Anxious. Stage 4 about to start treatment

Hi Michelle, sorry to hear your news, it's such a shock isn't it. My husband has received similar news, we were hoping for chemo then surgery, but the oncologist ruled surgery out, we too we devastated. He has stage 4 colon cancer with many mets in his liver and a little stray bit in his peritoneal.

Then along came Court, and shared her mum's story, it's truly heartwarming and says there's truly great things that can happen, maybe not initially but if chemo does it's job and you respond well, it can be a game changer. It's not about the amount of cancer you have, it's how you respond. 

Being fit and healthy is a huge plus, they've said that to my husband too, so keep looking after yourself. 

I'm sure Court will pop along and reply to you anyway, and lots of other fabulous people too. Hang in there, many people have turned their initial prognosis on it's head, we too are hoping for this for my husband. 

The waiting is the worst, once you have your treatment plan the anxiety does ease. 

Love Frances xxx

Happy to oblige! 

My mum had an extensive  spread . My family all work for the NHS , we  knew what we were up against . After seeming my mum’s scans for the first time my sister had difficulty making it up her own stairs that night . The reality was not lost on her and the oncologist rather blunt . 

What would have been more accurate of the nurse would be to tell you that it’s not within their power to predict how you will react to chemo and that’s where the hope is . Despite a difficult diagnosis there is a subgroup of patients who continue to do very well . 

Six cycles of chemo and the scan was much improved and operable . Actually even her very pessimistic oncologist acknowledged that he had not seen a scan like it before . Her pet scan shown one small pen like dot . She did not need such a good response to get to surgery either  She did recur and she had more chemo and it worked again . 

So my view is you have to see how you as an individual respond . 

Even 11 years into this and a very good oncologist now we still hate an oncology appointment . It can drain you .

Holding out for significant shrinkage that leads  to options .

Best foot forwards as my mother would like to say ,

Court 

Hi Michelle

I'm very sorry to hear this....but try & stay strong & positive. I'm assuming that you have Bowel Cancer that has spread to your liver? Spreads to other organs are very common, but can be dealt with..Usually by Chemo first...to hopefully shrink, then surgery at a later date. I had a bowel resection in May '19 & had the Op. first, as there was no other indication of cancer elsewhere.I did not require Chemo. after...However, after a CT scan in March this year, it showed two very small tumours in one Lung.....& so, I had Chemo for 6 mths....which reduced both nodules...then last month, I had a Lung Ablation at Ryl Bournemouth Hospital. My CT last week showed clear, & that the procedure was successful & that there were no other signs of cancer at the moment. My next scan will be in 3 mths. time. You mentioned a Dr. Eccles...I am wondering if she is the same Oncologist that rang me last week with the good news (Ryl Bournemouth?) If so, the Dept. there are excellent...& it's a great hospital...& so, you are in very good hands.

I'm wishing you all the best.

Marianne

Hi Frances, thank you for your reply.  I know, what a life changing couple of weeks.  I'm trying so hard to stay positive but it's my every waking thought and I think it just overwhelms me at times.  

I really hope the chemo does it's job for your husband, keeping everything crossed it's shrinks.  When does he start?

Xx

Thank you Court,  your Mums story really is keeping me going.  I was doing pretty well until the nurse said that, I just need to get my positive head back on and continue to do everything in my power to get fitter and healthy. Xx

Hi Marrianne, thank you for replying and big congrats on your news.  I read your post the other day and you mentioned Royal Bournemouth and I wondered if you had the same Oncologist.  I am indeed with Dr Eccles at Bournemouth, met her today and she seemed quite positive.  Reading your story has given me confidence in her and her team, thank you. Xxx

We're in the same boat the moment. My husband has had 4 cycles of Capox but one of the tumours is too close to major blood vessels in his liver for surgery just now, so we're hoping further chemo will shrink it down more. It's so disappointing and frightening, but as you said, there any many positive stories out there. My husband is only 35 so we're wanting treatment to be as aggressive as possible.

Lorna x

Hi Michelle, 

Your story sounds a bit like mine. I am now in stage 4 bowel cancer with 1 cancer at the anastomosis site from right hemicolectomy, 1 below right kidney, 1 in left groin (not very specific) and a node in my lung which the doctors didn't seem worried about. I was referred to Basingstoke hospital 2 weeks ago for surgery and hot chemo. I am now waiting for to see the oncologist for more chemo before I can have the surgery, not even sure I will have it as it depends on whether the tumours shrink. The waiting for something to happen is horrible isn't it. I am trying to stay positive like you and take each day as it comes. I am 10 years older than you but previously fit and healthy with no health problems.

I hope you get on OK with your chemo. Do you know what type the oncologist will prescribe?

Hi Michelle. I’m in a similar situation, stage 4 though mine has spread prolifically in my pelvic area rather than distant organs ( we think). They can’t operate due to size and complexity, unless chemo can shrink it...and then it’s a bit of a wing and a prayer I get the impression. Same comments, I’m 46 - young and healthy so they will throw everything at it. Just had first round of folfiri and centuximab, another five rounds and rescan to see if any success.  I’m just trying to stay positive and focusing on the next step ahead of me rather than the big picture. Someone insensitivity asked me my odds of survival! I don’t care, I just know I need to push myself and those that are caring for me medically and personally for the best outcome possible. Good luck, you can get through this x

Hi louloubelle64, thank you for your reply, I know, it’s agonising isn’t it?!  How long have you been having treatment?  I have another meeting with the oncologist on Monday so I expect I will find out what chemo will be prescribed then.  I’m booked in next Wed to have the plug in my chest fitted.  I just want to get on with it now as I’m very aware that it the tumour doesn’t shrink I won’t be able to have the surgery.  Sounds like it was a shock for you too, I’m still getting my head around it all.  Put the Christmas tree up today which was the last thing I felt like doing!  

I wish you all the very best, one day at a time.

michelle

xx