Recently Diagnosed with Bowel Cancer with Liver Mets

So Chemo will start on December 3rd, Folfiri for 6 cycles initially. 

Have a meeting with the Oncologist on December 24th for some reason too, but just need to manifest this working and having a postive outcome.

Hi, my partner is 41 and was the same as you, went into hospital with right sided pain, no other symptoms. He was told 7th Oct he had stage 4 with liver mets of 20+. Because all segments of his liver are covered he is also classed as inoperable. We have 2 young daughters and it's been hard to get our heads around. He just had his 3rd round of FOLFOX chemo and is coping well. He has had side effects but nothing he can't handle. Looking at him you would think there was nothing wrong. We have been told he could be eligible for liver transplant but the cancer has to be stable for 2 years before they even look at him. He has a scan over Xmas to see how things are going and I'm holding a bit of hope that some good news comes are way. You've got this. Keep pushing through and talk to people when you need too. Good luck

Two in on Folfiri 

first was ok

second floored me for 2 days.

Meeting with Oncologist on Tuesday to discuss how it’s been going, suspect May ask for a dose reduction due to the second one, but we shall see!

Hopefully get a scan booked to see if it’s been working!

Hope the oncology appointment goes well . It was always the second cycle that hit mum the worst , strangely   enough the next few were ok . Hope you have an easier time with the next cycle . 

Here’s for significant shrinkage . 

Court 

Hi Kyle & welcome to the forum.

I’m not sure if i can provide ‘positive’ news but I was in a  situation a month ago - dealing with an unexplained, unexpected diagnosis and an uncertainty of what’s going to happen next. 

I’ve asked “why me?”

I’ve realised, why not me? 

The first consultation with the Specialist was a breakthrough for me because I was provided with more detailed information and was given a management plan. This provided much more clarity and a realistic plan to look forward to. 

I would advise preparing a list of questions beforehand.There are no ‘daft’ questions.  

I’ve learnt to take one day at a time,

one step at a time,

not to read Google (Google or AI doesn’t have a medical degree)

not to compare myself to other patients (I was literally the youngest person in the Colorectal waiting room).

not to assume the absolute worse (because for all problems, there are solutions & very well-experienced Specialists know what they are doing). 

there are amazing medical advancements in cancer management. 

get as much support for your mental wellbeing - uncertainty, fear, depression, anxiety, - all normal - ups and downs are normal - hopefully you’ll find support from kindred spirits on this forum who are undergoing their own cancer journeys. 

Keep hoping and keep positive.  It's really scary with so many unknowns. I'm 51, I had  a large bowel tumour and two liver mets. I responded really well to chemo (capox) and had liver surgery and hopefully now it's all gone! I'm sure given your age your oncologist will push for all options to be considered,  but don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you're not happy with their plan. 

Meeting with oncologist today was a mixed bag.

pain in liver area is normal and to try and control with paracetamol. Have also found out today that my cancer is BRAF, which he seemed to think was a good thing from a treatment perspective? Any ideas?

Hi Kyle2024 

I am going to tag in KimLondon as I think she is more informed on Braf mutations and there is a distinct treatment protocol that works best for it . But I would not like to get it wrong .

In terms of liver pain , my mum had that and her surgeon said that there is a thing called tumour encapsulation . As the tumour shrinks it can pull .  Not sure if my mum definitely had it but it  was handy to understand some of the reasons .

Take care ,

Court 

Thank you for all your responses 

I really appreciate them and hope you have a lovely Christmas Court

Hello and sorry for the late reply- time of year etc (and had Mum in hospital Christmas Eve so missed this). Firstly Kyle I'm really really sorry you find yourself here but everyone is great and very supportive - but I was like you- no signs or symptoms except being  bit tired but everyone is tired! (I'm a bit older, I was 42 when diagnosed). So your Oncologist is probably referring to the fact that for Braf mutants there is a targeted therapy option usually called 'beacon' as that is what the clinical trial was called - at the moment you usually have these drugs after chemo though there is now a clinical trial in the USA that has combined them with chemo and it's been successful so that may change but for now it's usually chemo, then 'beacon' - hopefully you can get shrinkage on one or the other- it sounds like surgery may be possible on the primary? they like to try and shrink it and also lots of evidence chemo before surgery can help long term. I will ask to be friends with you and message you also about the Braf. Thinking of you, I found it's better once you start treatment and get in your routine but I still have days when I'm like what on earth is happening.