Hi,
I had 6 cycles of Xelox (Capox) chemo that finished in February 2021. I have stage 4 bowel cancer that has metastasised onto my liver to a degree that it is inoperable. By the end of the treatment my tumours had shrunk and my CEA count was down.
Its been nice not having treatment and enjoying more from life, and joyful seeing my friends and family (particularly my first grandchild, born last summer) when Covid restrictions allowed; but it has been difficult coming to terms with the fact that I will never feel as well again as I did up to the second half of last year.
My 3 month CT scan and oncologist consultation was delayed by a few weeks because of a backlog in radiology, presumably we have COVID-19 to thank for that, but I did have a blood test and a phone call consultation in the interim because I had started to feel increasingly tired. The CEA count was about the same at 56 but my liver function test had changed slightly for the worst, the Oncologist hoped that that might be because of an infection.
I had my face to face consultation with one of my oncologists this week, it was good to meet in person at last. Unfortunately the results are not particularly good. Although the scan has shown the situation as ‘stable’, they think that the tumours may have grown a little, but they found no sign of new tumours. The blood test has also shown that the CEA count is up to 96 and my liver function has worsened slightly. It looks as though the cancer has become active again and the oncologist has recommended Folfiri chemo.
It did its job on the cancer but the Capox didn’t do me any other favours, my metabolism really didn’t take it well. I have quite a bit of neuropathy remaining. I’m not expecting a fun packed experience but I do hope that Folfiri will be just a little bit kinder.
Does anyone has advice for me about Folfiri?
Best wishes,
Sweetsweep
Hi Maddie54
Just wondered if the liver surgeon has had a look at your husbands scan recently ? We asked for them to be reviewed at a centre of excellence for the liver . The oncologist wanted more chemo but they in fact felt as though there was a window of opportunity to go for surgery !
We found it helpful to let the specialist liver surgeon review the scans . Has your husband had a consultation with the specialist units ?
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Pleased to hear that !
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Hello Maddie54 I have been over the water many times !
Such good news and the surgeon clearly sees a window of opportunity to go for it !
My mum had 73% of her liver removed just as she turned 69. Had her birthday on the ward !
They took really good care of her and kept her in for 11 days post op . The only complication she had was fluid built up around her abdomen . She had previously had four wedge resections which were much smaller and she recovered very quickly from them . The bigger procedure took longer but she was moving around and able to see to herself after the first few weeks . She had open surgery with an epidural for two days and they kept her in high dependency. Took a good day to transfer to oral meds but then they worked on getting her mobile and as she healed she was more able .
The liver started to regenerate quite quickly and to be honest has functioned well for the last ten years and remained clear !
If he has a smaller resection he may bounce back quickly !
Her liver is an odd shape now but functions well and they really took great care of her !
Totally understandable that he is feeling apprehensive. My mum used to talk about finding her focus and lots of information to take in today ! We were all drained after meeting the liver surgeon and he could not have been nicer !
Happy to ask my mum any questions he may have !
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Excellent news Maddie54. Delighted for you both and I hope it goes well and he will be safely home before you know it .
Such a relief for you .
You have a few weeks to get all the good stuff into him .
Take care ,
court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
