Lung metastasis after radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery for rectal cancer

Hi Scientist44 

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

It's natural to fear the worst and I hope your meeting with the oncologist on Monday goes well and that's there's further treatment your husband can have.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your husband's diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi Scientist44 

Sorry to hear that . 
Has your husband had chemo after his surgery or just the chemo radiation?

I certainly think there is lots of hope still despite a difficult diagnosis. My mum was diagnosed in 2009 as a stage 4 patient . She had a lung resection back in 2016 which she found much easier than her bowel or liver resection. 
Her lung stayed clear for a further six years . She did have a recurrence and managed some targeted treatment for a year .

She was 82 by this point . Your husband is much younger . You might like to find out a bit more about his cell type .

 Marianne26  used RFA to manage two lung nodules and continues to do very well too with a different approach. 
I can understand using chemo to give him a systemic approach to gain control but that does not mean they won’t look at options after it .

I hate he had more treatment for face though .

Take care ,

Court 

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I remember when you were here prior to his surgery. I've also had the TPE surgery and that alone is so rough on the body.

But I see many people post of doing well after lung metastases. It's a rough road but he can do it. I'm sending virtual hugs to you both. 

I am happy to give any advice re. Lung Ablation - from my own personal experience.

Many best wishes

Marianne

Thanks all for your comments. It’s taken me a while to come back on here as after our oncology appointment  we have been somewhat in denial over what’s happening and have just been getting on with enjoying the bit of time we have while my husband still feels fine before the start of chemo. We even made it abroad on holiday for a week.

But the reality of it is setting in again, now that we have a calendar full of hospital appointments once again. He is due to start 12x 2 week cycles of folfiri on Wednesday. He is not currently being treated with curative intent which is a hard reality to face. But we have also been told that that could change and there may still be potential for surgical intervention in the future if the disease can be stabilized and the number of lesions doesn’t continue to increase.

I can’t help but think every time we do something… will this be the last time… the last time he cheers the kids on at school sports day, the last time we go on a family summer holiday etc. It’s not a very helpful mindset but one I can’t seem to get out of right now. Fingers crossed the side effects to the new chemo are bearable and he gets a good response. One day at a time…

I'm so sorry you and your family are facing this. Keep in mind that these things can and do change. What's important is to keep hope alive and follow the treatment plan. 

With luck there will be many more family holidays, kids sports days, etc. I know it's hard, in many ways harder for you than him. He is focused on fighting but you have to face the possibility of his loss. Keep strong. We're rooting for you. 

Send8ng lots of virtual hugs. 

I’m sorry you and your husband are facing this. I can’t be of much help but I read a lot of positive stories on here which I remind myself of to keep going. It’s so hard to have a positive mindset and I completely understand the negative thoughts - you want to be enjoying the time with family but all the emotions and physical affects just get in the way. I just wanted to send some positive thoughts to yo annd wish you all the best -  and I’m sure the lovely people in this group can help. Xxx

Hi Scientist44 

To be honest I think that is quite normal . But be kind to yourself , you are only human and in my limited experience it does settle . Gradually you find it’s been a day or two and that stretches out to a week etc when it does not dominate every thought . It’s as though the body can’t sustain it and some normality starts to slip in .

But I did find it helpful to do a few things that a patient taught us . Give yourself permission to think about it at a certain point in the day . Then tell yourself it’s not time when other thoughts creep in .

To prevent constantly thinking of the worst case outcomes . Remind yourself to keep your head where your body is ! 
Taking care of your own health is very important . I remember too week sitting thinking it was my mum’s last Christmas . 15 Christmas later it was .

My mum lived for years and years with lung mets . They can be incredibly slow growing . There was some research looking at monitoring lung mets back in 2016  . 
But the reality checks are harsh and take your time and give yourself space to process it .

Take care and plan your next project . It keeps things normal .

Court 

I am 44, a parent of two, just back from half-term holiday and with Blackpink concerts and more holidays planned this summer with my children.

Last week, I learned I might have Stage 4 colon cancer with liver metastasis (MRI pending review). It was crushing; I feel so healthy, no symptoms beyond occasional mild bleeding.

Still, I deeply trust my body and its ability to fight these silent intruders. I believe God is with me. I spend my days living fully with my kids and friends, limiting disease-related research to under 30 minutes daily (no offense to anyone sharing here, just my strategy). Good sleep, healthy eating, and daily walks for 2 hours（ whenever I can).

My father's incredible optimism during his stomach cancer journey taught me that beating cancer is over 50% about self-belief, 30% about lifestyle, and 20% medical treatment (said with utmost respect as an NHS staff member myself).

Stay strong, keep fighting!