Peritoneal metastases

Hi WAmanda!

I am so sorry to read your story. I lost my husband in June this year due to complications of bowel cancer but please don't let that alarm you everyone's journey is different. His cancer spread to his peritoneum also. He went for surgery to remove his tumour in January 2022 and they got it all but for some reason it came back five months later in May 2022 he was put back on chemotherapy and he became ill with it to the extent they needed to stop it due to kidney damage after that he got 4 bouts of sepsis and it was the 4th one along with his advancing cancer that took him on June 23rd this year. He had been fighting it for almost two years but was told his tumour was there for about 3 years pre diagnosis. I have heard of peritoneal cancer I know it is directed around the lower part of your stomach and I think attacks the organs around your pelvic area. I wouldn't trust what `Dr Google` says because sometimes the information can be out of date and what they tell you is usually the worst. I would follow the guidelines of your MDT team that you have been allocated they will be able to keep you right. I wish you all the best with your journey. My best wishes to you. 

Vicky 

 https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis/265495/hipec-surgery
Hi ,WAmanda 

Welcome to the forum .

Immunotherapy has only been given to bowel cancer patients in recent years and with some good results .

It is very frightening for people to hear it has spread and I am so glad you have reached out to us .

I have linked in a thread above that you might find helpful . Cardiff1968  has explained their experience with Hipec surgery which is sometimes used in treating a peritoneal spread after systemic treatments like chemo / immunotherapy. It might give you a bit of encouragement. 
You will also read part of the post I wrote about a guy I communicated with .

A poster on here encourages working through one small part of the process at a time . Do you know the names of the chemo /immunotherapy you are having ?

Take care ,

Court 

Hello, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had spread to many places including the peritoneum. Like you I read up on it and thought there was very little chance of survival. I had 8 rounds of chemo before surgery, then over 2 surgeries from June to August this year I had the following removed 

50% liver

Gallbladder

Appendix

Ovaries

Fallopian Tubes

Uterus

Sigmoid Colon resection

Bowel repair where the ovary had stuck to the wall

Bladder moved

Ureter resection and stent put in

Omentum

Peritoneum

Belly Button

Hot chemo wash

The second operation I had cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, in 12 months I’ve gone from Palliative care to cancer free. This is a really tough time for you, please do not give up hope. If you want to know more, I’m more than happy to share my story 

My o my Cardiff 1968

Thank you so much for sharing.
You inspire me to stop feeling sorry for myself 

Its amazing positive posts like yours that give us all hope 

Take care 

Hi, sorry to here your situation. It's rubbish. I started off with bowel a certain and had my right side of my bowel removed long with lymph nodes. I then had chemo and was clear for three months. Then it came back in my peritoneal lining. I've two tumors growing in there. Aswell. I had six cycles of palliative chemo then Basingstoke hospital got insomuch  about having surgery, HIPEC surgery. At first I said I didn't want to have it but once my surgeon told me it was a case of I de have up to 12 months if I didn't and upto 5 years if I did. No brainer in my eyes. 

I'm having surgery on the 1st November and am dreading it, in fact I'm terrified. I've started getting a blockage in my bowels now and am in pain alot of the time so I know the ops the best way forward. 

I struggled to find many people with experience of peritoneal cancer or disease as they call it. 

I don't know if I can help much but be assured you not alone. You'll get alot of support from people on here so don't stop posting. 

Take care and stay safe. 

Hi Dogman 

Sorry to hear that you’re blocking.

I’m not sure if it may help but I was close to blocking my rectal tumour was four inches.

Although we have different cancers I found because I was unable to eat because processing my meals caused pain discomfort and discharge I found a way that suited me 

A very small breakfast then a meal replacement drink  small lunch low fibre  then a meal replacement etc 

It gave me energy and I managed emptying my bowel partially. 

I hope that your surgery goes well 

best wishes 

Wow how amazingly fortunate you have been. What strong person you must be. 
Hope you continue to stay cancer free. 
Your story has restored hope for me