I am taking my mum to get her results tomorrow afternoon. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer 3 weeks ago and had the last tests last week. Part of me just wants to know exactly what we have to deal with but on the other hand I am really worried. Mum is a bit of a worrier anyway and she is beside herself - she thinks they are going to say there is nothing that can be done at all. I have read loads about it - but am not sure if it has helped. She is 62 and has always been healthy. Her mum died from bowel cancer 6 years ago which makes her worry more.
FormerMember
It all depends on type and how advanced it is. If it's early enough treatment is straightforward although a bit unpleasant. If you read the early Demise of Roland Ratso Blogs it does try to convey what happens. Success rates are brilliant compared to years ago.
Who ordered the tests? Was it an oncologist (cancer specialist) or a surgeon? In any case, you can wait until you see the specialist then you will know what the state of play is, how bad it is, and what they are going to do about it.
I had bowel cancer in the Right hand side, and I had a hemicolectomy, which means half the bowel was removed. The side with the appendix, so I won't have to have that done again. It was done by keyhole surgery and I made a very good recovery. I had chemotherapy by choice, and I am in remission. So it isn't neccessarily bad news. I had it for nearly a year before I was diagnosed, because I didn't take it seriously when my blood count was too low to donate blood. Then I got a job and didn't want to give it up, but I was kidding myself. Anyway, nil desperandum.
Get her to worry on purpose for 5 minutes at a time every day in broad daylight. Then she'll find she has to be selective about what she is worried about, and the worry will leave her alone at night.
Starting awake in the dark with a feeling of dread is not a good way to go on. I bet she is more worried about leaving you to take care of things, than her own concerns.
Wait until you know the details, and come back to tell us all.
