Hi Denise,

Honestly, please don't worry. I had so much going on I wouldn't have noticed. I'm sure you know exactly how that is?

Well, it's been a ride and a half. I've had one round of six chemo sessions and then a scan. The scan showed the spots in my lungs and liver had all but cleared up and the tumour in my bowel had shrunk significantly. At the risk of giving TMI, I can now go No.2 without the assistance of laxatives. 
 

I was given two type of chemotherapy, Folofox and Panitimamab. The latter of the two specifically aimed at the type of tumour I had in my bowel and because it had no mutations, I was a perfect candidate and it's really done it's job. The first one was a general therapy aimed at the rest of the nastiness. I had to go in for a day every two weeks and then go home with a pump giving me the final treatment and two days later I'd have that removed. They fitted me with a PICC line, so none of that poking around for canulars, which I was massively grateful for.

I have just started my second round of chemo and three treatments in and my oncologist wants to stop and scan me again. The full works; PET, MRI and CT, because I've responded so well to the chemo he wants to consider other options, like operations, or radiotherapy etc. However it might be that we finish out the course of three more treatments and then see where we are.

So, all in all, very positive. I'm not going to raise the flags yet, but my oncologist is happy, so I'm happy and I'll continue to ride out the chemo. Man, doesn't it have some side effects? I've not lost my hair, but it's thrown plenty of other crap my way lol. I won't complain though, because it's doing me good.

Anyway, how are you? How's life been treating you?

Neil

Hi

I'm new here and only signed up this evening.

I've had devastating news today that my Dad has been told he has bowel cancer which has spread to the liver lungs. He has another meeting to discuss a plan. However he has been told it can't be cured. He is only 60 and has never had any major symptoms. He had a routine check up on bowel after some low key symptoms and it's turned into a nightmare. 

I'm still in shock and i feel life has changed already. I have a mixture of emotions.

Reading through this post it seems we have some positive stories. I'm praying for a miracle that whatever plan of treatment can delay worst case scenario for a long time. 

I don't know what else to say just now. Life isn't fair sometimes.

Hi Jamie

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, I myself was told that my cancer maybe be incurable and inoperable, however after 1 op to have a right hemicolectomy (part of the bowel removed) and the ALPPS procedure (liver resection 2 ops) chemo before and after these operations, this was in 2018 and I am still here to tell the tale, very happy and doing very well.

The surgeons and doctors will do all the can for your dad, they will discuss his case, so rest assured he will get the best care. He will have a Macmillan nurse who he can talk to whenever he needs to.

I had fantastic support and help from my family and friends and your dad (and you) will need this now too, don't be afraid to ask for it.

No, life sometimes is not fair but there is always light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there.

I do hope all goes well, remember be strong you can do this !!

Denise

Hi Denise

Thanks alot for your reply. Reading these messages definitely helps me stay positive. 

He has a call with the Consultant tomorrow. I thought it would have been a face to face meeting. I'm hoping the reason for this is Covid.

I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel and a treatment plan can go into place to improve things. It's great to hear your story and everything is going well 2 year's on.

I can only stay strong and positive for the family. 

Jamie

Hi Denise

My Dad is going to start his first session of chemotherapy in 2 weeks. He is still feeling fit and healthy with no pain. You would never know looking at him that anything was wrong.

Do you have any advice for somebody starting chemotherapy?

KR,

Jamie

Hi Jamie

I'm happy to hear that your dad will staring his treatment in 2 weeks. I was the same I looked as fit as a fiddle and very healthy. Having chemo is like running a marathon every day, he will be very tired. I would suggest he gets up in the morning gets showered and dressed as normal (even if he doesn't feel like it) do some things he wants or needs to do in the morning but don't overdo it. His immune system will be at it's lowest 7 days in and I would suggest he see's nobody then especially at the moment with the coronovirus. He has to be very careful. Sleep when he needs to, have a gin and tonic or three, try to get a new hobby, watch all those films he hasn't had time to watch, audio books are also a good idea, take his temperature regularly and if he is unwell he must go to A & E they will prioritise him. The hospital will have given him anti sickness/nausia tablets he should take them when he needs them. Tell him it's ok not to be ok sometimes. I know you will be there to support him.

Please wish him all the best, I know he is walking into the unknown but he can do it, stay strong and positive and above all safe, you can all do this.

Please keep me informed as to his progress.

Denise

Hi Denise,

Thanks for the reply. Ill certainly take your advice and pass onto him. That's a big help as I know there will be tough days ahead whilst going through treatment. He will get all the support he needs from us

Regarding yourself, where are you with everything in terms of treatment and reviewing? 

All the best and take care for now.

Jamie

Thank you this has given me hope. My husband who was fit and healthy at 73 just disgnosed with tumour inoperable in colon and secondaries in liver and lungs. Chemo suggested so we are hanging all our hopes on that to keep it dampened down.

Hi there,

It's good you have messaged. I didnt know what to do when i found out the news about my Dad. This thread has helped and given me confidence.

The people writing back on here are really brilliant.

Keep us updated on your husband, and I hope he starts treatment soon.