New LR diagnosis

Hello Harrybee, sorry to hear of your problems and that you don't seem to have any replies.

So you seem to be weighing up whether the effects of going though the procedures that the MDT may come up with is worth it given that you have reached a reasonable age already. I can't speak from someone who didn't elect to have the treatment but I can tell you about the treatment I had. 

I was 73 when told I needed an Anterior resection of my colon in 2019 but first I would have radiotherapy with chemo, then the op  with an ileostomy and then more chemo. I had the reversal in September and am touch wood ok. The treatment was ok, it was manageable and I was able to carry on with a reasonable active life. I also had the help of my wife, daughter and friends. So I think it depends on how you feel, how fit you are, who you have around you and how you cope.

While I was in for the main op I was opposite, in the ward, with a man in his mid to late 80s who had the same op and there was no way he was going to cope without a lot of help. I decided then that if the cancer came back when I was like that man I wouldn't want to go through it all again.

My radiotherapy reduced the tumour and zapped the nodes to the point my surgeon almost didn't operate. If they suggest that then it is something to go for. Some of the chemo pills, I had Capcitebine, aren't so bad. The operation was ok and the stoma bag is maneagable.

If the MDT come up with a proposed plan that is anything like mine was and you want to talk about it with someone I would be very happy to do so. 

Whatever you decide I wish you well with it

John

Hi @Harrybee

Welcome to the forum from me too and an apology as I had read your post and wanted to link in a document for you to read then totally forgot to do it .

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg659

This is the guidelines from Nice for a treatment called Papillon therapy . If you read the guidelines you will see that it covers people who don’t wish to consider surgery . It is maybe something to discuss with your team . It does have a criteria but no harm in having a read and seeing what you think .

Whatever you and your team decide I hope it goes well .

Take care ,

Court 

Thank you crankshaft and thank you Court. I am in good health otherwise. I live alone my wife of 50 years having died 12 years ago. I have no doubt that were she here I would take whatever option would give me more years with her.

I have very good daughter and son-in-law who lives a few miles away and, whilst I could not wish for better it is obvious that this is not the same as living with someone I'm having constant help.

Your story. John, and your reflection that should things have been different for you , was helpful as was the  information on Papillon treatment Court.

Thanks again, Harrybee

That was supposed to read and having constant help

Ha  my phone needs replaced . I use it all the time for Macmillan and to be honest I think parts are just worn out . Whole words are missing at times and I am terrible for posting and not re reading . I run out of time and when I look back it’s a case of yikes !

I totally understand what your saying about your lovely wife . A long time to be together too. You sound very sensible in your approach and hopefully they will find a pathway appropriate to your needs without being too invasive .

Hope you have had a good weekend .

Court 

Thanks Court. You too