Hello

3 replies
66 subscribers
186 views

I am new here!

The other day i got the news i wish i never heard…

I have been diagnosed with incurable stage 4 colon cancer which has spread to my lymph nodes and a possible spread to my lungs. I am 73 years old already plodding along with COPD. I have been told that unfortunately neither surgery, chemo or radiotherapy will help and i am at risk if undergoing any treatment. life if unfair️, I don’t know if anyone is going through the same thing. I struggle to comprehend that there is no treatment for me and that i am slowly going. I was given 12 months… i can only now sit back and take in all the pain and prepare my goodbyes. Anyone have any ideas or have been in a similar situation? On a positive note thank you Macmillan for this group and i have had lovely responses in other forums on this site.

Gilpat 7 days ago

Hi Lam63 and welcome to our lovely supportive group. I am sorry you have had an incurable diagnosis but there are things you can do even if there are no treatment options left. Have you got a care team in place who can ensure good pain management and arrange further support like hospice when necessary? You could pop into a local Maggies and see what they have to offer. Do you have family or are you alone? You could always call Macmillan and ask them what support they would recommend. So no just sitting and waiting around for you, there is still lots to do and enjoy!

Patrick xx

tvman 7 days ago

Hi @Lam63aff5, so sorry to hear about your stage 4 colon cancer, as you say life is unfair. Everyone here has an incurable cancer, mine is a blood cancer called myelodysplasia or MDS for short. In a way I'm fortunate that there is treatment for me that I have been getting since March 2015, twice a week initially and then 3 times a week, every week.

Patrick has given you some great advice about contacting MacMillan and speaking to your care team, if you have one. Try not to sit around moping although that is understandable after such a shock. There is a lot to do and enjoy still. There may be a trial or trials to get on so ask your oncologist if he or she can get you on to so don't delay and ask.

You will find lots of support and empathy in this wonderfully friendly group, something you have already sampled elsewhere.

Looking forward to speaking with you and finding out how you're getting on.

Tvman x

Love life and family.

Stella2020 7 days ago

I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis. It is a lot to take in and be kind to yourself. Take your time to digest all this.

Firstly you could seek a 2nd opinion from a major cancer centre such as Christie or Royal Marsden. Prepare to pay privately for a quick response. The cost varies depends on whether they are doing any tests or just a consultation (£350 onwards).

Make sure you are referred to the local hospice team. they are very good at managing pains and make your quality of life much better. They also run program to help with writing wills etc

Take it easy and be gentle to yourself.

Stella x