Colon Cancer spread to the brain

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Hi

Back in February this year my Mum was diagnosed with colon cancer, to cut a long story short she has an emergency right sided hemicolectomy after her bowel perforated. They managed to remove all the tumour (T4N0Mx) and said she didn't need any further treatment at this time, just a scan a year after her op to see how things were. She spent 6 weeks in hopsital recovering from the operation. Fast forward to September this year and i am taking my Mum to A&E with a suspected stroke. 26 hours later we are told that it is a brain tumour. They said she'd need to have a biopsy to confirm what sort of tumour it was and how to treat it. However they decided rather than a biopsy they'd remove the tumour. So on the 4th November Mum underwent brain surgery. They couldn't remove all the tumour and we are now waiting for the results to come through to find out how/if it is treated. Hoping to get the results this week sometime as they said a week to ten days but the wait is horrendous. 

Has anyone else been through anything similar? Would be great to hear other peoples stories, good or bad, as my imagination is driving me mad - God knows how Mum is feeling about this!

Thanks

Lu

  • Hi,

     Ive not been through what your mums gone through. I have my own journey, My thought’s are with you and your mum. Sending 
    big hugs to you.

    Try and take one day at a time that’s what I do. 

    Cath

  • Hi Cath

    Thank you for your kind words - sending hugs back and good luck with your journey. I hope and pray its a successful one xx

  • Thank you. I wish your mum all my best wishes. 

    Cath

  • Hi Lu!

    Sorry to hear that! My husband is currently going through bowel cancer treatment. He had his operation in January this year and they got it all, but it came back in June. We were told recently at his last oncology appointment he has had a spread to his pelvis he was on combined CAPOX chemo until 2 weeks ago and he had to come off it because he took really ill during cycle 4. He also had fluid retention in his legs and feet, so the oncologist decided to stop his chemo for now until he has got rid of the fluid retention, and he is taking a course of water tablets just now plus the oncologist thought he wouldn't be able to tolerate just now. He was on maximum dose up until cycle 4. His first 2 doses were fine so they upped it in cycle 3 and he went through that fine and then mid-way through 4 he got really ill and we were told that a recent CT scan had shown his cancer had spread to his pelvis and showing slightly in his lung. This is such a cruel disease I used to think so when it was other people but when it lands on your doorstep you soon see how bad it gets. Best Wishes to you.

    Vicky

  • Hi Vicky

    Thanks for sharing your husbands story. Sorry to hear he is feeling so ill with the treatment. I often hear people say the treatment can be worse than the disease. I hope he is soon feeling well enough to continue his treatment. 

    We are waiting to meet with the oncologists but it was intimated after Mums surgery that a "blast of chemo" would probably be required. We wait to hear the details. 

    Sending get well vibes to your husband, stay strong x

  • Hi 

    So sorry to read about your mum’s recent surgery . That’s a lot to process .

    Bowel cancer spread to the brain I am lead to believe is quite rare . However I have read of it before .  I think you might like to Try bowel cancer U.K. forum . They may have some active members with brain involvement. 

    Here if you need to chat as it all gets very overwhelming. 
    Hope your mum is making a good recovery . 
    Have the mentioned radiotherapy ?

    Take care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Hi Court

    Thanks for taking the time to reply. Where would i find the bowel cancer uk forum? 

    Thanks

    Lu

  • If you just click on the latest activity button at the top of the page it should take to the group forum . There is also a search function .

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000