Shock of liver secondaries 8 months after bowel resection

Ea1 over 1 year ago

3 replies
131 subscribers
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UHi looking for advice I think, well actually I really don’t know what I’m looking for!

My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in August 22, after having radio and chemo this time last year he had his resection in March this year and has recovered extremely well. He had his first set of surveillance bloods a few weeks ago which showed an elevated CEA, and they brought his CT forward. We had a call yesterday to ask him to come in and see the consultant this morning, so we knew something was wrong!
The CT showed 3 small areas of spread to the liver, but we have to wait for MRI and PET before seeing the oncologist to discuss any possible treatment. (Likely to be after xmas now )

My whole world seems to have fallen apart again he is only 49 and we have 2 small children. I really don’t know what to do or how to be, they have inferred that it cannot be cured but treated but in my head all I hear is a death sentence. I feel so bad saying that and I couldn’t possibly say it out loud. Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated

seaspirit44 over 1 year ago

Sending hugs Ea1 xxx

Onwards and flatwards (don't do hills) and keep walking if you can!

KathH2 over 1 year ago

so very very sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you and sending hugs. New treatments are happening all the time and I hope he has long-term palliative care. X.

Kath
"don't think about tomorrow"

court over 1 year ago

Hi Ea1

So sorry to hear this and it’s such a blow but most definitely not without hope . The liver is such a large organ and the location/size of tumours does come into play . If you click on my user name you can read how my mum’s team dealt with her liver spread . To give you some insight she had five mets , one measuring around five cm .

They are inclined to do chemo first as this gives the opportunity to gain stability not just of the visible disease but also any lurking micro disease . Whilst frustrating i attribute that to my mum’s longevity. There are other options like liver resections and radio frequency ablation . This gives another angle to control the disease if they meet the criteria. My mum had two years of treatment then went for an extensive liver resection at a centre of excellence. They removed 73% of her liver and removed all the disease . It has regenerated and works well over the last 14 years . She had no further issues in her liver . Many years later snd she is still dealing with a spread in her lung and was treated like a chronic condition . Often a frustrating journey with many bumps along the way but so many good , good times .
Not everyone gets this response but some do and some get no further spread . They just can’t guarantee anything .

What I have found is they are very proactive and aggressive, although I need to find a better description, in dealing with her disease . She is now in her 80s and has done so well .

Ask anything you like ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000