Hubbie diagnosed today - complete shock

Hi Claire,

I just thought I would come in and say hello we are also I the same position 5 weeks ago my husband had pains was sent to a&e by our doctor saying they thought it was kidney stones or appendix after a ct scan he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer that has spread to his liver we are in total shock he is only 44 and had no symptoms. We are still having scans and hopefully in a weeks time will know what they have decided. We have 2 teenage boys and our whole life has just fallen apart. I don’t know yet what treatment is going to be suggested but I am just keeping my fingers crossed.

sending hugs 

drgonzo x

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/TreatingAdvancedBowelCancer_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Hi Clairy10

I have linked in a booklet at the top that gives some good information on treatment for cancer that has spread from the bowel .

But firstly welcome. It’s very difficult to hear that news but please also feel free to talk to our helpline staff at any point on 0808 808 0000

They can chat through any aspect including emotional , treatments and financial.

Normally if cancer has moved away from the primary location they try and stabilise the disease first by using a systemic treatment like chemotherapy that can target more than one area at a time . This hopefully prevents further spread but may even achieve shrinkage . My own mum had a great response to chemotherapy . If you would like to read how she navigated this with her team just click on my user name . She was originally diagnosed back in. 2009 with a spread to her liver . Here we are in 2022 and it’s turned up again but that a chronic condition for you . But she has had long intervals without active treatment too . Despite a difficult diagnosis there is a subgroup of people who respond well and that can open up other options .

She has had many , many good times since diagnosis. 
Have a read of the above link as it can be very helpful to understand the process better .

take care ,

Court 

Hi Claire,

I was in your shoes earlier this year. My husband was diagnosed age 43, we have 3 kids under 7, no symptoms till stomach cramps. It’s been quite a journey since then and continues to be (he is currently in hospital for pain management from spine spread). But those first few weeks are so hard, the shock factor really meant I was numb trying to process things. While it is still hard this shock has worn off and made things slightly easier to deal with, so hang in there! xx

Hi court,

• thanks so much for your reply. We are numb, feel sick and in such shock. The bad news just came one after the other and I can’t lose my husband to this. I’m glad your mum is doing so well. That’s amazing to hear. 
  
  Take care Claire 

Hi Clairy10,

It's a huge shock and you are at the worst bit right now, its dark but things will become easier when he is given a treatment plan, you will find the strength to fight this.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with spread to the liver.  I've had chemo, liver op, radiotherapy and am recovering from a huge bowel op.  Don't give up hope, get him as healthy as poss ready for the treatment.  Wishing you all the best.

Michelle xx

Hello,

My dad received a similar diagnosis this week. Bowel and Liver. Know exactly how you feel. Totally shocked and lost at the minute. 

please update here when you know more about his plan. Xxx

Hi Michelle,

thanks so much for letting me know about your own experience. All the best to you xx

So sorry to hear this….. I will post back on here when we have an update xx