Bowel Cancer query

Hi ,

You are certainly welcome to ask anything at all . Sorry to hear the chemo did not achieve what it hoped it would . 
Without knowing all the information on your mum regarding location and size of tumour but we have had people on the forum who have consulted with surgeons who seem to be more aggressive surgically . You might like to use the search function at the top of the page or to ask on Bowelcancer uk if they know of the best surgeons to consult with . It may well be they give the same information but if your mum would like to ask it can be helpful . That can also be with another oncologist to see how they would approach her care . It is largely dependent on her histology so you might like to ask a bit more about her cell type , the name of the chemo she had and if there is any biological/ Immunotherapy options .  Some people do respond better to second line chemo than first . Some people respond to a different combination . 
You could also phone our helpline for guidance as these are difficult situations to navigate . We had a situation where the Oncologist has a very different clinical opinion that a surgeon . We did consult and found we got a better grasp of the situation  when we talked it through with the surgeon . 

Our helpline number is 0808 808 0000

take care ,

Court 
 

Sending lots of love and positivity to you and your family. My mum is going through the same thing.  

Hi ,

Just for your information but if you look at Previous posts by you can see the approach used in a similar situation . Obviously everyone is individual but it might give you an idea about the process .

You can use the search function at the top right hand side . 
Take care ,

Court 

Hi all,

Thank you for the response.

I am curious to ascertain a second opinion, can anyone advise what the process is for this?

Mum has an operation on Monday to release the blockage and place stents, which she has to have to "rebuild" herself. However, I am adamant to know why no further treatment is being offered to explore an operation.

Thanks again... all help is welcome.

Hi ,

Your mum’s GP could assist with a referral . But you might like to ensure it’s with a consultant that has experience in more complex surgeries. Her own surgeon can also refer and it might be worthwhile asking through that route as they will know the surgeons in the field that area able to do more complex work . I would not be afraid to ask for that , as long as it’s done politely they are used to this process and understand why families want to ensure every avenue has been explored. Even if the outcome does not change and that is a possibility you have to also factor in , it sometimes helps clarifying what is the best next step for her . We actually understood a lot better the best way forward for my mum . My mum always had more chemo first and that’s sometimes the best option in the situation but I totally understand the need to ensure that the treatment pathway is well thought out and best for her . 

I wish your mum a speedy recovery from her surgery . 

Court 

Hi Flybo.

I am not sure what the actual status of your mothers condition is, but my original surgeon was unable to operate due to there being inadequate surgical margins after the rad/chemo 5 week treatment between the tumour and surroundings which in my case was too close to my prostate. She referred me to a larger hospital which had expertise and experience of such complex surgical issues. 

The referral surgeon turned out to be very competent and offered me what is known as a Total Pelvic Exenteration operation. There are versions of this surgery for males and females. This operation essentially surgically removes everything in the pelvic cavity and is essentially the same as a APR operation plus the removal of the bladder and in my case the prostate. I ended up with two stomas. The first being a colostomy for stools and the second being a urostomy for my urine.

It is a big and complex operation which is usually only offered to patients who have no further secondaries and who are fit and strong enough to survive a 10+ hour surgery.

In my case it was curative and I am now fit and active just over three and a half years after my original diagnosis.

It may not be applicable to your mother, but it may be worth asking a question about it.

Hope this helps

GM.

Morning all,

Thanks for everyone's response, greatly appreciated. 

I just thought I would drop an update, and also ideally pick someone's brain?

Mum went to The Christies, they had a plan of action which was second line of chemo - with the aim to be an operation. Unfortunately, COVID struck again and The Christie's felt it was necessary to have this administered locally in Merseyside.

Mum attended an appointment at a localised Hospital, they did not have any notes from the MDT meetings - his consensus was against chemo, and sent her away - with the words (again) "Take each day as it comes".

Mum has constantly had infections since the operation, the wound has been unable to heal properly - despite nurses visiting to clear the wound. The nurses noticed she may have sepsis, however didn't action this - it wasn't until mum felt it necessary to go to the Hospital.

Today, she is due to be discharged. The surgeon spoke to me last night and stated the tumour has spread towards the pelvis and towards her skin. His words; we are not a specialised Hospital, therefore no operations are on the table for us.

Mum is at The Christie's on Monday for an appointment, I am unsure what this will entail - I am hoping to discuss second line chemo after my constant pleads of help. I'm also keen to discuss "Debulking".

I'm so sad, in all honesty - and also annoyed. This time last year they said it was "borderline", therefore did not remove it.  Fast forward now, we are being told she is best at home to spend time with family?!

Thanks.

Hi Flybo

I’m so sorry to hear this and I really hope that your mum’s appointment on Monday goes well and that they are able to offer a treatment plan for your mum.

Covid is making it so difficult for everyone at the moment but cancer patients are told that it is important to continue with our appointments and treatment plans and you are doing the right thing to take your mum back to Christie’s on Monday.

Take care,

VickiLynne