Good Evening
my mum has just been diagnosed with Bowel cancer.
She did one the tests you get in post and it came back she needed a colonoscopy. This confirmed a 3cm mass which is cancerous. She has had a ct scan nearly two weeks ago and we won’t know the results until an appointment with the consultant on Tuesday . They have booked her in for surgery on the 19th June . It is all such a shock as she has had no symptoms and I am really worried. My mum is my everything and I just feel so anxious. She doesn’t want to talk about and carry on as normal which i guess is good in a way but I simply am just so worried as it is all happening so fast. The not knowing is the worst and all the waiting xx
Hi Lucy2020 and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable), Asbestosis and Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
The Community has dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you look to join and post in our dedicated…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. support group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your mum and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our general cancer……
Carers only (if you are her caregiver)
……. support areas where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Links” I have created above …… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
As always the Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
((hugs))
