Discovered Liver Metastasis During Colon Cancer Surgery

Hello, this is my first post, and to be honest, I haven't done much searching before posting this. I just found the website after doing some Google time, and here I am. If I am duplicating questions and/or information requests, please accept my apologies.........

My father just had colon cancer surgery yesterday (9/27). During the surgery, the Doctor noticed that the cancer had metastasized to the liver. After surgery, the doctor gave us this information, and informed us that it didn't look good. He was very attentive to my mother and I, but in all reality, we pretty much froze up in shock and despair at the time, and didn't really know what to ask. This is not something we expected. We were expecting a routine procedure; the surgery was not laparascopic, but rather open surgery.

This morning, I was able to speak to the Doctor more at length, and he advised me that he was having an Oncologist come to see him later this week. He advised me that the cancer was pretty widespread on his liver, and that the prognosis was not good. To expect him to start Chemo and/or radiation treatments in app. 3-4 weeks. He didn't seem to think any additional surgeries on the liver would help, and went on to add that in years past, he may have just closed him back up upon seeing what he had to work with, but given recent advances in types of chemo and how well some people respond, he proceeded with the colon surgery.

As of tonight, my dad was still in ICU, but looks pretty good for having just undergone surgery. He was able to sit in a reclining-type seat next to his bed, with help of course. Also, he is not aware of the fact that the cancer has spread to the liver, and we are holding off telling him until he is better from the surgery, and can handle this news.

I know that all types of cancers are different, but what types of questions and concerns should I raise with the doctors when we meet with him. I don't know what to expect to hear from the Oncologist, but we don't want to lose hope.........if all he recommends is chemo, should we seek a 2nd and even 3rd opinion........what else can we look forward to, both medicinally, surgically, and/or naturally (i.e. herbs, plants, teas, etc.).

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.........I'm sorry for the length of the post, and please keep him in your prayers.

J.C.

My mom is fighting a similiar battle. She is currently doing a regimen of chemotherapy called Folfiri. There are many types out there. She is having a hard time right now but the chemo seems to be stabilizing the cancer. We have been to several doctors and I would stress to you that you get a 2nd opinion in dealing with this cancer. You really need to get as much info as possible about the spread on the liver and see if surgery is definitely out of the question.
Good Luck ..There are many stage 4 survivors. I would tell your dad as soon as possible it will not get an easier the longer you wait.
Erika

Hi J.C., I also agree that you should go ahead and tell your Dad. Keeping info or delaying it only makes it appear worse than it is. I also agree with 2nd opinions. My husband's cousin and our best friend, Bob had the same situation 2 yrs. ago. Went in to remove colon tumor and found it on the liver in several spots. He never liked the Oncologist that the surgeon recommended and we finally got him into my Oncologist who he loves. You must find out for certain that the liver tumors CANNOT be removed. There are so many options. I am having the liver ablation performed on my liver mets this Mon. Doctor did not want to do a liver resection right now. If there are too many tumors or they are too big. Chemo can be given to shrink them for surgical removal later which is what Bob wants to do. He is taking Avastin and has seen considerable shrinkage in tumors. Erbitux is also new on the market. Some people have a reaction to Erbitux and cannot take it but ask your Oncologist about them. They are both for Colorectal Metastic Cancer. After my liver ablation, I will go on a combination of Eributx and Avastin. They can be given together or with other chemo's. Avastin is often given with Camptosar, 5FU & Lecuvorin. You should also check on the procedure Chemoembolizatin. This is where a radiologist injects chemo directly into the liver. My cancer center in Memphis, TN has had good results from this procedure. I may also do this. I am all for being proactive and not letting the cancer get ahead of me. I am blessed by having a wonderful Oncologist and Cancer Center here in Memphis. You have the option of going to M.D. Anderson in Houston. It is a renowned cancer center and I have had friends from MS who have gone with other cancers. You can access info on the internet or ask your doctor to refer you. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the news but please, please don't lose faith! Always remember........
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited................
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

All the best to you and your family,
CJ

Well, it's been 4 days since the surgery, and he's doing better. The oncologist spoke with him on Thursday, and gave him the news about the cancer spreading to the liver. The doctor was very positive in his explanation, and although my dad was shaken at first, he took it well, and he's very positive.

He's been out of ICU since Thursday, and he should be home by Monday night..........He's having lots of pain right now from built up gas, which he is having trouble expunging. He has not yet been able to eat solid foods since the operation, and it's really worrying me. How is he supposed to get strong enough to take the chemo, if he can't even eat..........I'm really concerned about this part of things, but all in all, we are remaining very positive. I will keep everyone informed.

Thank you all for your very valuable information, kindness, and willingness to share your story. My prayers are with all of you, and all your families..........together, we will all get thru this.

thank you again,
JC

Hi JC, wonderful that your father is in such good spirits. It takes a while before you can eat solid foods with the colon surgery. I beleive it took about 5-6 days before I could eat. Doctors say the intestines and colon have to wake up from the surgery. One thing I've learned from cancer is patience. May God's speed be with your Dad's recovery. Bless you and your family. Please keep me posted. I will be out of pocket next week with my surgery to remove liver mets. Hopefully, I will be able to ramble to my computer the next week. I am also new to the forum but enjoying being able to share with others.

CJ

HI,
I was also very worried about my mom being strong enough to do chemo. Depspite the fact that she lost a lot of weight after surgery she somehow has kept her strenth and is doing her 3rd treatment after a major surgery next week. Her strength and determination never ceases to amaze me. Your father will rise to the occasion.

Just read your messages and glad to hear your Dad is progressing. Don't be concerned about him not eating yet.
My husband went to the emergency room on July 20, we thought he had appendicitis. The surgeon removed much of his small intestine and colon, the colon cancer had spread to lungs and liver.
Of course, the surgeon was much like your surgeon and he didn't give my husband much of a chance. I know he is really bad, as the "liver is basically taken over by tumor"...however, he is now on his 4th chemo treatment (Folfox). He did not eat for 17 days, had lots of fluid in the abdomen and many other issues. He was in the hospital for 3 1/2 weeks and he is home now, doing better every day. We know he will have a tough road, but we are keeping the faith and are going to fight it all the way.
Good luck to you and yours, just thought i would write because your situation sounded so similar to ours.
Janet