My Dad is stage 4 rectal and liver and has successfully had his liver mets removed.
Because he had a liver resection he hasnt been on chemo for months and the rectal tumour has grown back.
The colorectal surgeon has said he can still remove the tumour but is now a drastic operation (TPE) with bladder and prostrate included aswell.
He asked about going back on chemo to shrink it away from these organs in hope of a smaller op further down the line to which he said even if it shrinks down, he would still need this massive op.
Has anyone ever been in this same boat and what did you do?
Thanks
Hi CxO
I’m in a different situation I that I’m a woman, and had a different cancer, but I have had a TPE.
My tumour was TINY, only 11mm when my recurrence was diagnosed, but still required this massive surgery to have the chance of a cure. Obviously there are differences in the genders with what is removed, but if you click on my name you could read my story and what I had done in my surgery.
My other option would have been palliative chemo to buy me some time, but my surgeon knew I would choose surgery if it were possible-luckily it was. I’ve personally not regretted it and would do it again if faced with chemo vs surgery.
I was 58 when I had surgery-I’ll soon be 63 and in 2 weeks I’ll be coming to the 5th anniversary of my surgery. Happy to try to answer any questions if I can.
Sarah xx
It is a difficult operation and it is very tough to recover from. I’ve not had any complications from my surgery but needed to be warned of the possibilities.
It will depend on the fitness test, and it is definitely a lot to get your head round if it can go ahead. It’s a really personal decision if it’s offered-lots of factors to take into account on an individual basis.
Sarah xx
