Bad news following Liver operation

Hi so we had our appointment with the oncologist today and it’s not good news.  He has at least 15 small tumours in both lungs although the lungs were almost clear and some in the liver again although it has just been operated on to remove the tumours and the bowel has also started regrowing.  He told us that there is not chance or it being cured.  He offered 4 options 1 to go back on the strongest form of chemo although he said that it may not work as well 2nd time around 2 to have a lesser chemo and 3 to go on a tablet form or chemo that has far less side effects or 4 do nothing an let the cancer just continue.  He also offered the opportunity to be put on a trial but that would probably take some time.  I just can’t believe we have gone from discussions about a bowel operation has the original chemo had almost got rid of the cancer to this.  How did it happen so fast and get this bad over the space of 3.5 months since the last chemo.  We feel devastated and so confused.  Although our oncologist was very professional and explained everything it feels like we have not further place to go. My husband had his liver surgery at a  hospital that has a research cancer foundation attached.  The surgeon who did his operation is part of the foundation should be try to get in contact with him ?  Am I grasping a straws 

Hi Foffcancer

So sorry to hear that . A difficult day for sure .

I think it depends entirely on your husband’s approach to it . My mum had five liver mets all around one cm three months after her liver resection . She decided to give it another go on the same chemotherapy she had a good response to the first time . She did manage to get another good response and that helped gain control again .

But it would be entirely up to your husband . You might like to pop onto bowel cancer U.K. and speak to some of the people who are using chemotherapy in a maintenance setting for literally years . They might be able to give you insight into how they find that and it might help your husband decide which Avenue to go down .

Our helpline staff could also chat on 0898 808 0000.

Some people do exceptional well on chemotherapy at a maintenance dose . Your husband clearly responds well to it and got good shrinkage . How was he with the side effects ?

Someone else mentioned this week that they are getting tumour testing done to see which is the most appropriate chemotherapy for them . Might be worthwhile asking . I take it immunotherapy was not an option ?

Have a read on the bowel cancer U.K. forum as I think it will give you some insight . My mum only got told cured at 12 years so hang on in there . 
Here for you both .

Court 

https://community.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/forum/23452-happy-happy-news

This is an example of continuous chemotherapy that worked . Obviously not everyone gets this result but it’s encouraging to know some do .

Take care ,

Court 

Sorry for all the questions but how do I find out about this for my husband 

“Someone else mentioned this week that they are getting tumour testing done to see which is the most appropriate chemotherapy for them . Might be worthwhile asking . I take it immunotherapy was not an option ?”  

immunotherapy was not offered or spoken about how do we find out about it and where to have it ?

xx

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis/243352/late-diagnosis
Sorry putting everything in all the wrong places !

Our helpline staff will have more knowledge on the subject !

Court