Hi,
My brother has been recently diagnosed with small bowel cancer (stage 4)which has mestasis in the peritoneal cavity with large amounts of fluid, and has been informed that he is past conventional surgery. Chemo is prescribed, however I'm not sure if this is for palliative reasons only. I would appreciate any one with infomation regarding succesful therapies other than surgery to please respond. I understand this condition is extremely rare and I pray there is some one to shed hope for me in this case.
Thanks
Diana Z

Dear Diane Z,
Regarding the question for small bowel cancer, Chemo would be used to try and drastically reduce the tumour before any attemp of surgery would be performed... The more they can shrink using chemo, possibly followed by radiotherapy the better the diagnosis for the patient...This regime would be the best as opening up the abdominal wall would mean taking too much of the small intestine....and with it being stage 4 which is quite far advanced the chemo is the safest and best option...My husband had non hodgkins lymphoma of the small intestine and is in remission 3 years from surgery and chemo...I send you my best wishes and good luck....And most of all I know how you feel...So please do not hesitate to post more questions...