Hi...my wife has been battling with colorectal cancer since June 2017. She has been through chemo (5Fu) and radiation. She was scheduled for surgery for a resection of the colon (colostomy) due to the tumor growing into the spincter muscle. As we got closer to surgery date (11-30-17) it was determined that she would also need reconstructive surgery due to the tumor invading into the vaginal wall behind the colon..on the day of her surgery they opened her up, and then abruptly stopped the surgery. The doctor called me to a room, and informed me he found cancer seeds in her abdominal cavity. I believe this is refered to as peritoneal carcinomatosis? So he said that it would not benefit her to have the surgery as it wouldn't save her life or give her more time, and only put her at risk for additional complications. He suggested that we simply do more chemo and radiation. He stated the cancer was going to kill her..So my question is this: has anybody been through this and if so, are there any other treatment options out there..any suggestions..i am desperate to save my wife..i have a second opinion appointment but its weeks away..
So sorry to hear this. Your wife you and family will be in my prayers. Please feel free to PM me anytime for support prayer or advice.
I was diagnosed with Stage 3A colon cancer over 5 years ago. Did the surgery and FOLFOX (includes the 5FU) chemo for 6 months.
That was August 2012 thru April 2013. Recurrence in lobe near abdomen in 2015. 2016 metastasize to peritoneal cavity like with your wife. Had the HIPEC rare surgery did not do much and cancer remained in the peritoneal cavity and spread to the liver and spleen this summer 2017.
I finally went to a cancer center MD Anderson for a second opinion. I probably should have in 2012. That's my advice. If you are not at a premier cancer center get the referral and get there. I know her present condition may not allow her to travel. If so you can request a place like MD Anderson review her case and offer an opinion.
I understand everyone's situation is not the same. I also understand doctors will give you their scientific opinion on how long they think your wife will live. I encourage you to look to Christ who is master Physician and knows the hour of our calling. I assume your wife is a believer. She will and you will know what I mean when I say we need to lean on Christ in all things. The docs gave me 2 years a year ago. I don't live by that. Sure I respect their opinion on how long they think they can keep me going as they as we are finite humans with limitations.
So the docs have limitations as they are humans. Smart humans with known survival rates. However, our King has no limitations. We are to live boldly for Him each day, day by day. Take comfort in this. Take with the Lord day by day. When we get into God's framework we see amazing things happen. We no longer look at how much time we have left but what we do with the time He gives us.
My heart goes out to you and your wife. I check this site often. Contact me at will.
Also, if you attend a church, don't hesitate to call upon them. The pastoral team is there for a reason. If you don't have a church you attend, recommend finding a loving church. There's never a good or bad time to become a church partner.
I was unchurched when my son went through his leukemia at age 10-14. When I joined a church a few years later I was amazed at what we were missing out on. There were a lot of answered prayers waiting there.
Finally, as you already know you are your wife's best patient advocate. Learn the blood reports, cancer marker reports (CEA) and read and view all the CT scans. I can help with learning these things and what to look at so you can drill the doctors and nurses. One area you want to take a keen look at is the radiation treatments. My docs said no because radiation can seriously damage the large and small intestines. I would ask about that. They may come back with that it is necessary. If so ask why.
Sorry for the length. Praying.