Quality versus quantity

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Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in December 2018. PET scan showed one secondary in the liver. Had a bowel resection in December 2018 (cancer had caused a stricture and the fear was I would obstruct) I then had a liver resection in January 2019. Followed by 6 months chemo CAPOX CT scan October 2019 was clear

Had a routine CT scan booked for April 2020 which was cancelled due to Covid but I kept my GP appointment fo blood tests. this showed a raised CEA. Further scans showed peritoneal spread. Referred to Good Hope hospital for CRS and HIPEC. Commenced Cetuximab and CAPRI

CRS and HIPEC performed in Dec 2020 which achieved complete cytoreduction. Temp illeostomy performed during procedure.

However histology showed microscopic disease.

i am back under the care of local oncologist to discuss what next

court over 4 years ago

Hi Erp

So disappointing to hear about microdisease . Was it on the surgical margins ? My mum had a similar situation after a liver resection . It was such a blow to hear she did not have good margins . They put her on a watch and wait situation and she went back on chemo three months later with further surgery . After that all stray cells were eliminated.

But it’s hard when you have gone through so much to have to face another bump on the road treatment wise . Have you got a date to meet with your team and go through your options .
The way I processed it mentally was to think that her tumour burden had significantly been reduced but another round of chemo was necessary to eliminate.

Take care ,

Court

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