Day 3

Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community

Going through tests and waiting for results is very hard but you've joined the right community for support.

As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join and post in the bowel (colon and rectal) cancer group which will give you the chance to talk to others who are waiting to have tests or to get their results.

To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'. 

If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help

x

Thank you, I ll take look, still navigating my way around the site. 

Hi Wildweather,

My name is Jo

I can't begin to imagine what you are going through but I'm here if you need to chat.  I'm 51 and live alone and that alone is hard sometimes, let alone having to face a possible diagnosis of cancer whilst being on your own.  Do you not have a close friend or family member who can support you at this difficult time?  Anyhow I'm glad you have reached out to this support network as it has helped me many times when I have been struggling. Take care xx

Hi Jo, really good to hear from you. Yes I have some good friends and they have been supportive but it's Christmas and they have their families and celebrations and I don't feel I can keep imposing all the time, and drag the mood down. My dad isn't well, and I know he is struggling with this, so when he asks I say I'm just the same. My brother has been good. Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers I think. I've never been a good patient, but then again I've never really been ill, so this is really hard. 

Thank you yes I'd like to chat. Hope you're ok and not struggling at the moment xxx

Hi Wildweather,  How are you?  Yes, I can understand that sometimes talking to strangers is easier than it is talking to friends and family.  Have you thought about professional counselling?  There are so many different types of talking therapies and support available.  I would also suggest that close friends and family really do have your best interests at heart and at times being honest about feeling low in mood is a step in the right direction to feeling less alone.  And I guess we all assume that Christmas is a happy time of year and yet so many people would say otherwise!  I know the weather has been a bit rubbish recently but I would urge you to still get out for a walk for some fresh air and exercise.  It may help you sleep a little better and sometimes when I go out for a walk on my own I end up stopping for a chat with a neighbour or someone I've not seen for ages!  I can understand you not wanting to read too much regarding the tests etc and information leaflets that you have been given.  However sometimes having that information can help us feel a little bit more in control of our situation and help guide us take just one step at a time.  Take care   Jo xx

Hi Jo, hope you're well. Been having tests here, waiting for results. You're right, a walk does help, I ventured out yesterday and today, didn't sleep better at night but did manage a nap afterwards, so thank you. I spoke to a another friend,  he works in a posh clinic in London and is going to see what he can do to help with some more support. I hope you had an OK Christmas and New year, do you have family close to where you live? Take care x

Hi Wildweather, I'm well thanks and had a good Xmas and New Year.  I do have family around which I'm grateful for and my son has been home from Uni over Xmas which has been lovely. My daughter went to Uni in September but dropped out as she was homesick and not enjoying the course.  She's living with her boyfriend now so although I see her it's not quite the same and I do miss her.  How are things with you?  Did your friend manage to help with some more support from the clinic he works at?  Take care xx

Ho jo, not had the best week, my dad collapsed on Sunday and was in hospital for 5 days. They don't know what it is just what it isn't, which is frustrating. That hit me in that I don't really have him any more for support, not like I used to, and that made me feel more alone. I hide what I feel from him and say just the same when he asks how I am. But now every twinge I have I panic, and think if it is the worst then its I more places. I'm told that it's normal to think like that. Last test on Monday and results at the end of the week i hope.

Glad you had good Christmas and New year, it must be good having your children around. When does your son go back? Hopefully you will have him for a little while longer. Take care xxx

Hi there, I am 50 and a nurse and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer 2 days ago.it doesn’t mean I am feeling any different to everyone else here. I used to work in colorectal so know more than most but I am still feeling very similar feelings to you. We are all here for each other and there is LOTS of support for us all including this site ….. you are never alone….. 

I'm so sorry to hear that your dad is unwell at the moment.  And I can understand how you feel about not having him for support in the way that you used to.  When I was caring for my mum before she died I can remember feeling that I wished she was still able to be my rock and give me the sort of reasuring hug like mum's do.  It was around that time that I found myself joining this community online and found the support and information valuable.  My son has gone back to Uni now and it never gets any easier saying goodbye to him! 

Thinking about you having your last test and hope you are not having to wait too long for your results.  I do hope you are reaching out to your close friends and family at this time and they are able to support you.  Try to keep yourself busy and distracted  so that you are not dwelling on things too much.  A friend of mine is in hospital currently undergoing tests and investigations.  I've taken her in some puzzle books and crossword books etc to try and help her pass the time and keep busy mentally.  Take good care xxx