Treatments for spread to liver

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Diagnosed with stage 3 rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma Jan 2021. 7/20 lymph notes affected and some spread to tissue, hence surgery followed by Folfox for four months and 2 cycles of Capecitabine. Good response overall. One scary moment - mid chemo - CT and MRI showed possible spread to the liver, but thankfully PET showed a harmless lesion (possibly caused by Oxaliplatin).

CT scan - earlier this year - showed the original harmless liver lesion had apparently dissappeared.

Now - suddenly (June 22) - MRI is again showing possible spread to the liver, in exactly the same place as the false alarm last year only slightly larger. Really annoying as have been feeling really healthy - jogging with the dog, swimming, morning workout and plenty of time with grandchildren. Recent CEA showed as 4.2 - the lowest it's been since I discovered what CEA actually was! BUT: I've now been referred 'back' to oncology, now awaiting urgent PET scan and have been referred to a liver specialist in London who will look at the scans I assume.

Any similar experiences anyone??

Best wishes

Nettie123

court over 3 years ago

Oh Nettie123

So sorry to hear this . I think I have seen it mentioned before that the fact they disappeared could mean it is actually responding to the chemotherapy whereas a cyst does not . However the plus side of that is you are clearly very chemo responsive and that’s great news .

However I am sorry you have to deal with this . The other positive for bowel cancer that has spread to the liver , it can have a few different treatment approaches which is better placed than some other primaries. The liver surgeons have done a fantastic job on my mum with her seeing off over ten liver mets . It sounds as though you have one solitary met which is again positive . Radio frequency ablation is another strong approach. The liver also regenerates and despite my mum having a larger resection it is functioning not too badly .

However it does mean more intervention and no one wants that for you .

Hopefully you will hear a plan so and give you some direction going forward .

take care.

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Nettie123 over 3 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court

Thank you, as always, for your swift and positive response. Feeling really scared, but filling my life with numerous tasks to keep busy and just hoping that I'll have the PET scan soon!

Good to know there are so many different treatment options. That's cool.

Stay safe and best wishes to your mum, feel I know her!!

Nettie123

court over 3 years ago in reply to Nettie123

. She would be wishing you the very best . Hopefully there will be no uptake on the PET scan and all will be well but if there is something they will take very good care of you .
Good on you for keeping busy and the care is fantastic if required .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Ziggybay over 2 years ago in reply to court

Hello, I live in Scotland too and I’m so happy to hear your mum is doing well! Gives me so much hope! Recently just posted about my husbands recent diagnosis - colon cancer with liver mets. I’m beyond terrified to loose him (currently 6 months pregnant with our first) but hanging in there and keeping positive. Survivor stories really help! Thankyou x

court over 2 years ago in reply to Ziggybay

Hi Ziggybay

Just replied in the other thread . Just to give you a bit of encouragement my mum’s grandkids were 4,7,7and 9 when she was diagnosed. They are now in their late teens and early twenties .

Children are a powerful motivator . It’s so harsh having this happen just when your first baby is due . However we are here to support you and help you both through this .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000