Had my first oncology appointment yesterday. It had been changed from an out-patients appointment to a video conference call, but due to tech issues finally had to be a telephone consult. Dr/Consultant seems very pleasant and nice (always a bonus!)
Two option are available: Chemo or Chemo & Radiotherapy. Then surgery on Liver (one lesion has been found, I don't know the size), followed by surgery on my primary tumor in rectum. Nothing was mentioned about the possibility of it having spread to my lungs, which they initially thought it could have.
There is going to be a team meeting on Monday evening to discuss my case further & my key worker will let me know the outcome on Tuesday.
From what I understand:
Option ONE: 3 or 4 cycles of chemo (tablet form, wasn't informed of drug name, or more likely was but have forgotten what it is). Then CT/MRI scans, followed by the two surgeries, followed again by CT/MRI. (I've put CT/MRI after initial chemo as well as surgery, as can't remember if it was this or just scans after chemo or just scans after surgeries). A question to ask key my worker on Tues.
Option TWO: Chemo & Radiotherapy, followed by CT scan. 5 weeks on chemo tabs & daily radiotherapy, assuming also for 5 weeks (another question to ask key worker about), again followed by the two surgeries.
Treatment to start in about 3 weeks time. Hoping I'm going to have recovered enough from my colostomy by then, which was performed on 1st April.
No doubt will find out more in-depth details on Tuesday and the final 'plan' when speak to my key worker.
Feeling positive, hoping not to get too many side effects, but know some can be treated with other drugs.
Roll on 3 weeks!
Keep safe & well folks
Mark
:-)
