Hi Newbie here, Bowel/Liver cancer.

FormerMember over 3 years ago

2 replies
172 subscribers
592 views

Hi all

New to the group, I first had bowel cancer in 2013, Stage 2, I had an extended right hemicolectomy and no chemo, all clear after 5 years, I also had Diverticular disease.

Fast forward to Oct 2020 I started getting increased pain (Twinges really , nothing bad) so I thought it was Diverticulitis, same symptoms - Mucus and blood, but it didn't let up, so in early December had a call to doc and was prescribed antibiotics (in case it was diverticulitis) and he referred me urgently back to my Colorectal unit, got an appointment for a Sigmoidoscopy on Christmas eve morning lol (merry Christmas) and CT scan day after boxing day (so happy with the speed they saw me)

After the camera (No Movie prep whoop whoop just an enema) I was the last one in the recovery room, not a good sign, and 2 of my old Colorectal Nurses, looking subdued walked in, I thought oh poop it's not good lol or words similar, Turns out it's possible Cancer is back (I always watch the camera procedure as it's being done, anyone else do this lol ? ) , Had the CT scan results with Consultant and it turns out to be aggressive Stage 4 also in my Liver even the Consultant was shocked as I had been clear for so long, 8 lesions on my liver, regarded as incurable but treatable, so, no operation to remove what's left of my bowel, we were hugely shocked it was that bad, had a few tears and chats with the Macmillan nurse present ( she was great ) 3 weeks later I had a Pet scan and today 1 day after the Pet scan I started cycle 1 of Folfiri, 4 and 3/4 hours it lasted, very relaxed atmosphere, very professional and thankfully local, came home with the 5FU pump for 2 days.

Soooooo, anyone else on similar diagnosis/treatment ?

Love to hear from you, sorry it was a long message, thought I'd put all the info in, thank you Macmillan and the NHS, love them both.

Warm regards to everyone on here x

court over 3 years ago

Hello

Big welcome to the forum . You also sound quite a cheerful dude !

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/TreatingAdvancedBowelCancer_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Just adding a link which I think is quite helpful for getting more informed on the various options that your team have to treat a spread to the liver .

My mum had five liver mets the first year and a further five the second year with one reaching around 5cm . If you click on my user name you can read how her team managed her disease .
She seemed to respond remarkably well to chemo although it was quite rough on her . This opened up other options . She did have a quick recurrence but again with the help of her team made it to a centre of excellence for the liver and had 73% removed .

Inoperable was tough to hear however going straight to chemo turned out to be a good plan long term as it allowed the visible and invisible spread to be tackled . Bowel cancer is fortunate to have a few different chemo options depending on your cell type . You will see people on some of the forums in their 5th and 6th year using chemo in a maintenance setting .

It does take time for your oncologist to get an idea of you respond as an individual and what’s the best approach but therein lies the hope !

It will be 13 years this summer since my mum was diagnosed and I did not think I would see her still doing well as treatment options were significantly less back then . She was 67 at diagnosis.

So glad you are being well taken care of . When possible my mum stayed connected to her life . Think that really helped .

Welcome again and hope we can be of some help to you .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court

Thank you so much for your positive reply, just what we needed to hear :-) I just received the full written diagnosis and it mentioned a pathway to Kings in Dulwich if needed, I am a cheerful person and will be all through this (ok maybe tad less on side effect days lol ) I'll check out your links in a moment, thanks again.

Andy