Dads results spread to lymph nodes

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Hello all,

So my lovely dad was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 6 weeks ago after routine nhs screening.... After an illesiotomy 3 weeks ago and a temp stoma he has really been through the mill as a leak has occurred by the join resulting in infected fluid leaking down into his pelvis.... he’s been admitted 2 more times since surgery and been on antibiotics the whole time. The pain has been excruciating for him and so hard for us as a family to see...

We are not new to the dreaded ‘C’ word after mum had breast cancer and myself melonoma but this has really taken its toll on my usually active bubbly dad who is so young at heart. Today was another blow when the surgeon phoned and told him the cancer has gone to 4 lymph nodes but no spread anywhere else.

please can anyone shed some light on what to expect next? We know it will be chemo but don’t know how long for or whether it will be tablets or as an outpatient? How do they decide?

we are grateful to speak to anyone in the same boat so my dear dad can meet others going through the same.

Thanks Claire x

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi Clairy10. Good to hear that the op is over with and your dad is now cancer free. The infected fluid build up is an unfortunate side effect (see my profile!) but hopefully it’s cleared up now and has dispersed?
Post op chemo is the belt and braces on the treatment - if those were the only 4 nodes affected then they’re gone but the chemo just ensures that any tiny minute bits that might be floating around are zapped. The oncologist will discuss the chemo with your dad and you can maybe come back when you know which one he’ll be having? I had 3/17 nodes affected and had capox/xelox. This is oxaliplatin in IV form which is given over a few hours in the local chemo unit then capecitabine which is in tablet form and taken at home. The treatment is usually given in 3 week cycles - 1 day IV chemo, 13 days tablets then 1 week off. A trial conducted a few years ago showed that 3 months chemo was just as effective as 6 months but with less side effects.

Please send your dad my best wishes - I was readmitted with an infected fluid build up and had it drained under a XT scan and then a drain in my right buttock which emptied into a bag strapped to my leg - going to empty my stoma and having to lug the extra bag about reduced me to tears on several occasions. It all felt a bit ‘when is it ever gonna stop and when will I start to feel a bit better?’. The answer is to just give it time - don’t expect too much too soon. Your active bubbly dad will return but it may take a few months. Chemo can be tough and it’s even harder coming off the back of extra problems after the op but the oncologist will only let him start if he’s up to it.
Try to get your dads strength back up if you can - put any weight back on that he might have lost, go out for short walks building up a bit each day.
Hope you’re doing ok too? Make sure you look after yourself as well and meet up with friends and stuff - it will help you support your dad if you’re in a good place too?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

court over 3 years ago

Hi Clairy10

Sorry to hear about your dad .
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--

Just adding our chemo care tips which might help you prepare for your dad !
Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000