Not looking good

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Some of you saw my post that I had an unexpected diagnosis following a colonoscopy on Sunday. Had my CT scan yesterday and whilst we are awaiting official confirmation from radiologist the consultant said it looks like there are shadows on my liver suggesting it has spread.  Felt oddly calm when he said this yesterday but have since had a sleepless night and am struggling today. Just seems crazy that I go from feeling reasonably fit and well to now being in a state where I have stage 4 cancer and god knows what next. I keep thinking that as it has been the worst news every step so far that it will just keep on going that way and I am likely going to die very soon. Feel very sad about the impact it will have on my wife and three kids. Still not told them anything - the middle one starts secondary next week and didn't want to add further stress to them. 

  • Hi  ,

    I can understand your concerns.  It’s very difficult to tell loved ones the news. However, even if it has spread, there are lots of treatment options available. Try to keep positive (I know it’s hard), once you have a plan it will feel easier. 

    I hope you get some answers soon. 

    cerysm

  • Hi  and sending you a big virtual hug. I know this has come as a shock but there is still a lot of treatment available. The liver is pretty tough and can regenerate after surgery as you can see in  s mums case (click on Courts name to see her mums treatment) 

    I think you’re doing the right things by the kids - once you’ve met with the consultant and have a plan in place then you’ll be able to answer any questions and reassure them. 
    I’ve attached a link to a booklet which covers some of the treatment that you might be offered 

    https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Treating_Advanced_Bowel_Cancer_Booklet_2025.pdf

    Take care

    Karen x

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • Thanks - it is very heartwarming and reassuring to read about Court's mum. How amazing! I know am going to be receiving great care but it has been a hell of a week so far and I have been all over the place emotionally. Want to try and focus on one step at a time but struggling not to rush ahead to horrible scenarios. 

  • Hi  

    A difficult week for sure but bowel cancer is a bit more fortunate than some other cancers that have a spread to the liver .

    There is quite a few different treatment options , all come with criteria . But the liver surgeons at centres of excellence are able to do some extensive surgery .

    My mum was originally inoperable but chemo turned that around once . She had a sizeable spread but chemo works best on fast dividing cells apparently and her tumours shrank off the screen .

    It’s definitely not without hope and whilst it’s the start of a new approach involving a lot of treatment and hospitals  a lot of people continue to do well despite a difficult diagnosis. In the last five years new treatments and approaches have surfaced that were in the pipeline but not on the table for most of my mums treatment . She passed last year but not before she packed in 15 great years as a stage 4 patient .

    You are not going to believe this right now but it became possible to put it out all our minds between treatments and scans .

    She lived long enough to watch all her grandchildren go from primary school to high school , then some through uni and into employment. At 78 she was still able to kayak .

    Take your time to find your feet , it’s a process , try to keep your head where your body is and not letting it slip off to the worst case scenario. My mum was not alone . There were people ahead of her and still going strong .

    In her works “ find your focus then best foot forward “ 

    Take special care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Thanks very much for your reply and sensible and kind advice. Will bear your mum's wise words in mind.