My husband was diagnosed with aggressive bowel cancer, they removed the cancerous tumour and some cancerous lymph nodes.  It was graded at grade 4 as there were tiny spots on the outside of the bowel when it was removed. He then received Capox chemo - thought to be a 'mop up'.  At the end of the treatment, his CEA levels showed they had increased and they wanted an urgent MRI and CT scan done.  These have come back to show a small lesion on his liver which they believe to be cancerous.  Also a small deposit on his spine.  He has been asked to have a further MRI that will focus solely on the spine. 

The lesion on the liver was there before surgery but they felt it was not cancerous. They don't know if it grew further between operation and starting chemo, if it has reacted to chemo or not. Other hospitals are now involved as well as our normal hospital (would rather not say where we are). 

We are in turmoil.  We thought we were to celebrate but instead told, no we can't ignore the CEA level.  Don't get me wrong we are so glad they have checked everything.  At first we looked up everything to do with spine/bone cancer and were left devastated by what we read.  Talking about only a few months to live. 

Can anyone give us some hope?  We are just sat in the 'waiting zone' again, for scan, results, discussion of what is next.  Our life is still on hold with an even bigger breath. Throughout this journey we were told if my husband wanted to work he could, but if he had a good sick scheme at work, take it.  He is now coming to the end of it and today we asked the consultant (unexpected call) if he should try and return to work.  Her response was, let's wait and see.  Which in my mind, means no.

Does spine cancer mean the end is imminent, is having secondary cancer in both the spine and liver after bowel cancer common?  So many questions but don't really know where to start.