Bowel cancer at 41 scared the chemo didn't work!

Hi 

What a tough time you have had . No wonder you are feeling it .

Has anyone tested your pocket of fluid to see what it is ? My mum had a few pockets of fluid that remained post surgery ( she has had a lot of surgery ) . They were mentioned on CT scans but never actioned as she was already a stage 4 patient . However they were not cancerous .

They were in fact just post op pockets of fluid .

This Ct scan might actually boost your confidence as it’s totally understandable you have been through so much .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi . Have they been checking your CRP when taking your bloods? If you click on my name you’ll see that I had a similar story. I had a drain in for several weeks to remove the fluid collection but it was removed too early and there was still some fluid there when I started chemo (which was late like you).They said the collection was only small so the body should be able to disperse it naturally but they got the chemo nurses to keep an eye on my CRP (infection marker) just in case.

Try to remember that the chemo is precautionary and the cancerous tumour has been removed. You’ve managed 6 sessions already which is pretty good so given anything lurking a good bashing already, Have you spoken to your colorectal nurse about the abdominal pain? It may be the nerve endings and muscles still repairing after the op or maybe you’ve just been overdoing things a bit?

You think after treatment finishes that everything goes back to normal but it will take time to get used to things and the stress of worrying about the cancer returning is something that a lot of people struggle with.

Hope the PET scan shows nothing to worry about - please keep us posted?

Take care

Karen x

Hi, no one's been checking CRP, the oncologist did say he though it could be infection, but I'm not showing signs, they were checked 3 weeks ago when I had the blood clot. Thanks for your message it does give me a glimmer of home that the fluid isn't masking something nasty. 

• Hi thought I'd update this. I've since has another CT scan and bloods, the fluid is actually now a cyst they're saying and my oncologist thinks it's likely to be cancer, I've still got to wait for my pet scan next week. But my oncologist has sent my scans to London (I am in Kent) as he says he wants to know about removing it but says it's too complex to remove here? I have so many questions which I didn't ask as I was in a bit of shock really. I had a feeling the cancer was back but there was always that hope, the thought of having another surgery is filling me with dread. The pain has got worse, but I've got it under control with pain killers now. I feel like there is so much waiting around for answers. 

Hi Lou I am so sorry to hear you having such a bad time and really hope it gets sorted soon. I have a diagnosis and had 2 scans now need  a pet scan as well bur haven't seen doctor yet that comes next Tuesday. so this is all pretty scary but keep hope and faith up my friend I am sure that they are trying hard to do the best by you.

Hi 

I am so sorry you have to face another surgery . My mum used to say to me that she would find her focus and once she found it she would be ok . A couple of days before surgery I could see her shifting gear into a form of acceptance. Not easy by any means and we were there to support her . We are here for you too as limiting as it is .

You have a good dr on your team . They refer out to surgeons that are specialists in this sort of procedure and really that’s who you want on your case . My mum travelled to another city for her liver surgery and yet a completely different hospital for the skills of another surgeon for her lung . These surgeons are able to do more and are skilled at that level . That comforted me as I know she had the best . More routine work is carried out by very compete drs too but they have not seen enough cases so know when to refer on . This happens a lot in hospitals . They are often referred to as centres  of excellence . The surgeon there will get referrals from several hospitals with similar one off situations but has the skill set and experience to process them competently. 

What I do find a big positive , your surgeon clearly sees you as operable . Trying to get the best involved for you and get you back to no evidence of cancer .

However it’s the uncertainty just now , waiting on the next scan , the next appointment that is very stressful . But it will get better . Mum got a lot of reassurance from meeting the new surgeons and having the space to talk .

You can always email your surgeons secretary if your questions are pressing . Also if you have a specialist nurse you can phone them . They can often get some answers for you .

We are here for you . I did see this post yesterday but was looking after my dad and wanted to give you a bit of a more thoughtful reply as I know how anxious we found this stage .

Take care ,

Court 

All the best to you too Summersdad . Hope your Pet scan comes through quickly .

You sound as though your getting your head round it . 
So much better when you have a good plan , some timescales and a bit of structure to work with .

Take care ,

Court