Wait for operation

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Hi,

So my husband has finished his chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy. He has had an MRI and CT scan and we have had a short meeting with the chemo specialist. He said the tumour has shrunk and after the team has had a meeting the next step is an operation.

They have found something small on his liver but the specialist was reassuring saying it is nothing to worry about but he has to now have an MRI on his liver.

He got an email today from the hospital with a telephone appointment for 12th Feb regarding his surgery.

I am wondering for those that have had surgery, how long after treatment did they have it? I knew he would have to wait a while for his body to get strength enough for surgery but the waiting yet again is going to drive us insane.

Thanks Kell xx

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

Hi Kell Sug It’s changed a bit since my treatment as the chemo was given after the operation but a recent trial showed it to be just as effective to be given before when the patient is probably feeling stronger?

Chemoradiotherapy continues working for about 8-10 weeks after stopping so I had 5 weeks starting on 23/8/16 then my op on 28/11/16 although that was a week earlier than originally planned.

Is this the first time something on his liver has been mentioned? A lot of people have to have an MRI and it turns out to be a harmless cyst called a hemangioma - apparently they are very common but only come to light if someone has a scan. The shrinkage is good news.

I know it’s easier said than done but try to put it away in a box at the back of your mind and focus on getting your hubby in the fittest healthiest shape you can before February.

Take care

Karen x

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Kell Sug over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for the reply.

Yes it is the first time anything has been noticed with his liver and the specialist said it was nothing to worry about.

It has been a long 6 months and with the news it has shrunk made us both feel releaved.

I have said it all along it is the waiting that is so stressful.

Thanks again for your reply that has helped so much.

Take care Kell x

Dulac over 2 years ago

Hello Kell Sug,

If it is any use as a further guide to Kareno62's advice I completed chemoradiotherapy in mid-October2021 and surgery was conducted in early February 2022. Apparently, the radiotherapy continues to work after the treatment has finished and the surgical team prefer to wait until the tumour has shrunk to its full effect. Be prepared for a transition period; it is worrying (you won't be forgotten) whilst waiting but it should all work out OK.

Dulac

TheCrimsonCodpiece over 2 years ago

Kell, like Karen my treatment was the other way around I had surgery first ( 30cm bowel removal and resection) I was back at work within 3 weeks which was definitely to early this was followed by 3 months of Chemotherapy. 18 months later they found a small tumour on my liver that was treated by ablation and this was no trouble at all and I was back at work after 5 days. I hope your husband is doing well as a positive attitude makes the journey a lot easier and that can be a lot harder after chemotherapy and they way that it effects not only the patient but every connected to them.