Not looking good

Hi Dangalff2f1cc ,

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 Dangalff2f1cc 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 court 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

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 Dangalff2f1cc 

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 

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

I have just had an unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer following a sample I sent through the bowel cancer screening service.  I have had a CT scan and a PET scan now as it has spread to my liver.  I am going to see the oncologist on Monday to discuss treatment but at the moment they seem to want me to start on chemo first when I would rather they remove the bowel cancer it is only 3-4 cms and then start chemo to reduce cancer in the liver.  I had no symptoms and feel fine I like to go to the gym and I swim.  I am worried I won't be able to keep fit having chemo as your immune system is lowered.  I am 56 luckily my children are grown up but it must be terribly difficult with younger children.  Like you I am struggling to sleep and I am worried I won't see my daughter get married next year.  I am thinking of you and like you I am dreading the journey ahead.

Hi  Millie555051712 

They are inclined to go straight to chemo . We struggled with this too . However it allows a  systemic approach and allows all visible and invisible disease to be treated at once . Also there can be complications with healing after surgery and they are limited in starting chemo when this happens .

They give you around six weeks after chemo  tto allow the immune system to heal . I know it feels like a blow but  it can be really effective .

All the best with planning your daughter’s wedding . Bowel cancer has many different chemo options . 
Take care ,

Court 

Thank you Court your mum's story is very encouraging can I ask how old was she when she was diagnosed?

I now have an appointment with oncolologist on Monday so will find out more about treatment then.  It just seems like a big mountain to climb.  

My mum was 67 . She completed one of the very first bowel screens in our area . She had no symptoms . But it was a good way to go into treatment feeling well .

It took around two years to get complete stability . But she was still taking treatment at 81 . So I definitely think given your age you will manage .

Throughout it all her bloods held up . 

She even looked after my nieces after school the second year of chemo . There was no talking her out of it !

You will be surprised as you get into a routine. She had a slightly smaller dose of chemo the second year which reduced her side effects but was just as efficient.

She set herself small tasks to do each week to keep her connected to life . There was ups and downs with chemo but once it stopped she would bounce back .

Knowing your plan helps .

Court