Hello everyone,

I am 57 and I have been recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer (multiple mets in lungs /lymph nodes /liver).  This was a shock -  basically going to GP with a tummy ache in March, then three months later colon resection, stoma, and palliative chemo.

I started chemo end of August, had  3 cycles of Folfiri in Sept-Oct, the CT scan showed a good response to treatment (some shrinkage in mets after only 3 cycles).  So far so good. But at the end of October my chemo was interrupted due to elevated AST and ALT, I had to go in for new bloods every week or so, no chemo since as the enzymes are still rising and now approaching 200.  I was told this indicates liver damage, which I wasn't aware of, but probably pre-existing which has exacerbated with chemo.  

So no chemo for 5-6 weeks now, after being told it's working and some of the mets have shrunk already.  Have told everyone the good news (family and work), everyone so happy for me - only to find out a few hours later that I can't have chemo until the liver improves (which may be never, or not for a long time, we do not even know what's causing it).   Been sent for more tests as well as fibroscan, weeks are passing by, the mets are probably growing, so I am in a limbo, not getting treatment, just sitting and waiting for some news which can't be good anyway.  

The craziest thing is, I am feeling perfectly OK physically (except fatigue), even under chemo.  This makes it even more frustrating, as I would have probably had a fair chance to make it in the end, and now without the treatment I won't.  The cancer news was bad enough, but this new thing with liver just knocked it out of me.  I just do not have any motivation for anything any more.  Part of me thinki I should be still going for chemo, one way or another I am going to die, so why not continue and at least tackle the cancer. 

Has anyone else had or heard of similar situations?  What impact do such interruptions have? Any light that can be thrown on this would be very much appreciated.  ( I do know it is all very individual, and I am discussing with my oncologist - but it's another 10 days till next appointment, the wait is killing me).