Doable versus treatable

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Well.....mum got told today that her 2 liver lesions were most likely a spread of her sigmoid adenocarcinoma..from looking at her CT scan....not what we wanted to hear if I am honest. Treatment plan in place......bowel op in next 4 weeks.....then chemo.....possibly followed by liver resection if chemo hasn't shrunk the liver tumours. Surgeon is quite optimistic.....but has gone from saying "fully treatable" to "this is indeed doable".....adding in after....." With a view to a possible cure". She has been told liver lesions are operable and in a really good place and if chemo removes them, surgery won't be needed. I am worried about his wording.....I can't really help it as people keep telling me " liver lesions are often benign and lots of people have them" , now knowing that these are not. I really am hoping to stay positive......all she wants is some hope.She is otherwise very fit 71 year old.

Diane1951 over 5 years ago

Hi, if you click on my profile you will see I have been on a similar journey to your mum's. Bowel op...chemo...liver resection...chemo,,,2nd liver resection etc. Still here to tell the tale 6 years later. I think some surgeons deliberately use vague language, not to mislead but to keep us hopeful. And as long as I still feel well then I can still feel hopeful!

Diane

court over 5 years ago in reply to Diane1951

I can’t put it any better than Diane has . Ten years later for my mum . Her big op was when she was 69!

The language does change a bit but I found that only really last until they saw how she responded to treatment which gave them more insight into her options as an individual.

Send your mum our love ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Knowledgeispower20 over 5 years ago in reply to court

Thank you Court....you give me strength!!

Knowledgeispower20 over 5 years ago in reply to Diane1951

Diane....wow! You are a very strong lady, and I need to know how you have coped with all that you have been through!! Our faith is keeping us strong, but we are still having difficult days.

I hope we keep in touch with each other and I'm sending you lots of healing!!!

Diane1951 over 5 years ago in reply to Knowledgeispower20

Thank you, I must admit sometimes I wonder how I have coped! I think that's just who I am & what I'm like. I suppose keeping busy helps, not googling anything and generally just getting on with it! At every stage of my journey my doctors have always been optimistic which helps. Even when I've had bad news they usually manage to put a positive slant on it. I keep strong for my family (husband and 3 grown up children) as life is challenging enough for people nowadays without the extra worry of my health. I think I have become a reverse role model for my kids as they are all passionate about healthy eating and leading a healthy lifestyle! "Don't want to end up like Mum!" A sense of humour certainly helps and has got us through many a difficult situation.I am fortunate in a way that my cancer has progressed in stages so each stage was dealt with before the next one reared it's ugly head. We have made a concerted effort to have lots of family get togethers celebrating birthdays and other occasions...making happy memories to cancel out the bad ones of hospital stays and chemo after effects. Making little plans help too. Nothing major...have had to cancel 2 holidays in the last few years but little things like days out, visiting friends and family etc.

Yes your mum will have difficult days but acknowledge them and then move on, Use any support you feel appropriate...MacMillan helpline, Samaritans, your GP...there is support out there, you are never alone. I'm glad you have your faith too.

Yes we will keep in touch and if you need a place to offload then it's right here.

Best wishes to you and your mum.

Diane