bowel cancer spread to brain - anyone with any positive info

Hi all,

Someone very close to me was diagonosed with bowel cancer a couple of years ago. She went through radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy and was given the all clear around the end of last year. 

A couple of of months ago she started complaining about back pain etc and was taken to hospital and initially dismissed as muscular pain. 

After desperately pushing for more scans etc, we were told in the last week the cancer has come back and now spread to the brain. We haven’t been given proper clarity and treatment options (if any) as we are yet to be seen by the oncologist looking after her but various doctors / neurologist have given blunt and conflicting information - one saying the cancer has spread all around the head and another saying today that according to his notes, it’s only in one area. Regardless, she is not an operation candidate and the prognosis currently is likely to be guarded. 

The family are in deep shock especially as she was just given the all clear a few months ago. 

Has anyone had any similar experience, if so, anything positive?

Happy to provide more details if required. 

One of the terms mentioned was obstructive hydrocephalus.

  • Welcome to the forum Dugu although I'm sorry for the reason you have joined us.

    I'm including a link to a section on our website that gives more information about secondary brain cancer but if you would like to chat to someone about this then do feel free to give our cancer nurses a call. Their number is 0808 800 4040 and are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Hopefully others who have found themselves in similar positions will be along soon to offer their support and share their experiences with you.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi,

    I don't have any personal experience of this but a friend had the same condition plus the complication of liver mets. She was refused NHS treatment but was covered by her husband's health insurance and went private. Her life was extended by several good quality years as a result.

    I realise this isn't completely positive feedback, but even if private treatment isn't an option you could always try for a second NHS opinion at one of the leading NHS cancer centres and maybe check out whether there are any relevant clinical trials you might apply to join.

    Good luck
    Dave