Hi, i found out I had bowel cancer in September , had an operation in October and had the tumour and nodes removed . I now have a stoma for life and I thought I was getting on well with all of this and my recovery was really good . I started chemo on the 12th of December and again first couple of days after the infusion were a little rough but now over a week later I feel ok with just minor side effects . However mentally I have hit a brick wall and although I have a great family and close friends im struggling to find a purpose to get up each day . I can’t work as it involves travelling every week and can’t really do my job from home. I called this post unsure and that is because I really don’t know what’s wrong with me and why I’ve after 3 months started to feel like this .
Hi Dowlas and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses and ongoing challenges.
A cancer journey is such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer and Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support support groups. These are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) Group Links I have created above. 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.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
