitely bring up those treatments when I see the oncologist.

The strange thing I still don’t feel ill. the only thing that’s made me feel sick was the chemo.

Mum isn’t too bad, thanks for asking. She’s having problems with her legs, but too proud or vain to use a stick. I’ve even got her one of those trike things, as when she pushes a trolly round the supermarket she walks well!

Thanks again for your advice

Susan x