Newbe

FormerMember over 4 years ago

4 replies
171 subscribers
683 views

Hi I have been in and out of this site and this forum for a while Diagnosed about a year ago with bowel cancer which had spread to the liver and some other lymph nodes.

Had surgery for a blocked bowel last July and then had chemo until Jan 21, 8 sessions. Now just on the pills and they are discussing possible surgery on the liver tumors which are shrinking.

I am very positive about all of this. I have had the best of treatment and care for a year now even thought the NHS was snowed under with Covid 19. We shielded and stayed away from people and that worked.

I guess i need to hear positive results of liver surgery. I am 81 and reckon I have a few more years in me, but I firmly believe that a positive attitude is the key. I am also (hope you understand) a Christian and again firmly believe that God is in control. That is personal to me and I am not going to evangelize, we all have free will, thank God, so its down to each individual.

Finally I have had superb support from my local Macmillan team. At the beginning they really helped me understand what was happening and how to deal with it. Thank you so much, you all do such a a good and important job. Bless you.

Nelly1955 over 4 years ago

Hello Sussexlad, so lovely you have such a positive attitude. I had chemoradiation last year which I had a complete response to, unfortunately I have a small bit of cancer on my liver which I was told was nearly missed. I’m having a call next week from a surgeon. I’m high risk so I will be surprised if he agrees to operate on me. Hope you had a happy and blessed Easter. I also have so much gratitude to the Macmillan support line. Hope all goes well, sending hugs.

court over 4 years ago in reply to Nelly1955

Welcome to the forum . Glad you have had such super care .

If you click on my user name you can read my mum’s story . She has had two liver resections . I would say one was much more extensive than the other in clinical terms and that was reflected in her recovery . The other aspect would be your general fitness levels . My mum at the time 69 was quite fit and general health good !

The first one was combined with a bowel resection and that was definitely the harder aspect . Her liver regenerated well and she was on holiday six weeks later and tried some sea kayaking . The second one was much more extensive and her recovery much slower but she was at the upper end of the amount of liver removed on that one 73% . The first four wedge resections was much easier. Saying all that she has recovered very well and gives life her very best !

Good on you for being up for some more quality living and being open to the future.

Take special care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to Nelly1955

Hi Nelly 1955.thanks ever-so for you message, much appreciated. Unfortunately the little beasties - 8 of them - in my liver are spread far and wide so the surgeons cant just take a lump of liver and get all of them. At 81 I don't think a transplant is on the cards, and anyway, Id rather a liver went to a much younger person than me, someone with loads of years left.

Having said that, I'm looking forward to taking delivery of my new car in 2030 (I'll be 90) which will be all electric. I will have a wonderful discussion with the salesman about where the petrol goes and why isn't there an exhaust pipe????

So I am stuck with the pills and maybe back on the drip later this year.

Did you have the dreaded neuropathy? My fingers feel like cold bananas most of the time and now the soles of my feet feel as if I'm wearing stiff slippers all the time. I guess I have to live with it as the alternative is not good.

Yes thanks had a grand weekend. Finally sat in the garden with our daughters, son in law and two of the three grandchildren. It was also our wedding anni on Sunday so it was a good day. Must admit we stayed in on Monday.

Have a great day and week and life. Very warmest best wishes

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court, thanks fore replying and for your fantastic story of your Mum's journey. Inspirational for all of us.

If you read Nelly1955 you can see where I am. I don't think they can operate though I am getting another scan - PET Scan? I think in addition to a CT scan and an MRI. They are working hard to make sure they make the right decision. I do love them.

In the meantime its pills for breakfast and supper, neuropathy in the fingers and feet and trying to stay away from Covid. Life is great eh? I must say that in myself I feel very well. What a blessing that is. I can do almost all of what I used to do and more so generally its all good news.

Hope you had a great Easter, give Mum a hug from me. Blessings to you and your family.