Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry to read about your son's situation. This must be a tough time for you all.

Bowel surgery does get rid of the main cancer in the bowel. However, if the cancer had already spread to the lymph glands or the vascular system ( blood vessels), it means there's a possibility that some cancer cells might be elsewhere in the body. These cells are not removed during surgery which is why additional treatments like chemotherapy is usually given to help stop or slow down any potential remaining cancer cells.

Since chemotherapy is not an option for your son, it's difficult to say for certain whether the cancer has been fully eliminated or not.

The best thing for your son to do is to discuss this with his specialist team as they are familiar with all his medical details and will be better placed to advise him further on this. If he has a specialist nurse (CNS) involved in his care then perhaps they can provide him with further information. You often have to call and leave them a message and they will get back to you.  

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene