Advanced cancer

Hi,

Yes I’m in the same situation. I’ve been diagnosed with recurrent stage 4 metastatic cancer which has spread to both lungs, abdomen and sacrum in the bone. I’ve been advised it’s inoperable or curable. I was diagnosed last august and am only starting treatment this June. 

Hi why the long delay in chemo if you don't mind me asking any other treatment you have had and have you had a prognosis?

Hi,

I don’t mind you asking. I had small bowel cancer 10 years ago stage 3 with lymph node involvement. I had a right hemi colectomy and adjuvant chemo. 

unfortunately it returned last August spread to both lungs 15+ nodules , in my sacrum on or in the bone, and enlarged lymph node just outside my bowel. 

My oncologist said that because I never had any symptoms he did not want to start treatment to soon for quality of life.,He said there have been trials done between starting treatment straight away or waiting till symptoms appear and the study showed the outcome is the same. He said at the stage of cancer I have he’s limited in the treatment options so that’s why he’s left it and I had no symptoms. 

Im starting treatment in June it’s to be a pic line and pump this time. Same treatment as 10 years ago difference then I had it administered in hospital then 3 weeks oral tablets and one weeks break. This time it’s the same treatment over a 48 hour period and the oral tablets being converted into liquid form for the pump. 

He asked if I wanted a prognosis I said no as I want to focus on living with cancer not dying from it. And we are all different treatments work different for  different people. 

Hope this answers your questions. I don’t know if it was the right decision to wait or not. 

Finally I had 5 days radiotherapy on my hip in December. 

Thanks for sharing Cath. 

I agree living with is the best way to focus. 

I haven’t had the same as you but feel quite numb with the second primary. I am in recovery from the last operation so I’m on the mend. It’s just in the back of my mind that it can pop back whenever it wants. 

How are you feeling now has the radiotherapy helped with your hip? 

Ann 

Hi Ann,

It’s nice to hear from you. Yes it helped for a few months but my hip pain is back now going down my leg and arm. Can’t sleep at night keep getting woken by the pain and also my left hand is numb in the morning. It seems to be all down my left side. The strangest thing is when I’m out walking it’s not sore so maybe it’s when pressure is on it. 

Lol I’m falling apart but still going out and getting away. 

I know what you mean mine was gone for 10 years and decided to show up again. My oncologist keeps saying you don’t want a prognosis and I always say noI want to focus on living. 

So how are you doing Ann?️

Cath you’re amazing. Swimming may help your hip oh and a jacuzzi would be lovely too. 
Treat yourself to a spa day.

You deserve it

Im okay thanks I had a good day but this evening not so much but that’s just my body telling me to rest  I do listen to it now I learned that after the bowel op  I pushed too hard and went backwards

Slowly slowly but I’m not a very patient patient 

when I awoke up in critical care I was heavily medicated those poor nurses

there was one nurse to two patients  but we only had three on my unit  I kept trying to get out of bed  I was obsessed with going to toilet  those nurses definitely deserve a card and some chocolates 

They must of been very glad to disconnect me and see me go 

Sorry NHS 

They are amazing 

sending you a hug 

Hi Ann,

Oh I’m not really I just get on with living, 

Glad your doing ok and you must remember you’ve been through a lot and it’s tough. 

Lol too funny bet the nurses thought it was funny when your under all that sedation. 

Your right rest. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Have the same I’m not looking forward to the treatment carrying the pump around with me on my travels lol. I think the spa day sounds like a plan. 

An even bigger hug coming your way ️