Bowel cancer CARERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS chat

Good Luck with it all Jkee. Hope you get a positive outcome xx

Thankyou Vicky would be nice to hear something positive for once but must admit nerves are taking hold at minute both not staying much. Thankyou for keeping in touch were do you find your strength from when you are grieving still from loosing Jay but lovely to hear how you are doing thankyou for your kindness xx

Hi everyone just to let you know I'm afraid Simon's cancer markers have risen again not what any of us wanted to hear. When I asked what does it mean they are not sure why it is still rising when his scan was clear I put to them that maybe his rheumatoid arthritis and his recent diverticulitis could have cause it to rise but they do not know. We have to wait to see what they say they are going to do next when they have a meeting next week .Hope you are all well xx

Hi everyone. It has been about 6 months since I was last here, a lot has changed. My partners cancer (tumour and metastatic) had responded well to Chemo & Radiotherapy. Unfortunately his latest scan results show that it is now worse than before and he will be starting an inhibitor treatment next week. I’m struggling with what to do regarding telling friends and family. My partner doesn’t want to discuss the terminal diagnosis leaving everyone, including his adult child not knowing. It’s me everyone sees and asks what’s going on? How he’s doing? But my poker face is wearing thin. I don’t want to upset my partner by having people try and discuss it with him, it’s a small area we live in, when one knows they’ll all know. Does anyone else have any experience with this situation or any advice would be helpful? 

Jkee so sorry to hear that. It is very strange his markers have gone up and are not sure. I hope they get to the bottom of it all. 

les not good either, his fissure is back with a vengeance and won’t have a warm bath or sit on his heat pad to get the blood circulating. He won’t let me ring either so I feel stuck. Men can be so obstinate.  

my heart goes out to you xxx

Hi kleigh I think this is your call. We only told people we could trust.  What inhibitor is he starting as I am not sure what it is. Do you think it will work?  Thankfully the oeopkecwe know don’t discuss things like that but about other things nothing to do with cancer which really does help when chatting about anything. I am so sad to hear your news but pleased you came on for support. Big hugs Maggie 

Aww Jkee! 

So sorry to hear that. This bloody disease is so bloody complicated. Just seen on the news Princess Kate has it now. Just shows the royals are human too and they aren't even immune from it. They said she is getting `preventative chemotherapy` this is what I think Jay should have got because there they said they got rid of her `primary tumour` but giving her `preventative chemotherapy` to get rid of any cells that may have been still present. This is what I asked if Jay should get and was told no. That has kind of triggered things for me to know if it was something he could have been given but wasn't. But then the royals they will have all the top notch specialists etc. Sorry about Simon's news Jkee hope they can get answers for you and can do something else for him. Take Care

Vicky xx

Encorafenib and cetuximab, which the Oncologist said if the cancer responds will extend life. My partner said in the beginning he doesn’t want to discuss life expectancy, so nothing was mentioned regarding this. I do know that it is the BRAF gene, which I have researched, so have a bit of an idea. He’s on a weeks course of steroids before the treatment starts next week. But he’s quite unwell at the moment (shivers, low appetite etc)

I just feel helpless and selfish. Selfish that it’s only me that knows and that I don’t want to go behind his back and tell people, but then on the other hand they deserve to know. 

So sad to hear this kleigh. This is definitely your call.  I did ask Les if I could tell so and so but he said no do I didn’t, mind they do not live close but keep in touch. I respect Les wishes but he does not mind talking about his problems. I hope the treatment works for him.  Sending you a big hug xx

Vicky  you are right about the royals. I did feel sad that Kate had to make the announcement as it is her business and for the whole country to know is awful. Some things you just want to keep under wraps with close family. It is really sad how they have treat her and she has had to come forward. That must have triggered some awful emotions for you knowing jay could have had preventative chemo. 

will chat later as it is rather early. Sending love and hugs to all xx

Hi Vicky I agree with the preventative chemotherapy I really wish Simon was able to go through with it without a bad reaction still don't understand why nothing else was offered.This is when you think I'm sure they will have the best treatment and no delays  poor Kate is so young bless her such a shock to hear the news Cancer seems to be much more than ever why is this makes you wonder. Have a nice weekend hugs to you and your family xx