Hi I am new here. Needing some advice.

FormerMember over 3 years ago

3 replies
120 subscribers
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In 1999 I had bowel cancer which was removed successfully, thankfully no stoma. I had 4 rounds of Chemo to mop things up. A PET scan in September showed a small met on my lung 14mm. I am very fortunate at this time as I have 3 treatment options: Removal of tumour (wedge taken from my lung), Focused Radio Therapy, and RFA. I am at a loss on which treatment to go for. I have done some research, but would appreciate advice from people who have undergone these treatments. I would especially like to know more about RFA as I seem to be opting for this choice at the moment. Thank you so much.

Marianne26 over 3 years ago

Hi Flowershop

I had bowel cancer in May 2019, & had a left hemicolectomy, but no mop up chemo. Following a ct scan in March 2020, I also had a Pet scan, where 2 small lung mets (5mm & 3.5mm,) were discovered. I was then put on capecitabine oral chemo for 6mths...to try to reduce the nodules. This worked - & so I was able to have RFA (radio frequwncy ablation,) which was performed in October last year.

It was the simplest of procedures. I was told I could opt for sedation or GA. I chose the latter, as I was concerned I might be be too nervous...as you have to lie very still - while they direct the long needles into the correct areas - whilst lying under a CT screen. I stayed overnight at the hospital....& resumed normal activities the next day. There was no invasion of the skin, just two tiny plasters over the site. I did have some air in the lung cavity, which mean't I was slightly breathless for a few days, but this quickly resolved itself with no intervention.

My last CT scan was in June this year...& all was clear. I am due another scan next month.(Always a worrying time.)

One big positive about this procedure, is that it can be performed numerous times if necessary.

I wish you all the best with your decision.

Marianne 26

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Marianne26

Thank you so much Marianne, this has been really helpful.

I am definitely erring on the side of RFA, as it seems a lot of people on the forum would like this treatment but are unable to, and I feel so grateful that I have this option, rather than the more invasive surgery. I wish you all the very best for your scan next month.

Warmest wishes

Flowershop

Nelly1955 over 3 years ago

Hi Flowershop, sorry this post says 9 days old and I’ve just seen it. I had RFA In April this year. It was an incidental find on my liver. Only stayed in hospital overnight. I had a GA you are placed in a ct scanner and then they use monitors to guide the needle to the sight. But you’re asleep through out. My last two scans in July and October have been clear in that area. Unfortunately my cancer has regrown in my colon so I’m having surgery for that this time. I got a clear response from chemoradiation last October. Sorry for late reply take care Nelly 55 xx