Hi I'm new to the site I'm a 45yr old who was diagnosed July 2007 with bowel cancer with liver and lung metasteses. Had two lots of surgery and chemotherapy every two weeks for six months. Then had an eight week break in which I unfortunately became unwell recent CT scan shows that liver spots which had originally reduced in size have now began to grow again. Just started 2nd cycle of chemotherapy slightly different from 1st this time will also have hair loss. Feeling a bit lost at the moment have been reading on this site and looking to see if anyone is in the same situation as me. Have been told since diagnosis that this cannot be cured but can be treated. As a district nurse I knew this but it is a totally different experience being on this side of a diagnosis,
FormerMember
Hi Anne - sorry to hear that you will now have to undergo another cycle of chemotherapy after only an eight week break, but you've come through like a proper "trooper". You've had two lots of surgery and then undergone chemotherapy - but you're still standing! Hooray!! It's only natural that you will be feeling lost and perhaps a bit alone, but don't worry, you are NOT alone. This site is populated by the most wonderful, strong, brave and kindhearted souls, and one of them will always be there to answer your messages, or chat if you feel like joining in. It's a great site, and it saved my sanity when I was first diagnosed. I began to lose my hair after my first chemo, so got my partner, the wingless angel Mick, to shave it off for me - it was so much better than shedding hairs all over the place! Don't feel lost sweetheart. I know it can all get a little overwhelming at times, and oh so very hard to deal with, but you're not alone. Stay strong and keep in touch, with love kate xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks Kate it was great to get a reply. I am also Scottish and most sites I've looked at the people have been from all over the world but could never find anyone from Scotland and I know from experience that I am not the only Scot out there. My first lot of chemo let me keep my hair and that was its saving grace I know that sounds vain but since being a child my hair has always been my pride and joy. I've been and chosen a wig which looks fantastic and I feel much happier now. I'm more than willing to take you on if you could do the same for me although I think you may get the raw end of the deal.Like you I was told at time of diagnosis that I could live for 4 months or 4 years my husband Stephen and I are aiming for the 4 years.
Undersdtand about the hair totally: I took it on the chin when Prof said Cancer, but when they said Chemo, I burst into tears, as, like you, I had long hair and had always had long hair. I actually had a non-hairloss chemo BUT it made me feel so fatigued that washing my hair felt like climbing ther last 20feet of Everest. Glad you have found a "you"-wig, as that makes a big diff. We had our first Meet-up with people on this site recently, and one lady gave us quite a fashion show of wigs, disappearing upstairs and returning looking quite different - but always glamorous (hiya LizP!).
I'm very sorry to hear that you are ultimately not curable - however "treatable" is better than nowt, as we would say down here. I have been un-treatable since May 2007 according to my old hospital - but strangely now that I am at a London hospital, I am potentially treatable again! Hope things go well for you, Anne - and you will be finding others like yourself - there's quite a group of us on here - and you have joined the No-Quitters Club! Down but definitely not out! Lots of love xxxx Penny
Sorry to hear about your current situation. I can empathise with feeling lost and being on the other side of the diagnosis. I work as a community psychiatric nurse and being told in Feb. that i had ovarian cancer was a huge shock. I don't like the feeling of not being in control, in nursing i always felt on top of my job, what action to take when problems came up etc. I feel i have no control especially as the oncologist advised it is a cancer that will come back. Like everyone i just try my best, have good days and bad days.I miss the structure of getting up and going to work,wonder if i'll ever get back. Just finished 6 chemos and continuing with one drug for another 12. Lost all my hair,initially felt very self concious and much less confident however i've got better.I couldn't get used to my wig and decided to stick with scarves. But everyone is different, have to do what is comforable for you and makes you feel the best you can. I sincerely hope all goes well with your chemo and that it has a very positive outcome for you.
