My partner has bowel cancer

Hi Marrigold 

Welcome to our community, I hope you find it both informative and supportive.

Well done to your husband for having the stool sample test - sounds like the cancer has been caught really early and that is really good news.

My expereince of cancer is via my wife who has Leiomyosarcoma so a very differnt type of cancer. When they were looking for her cancer however they looked just about everywhere.

In the early days if I wanted to cry I tended to do it in the shower - then I could blame the shampoo for any red eyes. Something I found quite helpful was Your feelings when someone has cancer as being able to recognize the emotions and accept them as normal can help to take away some of their power. 

On the what to take in I wonder if there is anything helpful in this blog. 

<<hugs>>

Steve

Hello Marrigold

I fully empathise but try not to worry too much.

I was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer in early November. It hadn't spread to lymph nodes or metastisised to liver. I went in to Ashford hospital on 10th December and had a right hemicolectomy  and appendix were also removed along with 33 lymph nodes. I had a keyhole surgery and a resection of two ends.

I was up and walking the day after my op. It all went incredibly well.

I am a young 79 year old and was in hospital 5 days.

I took my own pillow, my mobile, slippers, dressing gown, 2 prs of soft pyjamas with big waste bands, washing gear and my medication. Also photos of loved ones.

On the 6th day I went to a care home for convalescence for 20 days which included Christmas. 

A few days ago I had a very encouraging message from the cancer care team. I am cancer free and will not require chemo or radiotherapy. 

They think it is unlikely to return, but of course I am vigilent. My incisions, 4 ports and a small main incision have healed completely. I am still a bit sore within, now back home and more active. I started dog walking again after a 5 week break. I have emplyed some cleaning help as I'm a carer for my disable husband.

You appear to be in a similar situation and I assume you are younger than me. I am sure your partner will be OK. I am healing well, so very best of luck with your partner's operation 

I

Thank you so much for responding to my post. That's great news that you are cancer free, it's lovely to hear some good news. 

Yes I'm 42 and my partner 64,hes not very good with medical things(needs to lie down when having a blood testtest) I'm stressing about what he's going to eat in hospital as he's a very picky eater and already saying he won't be eating anything in hospital. 

As I say he doesn't really have any hobbies so it's probably going to make him stir crazy just being off work. 

Hello again Marrigold

If all hospitals take a similar stance, he will only be allowed a clear liquid diet.

The first day I after my afternoon operation on 10th December, I was given nothing but water until clear soup that evening. The following days I had yoghurt, jelly, fruit juices, and thicker soups by the third day. I was incredibly hungry.

I didn't expect to feel hungry at all. I felt sick at times during the first two days and was given anti emetics injections.

In the discharge wating area on 15th December I was allowed sandwiches and biscuits. It tasted absolutely wonderful.

In the carehome, I was given small portions at first, but by the third day there, I insisted on normal portions. I ate for England after that. This is normal as body requires more calories to heal itself. I had to go into a carehome because I wasn't fit enough to care for my disabled husband. So we were both there together.

I would assume if all goes smoothly, which I hope it will, he will only be in hospital about 5 days .There is loads on line about colectomy surgery and what to expect.

I assume you have done your research, I did. I knew what was coming, but was still so relieved to come round from the op and discover that I hadn't got a stoma! That was my biggest dread.

I fully understand his fear and worry, but it wasn't such a big deal as I expected, and I hope it will all go really well for him.

Best wishes, Sal