Hello everyone, I'm a 45 year old lady who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in Sept 2018, to my absolute shock and horror- I thought it was IBS.
I had a right hemicolectomy in Nov 2018 and then oxalaplatin/capcetibine in Spring 2019 and thought ' that's me sorted then'. But no, the cancer had hidden in my ovary and in July 2019 I had an emergency oophrectomy (i love that word!) as my right ovary was the size of a small football.
So recovered from that, rebuilt my life again and in march 2020 my left ovary started showing the same behavior and in July 2020 I had another oophrectomy to have it out- this time the size of a galia melon (to be precise).
Then because of a suspicious nodule on my pelvic muscle which was biopsied, I had all the kinds of scans in autumn 2020 and then was told on Hogmanay that there is a tumour near my right ureter and several other lesions on the right side of my abdomen and my onc man doesn't think he can get rid of the cancer and it is not operable on. He described it as locally advanced bowel cancer.
However, he did say that I am able to have cetuximab and irinotecan and 5 FU which I've been having for about 3 months and they have stablised my disease for now. He has also mentioned that there are further treatments if this one stops working (which I'm very frightened of). So I understand that I'm in not the worst situation as I at least have some options.
However (again), I am very anxious and frightened by what is happening to me. I have a lovely wee life, my partner who I love dearly(even though he occasionally p's me off) and our 10 year old daughter who is the light of my life. I'm struggling mentally to get my head around everything and how my life is changing and of course the main deal being that i don't want to die.
I'm on anti-depressants and have a lovely Maggie's counsellor and phenomenal family and friends so I am supported. i just want this f'ing disease to f' off.
So that's my cancer story.
Here's some fun facts about me that are bugger all to do with cancer- I love dancing, retro style fashion and interiors (mostly 60's), i like to have a giggle (seem to have lost that ability at the mo!), I love swimming in the sea, I would love to have Rupaul as a pal and i really dislike marzipan.
I send my love and compassion out to all my fellow cancer people, keep the faith. X
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis can be challenging in so many ways but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey will help you navigate this difficult time.
The Community is organised into cancer specific support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group as this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer treatment journey.
To go to the group just click on the link above then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
((hugs))
