Incurable diagnosis

Hi 

Just wanted to reach out to you . Different primary cancers have different protocols and not necessarily like for like so I don’t want to raise a false hope but my mum has inoperable bowel cancer with a spread to her liver but chemotherapy turned that around and it is a primary that they operate on in the liver . However I have noticed not all liver spreads get the same approach . I think it depends on the pattern of lymph node spread and what chains were involved to lead to a spread to the liver .

However I wanted to encourage you to get answers to your questions . Your husband is entitled to a second opinion and we found that very helpful to speak with a surgeon and hear their views .

The one thing after extensive surgery they can’t guarantee a post op complication which could hinder back up chemo etc and long term they think it’s better to maintain chemo without a prolonged break . That was some of the reasoning we were given .

However my mum was also told by an oncologist she was not suitable for surgery but the liver surgeon thought she was a candidate. The location of the tumours come into play and there are a lot of variables. But it’s important to know the reasons .

Our helpline staff 0808 808 0000 would be happy to chat this through with you .

Take care ,

Court 

It is a sensible question. It may easily have a proper answer that they approach chosen is correct, but your husband should feel part of the decision flow if that is what he wants.

Do not underestimate the complexity of what is involved, and the myriad of different situations.

Hi sadly we never had the option of surgery. Ian had stents put in on two occasions unfortunately the tumour was already 27 cm when he was diagnosed and had spread to his lymph nodes and into his spine. I think the only thing I learnt was to ask as many questions as you can until you understand why decisions are made and the reasoning behind them.