Best friend metastatic colon cancer

Hi JC.

Firstly I am really sorry to hear about your best friend, She will be feeling lots of shock right now as will all of her loved ones. My daughter was diagnosed with ALL ( acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ) on May 13th and I and my family are only just coming to terms with it nearly three weeks on. She is on a TCT ( teenage cancer trust ) unit and they have counselling services through them for parents and siblings but I don't think other age groups get the same service offered.

I am not sure though so I think your best bet would be to go to your local Maggie's centre that would be a good option for you as you can just drop in there and have a good talk with people who really understand what you are going through, the same for your best friend and they offer lots of support services and can help advise on financial issues and claiming benefits ect as she should be entitled to PIP I believe.

You could also speak to your GP who can refer you for counselling but it usually takes time to get an appointment.

My father in law had bowel cancer which eventually spread to his liver and then lungs. He did have a good few years from his initial diagnosis, he had six further years before he sadly passed away and he was much older than your best friend 72 when he passed, so they will be looking to give her as long as possible and hold the cancer at bay for as long as they can to prevent further spread and to hopefully shrink what is already there. Please don't lose hope and check if there are any bowel cancer trials going on, your friend can ask her consultant and given her age, maybe she would be eligible to do a trial which often give good results

I wish your best friend all the very best and yourself of course and I am sending you a virtual hug.

Loulou. x x

Hi JCT30

What a fantastic friend you are . Totally understandable that your friend feels shaken but it really depends on her own response to treatment and that gives hope .

Have you read the Bowel cancer U.K. booklet . Bowel cancer is quite fortunate to have a lot of options in terms of treating a spread compared to some other cancers but going straight to chemo to get the systemic benefits is a good plan .

It has turned my mum from inoperable to operable twice . 
Immunotherapy has also emerged on the scene . Does your friend know their cell type ?

Our helpline staff can give you more information on counselling . 0808 808 0000 but there are other forms of support locally too that they could maybe help access or email or buddy contact . 
It really depends . For us we used our wonderful GP and he was a tower of strength .

You also might like to get a feel for some of the chemo side effects to be able to support her with some insight depending on her chemo plan . https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/221768/chemo-care-top-tips--

This thread might be helpful .

How great to have a friend like you .

Court 

Thanks so much for the info court it’s really helpful. I will ask her what cell type she is as may be another avenue  to explore. I think it will give her hope just knowing that she has options. Chemo thread is brilliant Thankyou I will pass on all your wisdom 

Hi JCT30 You’ve had great replies so I just wanted to add a couple of links to some booklets that may help too?

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YoungPersonsGuide_BowelCancerUK.pdf

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/TreatingAdvancedBowelCancer_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Take care

Karen x

1. So sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope you are all getting support. Thankyou so much for the information it’s really helpful. Wishing you all the best xx

Thanks Karen that’s really helpful 

I’ve just had my first dose of exactly this.  They are testing the tumours to see if I am a candidate for immunotherapy too but I’ll have to wait for that.  I’m just home, feel a little tired but I think that’s more to do with sitting down for 3 days attached to a machine as I don’t have a Picc line fitted yet.  I was more than happy to do it as meant treatment started sooner rather than later.  My friends have been amazing and the texts so welcome…I’ve had goody bags made up, silly cards, even drinks to boost my T cells as court has advised on the benefits with chemo and they picked up on it.  

i managed my shock with sleep - lots and lots of sleep.  Then tears.  Then decided with the help of star and court to focus on the positives and the things I can control and not the things I can’t.  It deffo has made me more positive.  They will not give up on her, so she should not give up on herself.  Take care of her xx

That’s great you got the first cycle ticked off. Please keep me updated on your progress. Which drinks are good for T-Cell boosting and I’ll make sure I get her some? I most definitely will take care of her and glad you have people doing the same for you xx

Have a Google - I do blueberries, strawberries, half banana, protein powder (liver strength thanks to Star) spinage and seeds in a blender.  I have also for hospital taken the immunity boost drinks but think they are quite high in sugar.  I’ve also taken to eating eggs more - both protein and zinc which also helps.  I’m still learning - court has a lot more so deffo take their advice.  All we can do is try.  Tomorrow I’m looking forward to a little bimble down the road…and my son coming home from university.  A day to celebrate after a tough few.  Xx

Great thanks I’ll look into it. I read about the protein helping so have bought her some barebells shakes to try. She has had a stomach fitted whilst on the treatment and is on low fibre at moment so will probably need to be careful with the fruit intake. That sounds like a great day and just what you need after the last few xx