Husbands Bowel Cancer

Hi PattyK and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis.

A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.

The New to Community area I s like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support groups.

These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.

If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."

You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.

You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].

When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Family and friends and Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends

The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.

Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area.

Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.

Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.

Wishing you all the very best

Hi Pattyk

Im from the other group here but picked up your post. I have an ileostomy and need to have a high fluid intake , sugar and salt. I know that’s the opposite of heathy however an Ileostomy needs those as my bowel is asleep and my output is high and often. 
If your husband has the same diet may help. Also isotonic drinks are really great to give a boost. 

Thank you Artsie Ann. 

My husband as well as his cancer diagnosis also has type 2 Diabetes so he really has to be careful of his sugar intake. He takes Metformin tablets for that as well a Simvistatin for cholesterol. He has been doing so well in his recovery and then got hit with this letter today to say the chemical in potential bowel cancers has risen and this has set him back slightly. they want to send him for a scan which was scheduled for the end of the year. What I am looking at is they have found something that could cause a recurrence of cancer but of course he is looking at it as his cancer has returned which we hope has not. 

Hi. 
Yes he does have to be careful with his diet and also I didn’t ask if he has an Ileostomy or colostomy they’re different.

Its so frightening this horrible disease and it’s understandable that your husband feels it’s back. But he’s got the doctors to deal with it and there’s lots that can be done. Treatment for Bowel cancer is amazing now and hopefully his MDT will sort a treatment plan if it’s needed 

Hi Everyone!

I was on a couple a days ago posting about my husbands bowel cancer operation and he thinks it may have returned. I have spoken to the colectoral nurse specialist who works alongside the surgeon who performed my husbands op and she was able to explain what's going on slightly. It's to do with the cancer markers and a chemical that's in them (I think thats what she meant) has risen `slightly` and they can't ignore this and need to investigate it. She said it may not possibly have anything to do with the cancer but can't actually say and it may be related to something completely different. She said the only way they can tell is by a CT scan which will be getting arranged for James in the near future. She says this can happen a lot and sometimes they just don't know why and this is why they need to keep on top of it. She understands our concerns because of  the journey we have been through and coming out the other end. So in a way its good that they are acknowledging it.  So we will await the outcome of the CT when its done and hopefully everything will be Ok. For now we will just have to try to remain upbeat. Will keep you all updated

PattyK (Vicky)

Hi Vicky PattyK…. sorry to hear this.

I have a completely different cancer so you would be better joining and posting in our dedicated Bowel (colon and rectum) as this would be a good place to talk with others who are walking this journey ((hugs))