Long term bowel cancer survivor

[Jezza]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 41. It had already spread to the liver so was classified as Stage IV (and there is no Stage V). Over the years I have gone through one bowel resection, two liver resections, several tumour ablations and other procedures. I have also experienced (and still am) a lot of different drugs. Seven years later I am still here, still working and physically active. I would be very happy to help any colon cancer sufferers with any advice if I can.

[Hidden]

Hi Jezza many thanks for sharing your story with us. I hope that you are feeling much better now, and your willingness to help others fighting with this disease means so much..I'm sure it will be appreciated! All the best!

[Nina5143]

My mom was just diagnosed with this same situation. What treatment and drugs did u do?

[Jezza in reply to Nina5143]

Sorry for not replying for so long. Have not been spottting emails coming through. I have had a couple of courses of oxaliplatin combined with a drug called avastin and either capecitabine tablets or a pump-based drip called 5FU. Have also been in a drug called irinotecan instead of the oxaliplatin. Side effects vary a fair bit between those different drugs. As well as surgery on the bowel and liver I have also had some targeted ablation of a couple of tumours.

[Jezza in reply to Nina5143]

Sorry for not replying for so long. Have not been spottting emails coming through. I have had a couple of courses of oxaliplatin combined with a drug called avastin and either capecitabine tablets or a pump-based drip called 5FU. Have also been in a drug called irinotecan instead of the oxaliplatin. Side effects vary a fair bit between those different drugs. As well as surgery on the bowel and liver I have also had some targeted ablation of a couple of tumours.

[GregW]

Hi Jezza My name is Greg and I am 62 and have stage IV bowel cancer in my liver and lungs, first diagnosed Feb 2015. I have had surgery to remove the cancer in my colon and have had my bag removed so bowel function is reasonably normal. I have ongoing treatment primarily chemo based. My oncologist and I have discussed liver resection and basically as I have cancer in my lungs he considers it to be at the moment to high a risk to have surgery and I will still be have chemo for the lungs therefore little gain. So here I am struggling with this and although I continually remain upbeat I do get mildly depressed/sad. Fatigue and boredom are my main concerns and I am unable to work from Feb 2015 which is a big challenge for me to accept even after so long particularly as I live alone in a modest and very comfortable home. My adult children are my main backstop and are very very supportive along with my family and main friends and support people. I have just want to give you an overview and seek am advice you my be able to share - it would be truly appreciated It is wonderful to hear your story and how you have managed for so long. Kindest regards Greg

[Jezza in reply to GregW]

Hi Greg.

Yes I can see how that is going to be very tough to take. I always found that the more time I had on my hands the more time I had to think negative thoughts which just bring me down. Throwing myself into work has always stopped me moping about things but since you don't have that any more I would suggest trying to find something to take its place, something that takes up your time at least or even better absorbs your thoughts. Could be a hobby (new or old), charity/volunteer work -whatever you are interested in and feel up to. Just something positive that you can focus on. The cancer has already taken away a big part of your life but it doesn't have to take away everything if you don't let it.

Best of luck with the treatment.

Jezza