colonrectal cancer

can anyone tell me anything about colon rectal cancer, which has spread to the liver? My husband has a permenent ileostemy, they removed the entire colon and rectum, he has always been strong and active and now I have to be strong!

he is going to start chemo and radation, however he has an infect so they have post poned putting the port in, I have no clue what to think, is it curable? has anyone had this?

Hi, I'm replying even though I don't have exactly the same situation. I have colon cancer with a lot of liver metastases, ie stage 4. I'm considered inoperable but the doctors think they will be able to keep the cancer in check for a couple of years, possibly more. It' not considered curable. I have received nine cycles of chemotherapy (folfiri) and Avastin and I am on maintenance therapy with avastin only since late June. I think statistically the five year survival rate isn't that great with stage 4, but it really always depends on the individual situation, and there are people with stage 4 who live much longer than anticipated, even those who become cancer free, possibly cured. If they have managed to remove your husband's primary cancer and the liver mets are few and considered operable, that's good news. I know somebody who has rectal cancer stage 4, mets to his lungs. his primary tumor was removed and he then received chemotherapy (folfox) and avastin. He has a reversible ileostomy. Since what comes out is liquid, he needs to make sure he takes in extra liquid and he has to empty the bag very often. He has started using gloves to protect his hands that have suffered from the chemo. I think it's called hand and foot syndrome, the skin peels and cracks. I got it as we'll but not as bad plus I didn't have to wash my hands constantly like him. If he can get the port put that's great, it makes it much easier to receive the chemo. I hope he recovers from his infarct soon. My very best wishes to you and your husband. Anne

If your *husband* can get the port-a-cath...