Newbie

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Hi all,

Just a quick message to introduce myself.

First symptom August 2022
Multiple tests and scans
Bowel Cancer confirmed October 2022
Ileostomy performed same month
Biopsy indicated spread to lymph nodes in December 2022
Further scans indicated aggressive cancer and spread to liver
Informed that the cancer in the liver is inoperable and that this is life limiting
Cancer may be returning to the remaining bowel already
Prognosis is for months maybe a few years
Now on chemotherapy to try to limit growth and maybe see reduction perhaps prevent further spread
I have a PICC line fitted

So that is my cancer story.

My biggest concerns are all the lost dreams and plans I had with my wife. I am 51 and we’ve lost so much future time together. I worry greatly about her future.

Intellectually this is all easy to understand. Emotionally I just cannot take it in properly. I feel mostly fine at the moment.

The chemotherapy is limiting a lot of our previous interactions and hobbies. Particularly any plans for visiting historic sites or meeting in groups, like Church.

Outside of the Big C; I like reading, playing both board games and computer games, TV and boxsets, films. I also like my tech and gadgets.

So that is me. I wish everyone here well and we will see how much I end up interacting as time goes by I guess.

Thehighlander over 3 years ago

Hi Harlekwin and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.

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.

I have lived with an incurable blood cancer for over 23 years now but I am still here living as a good a life as I can and refuse to allow my cancer define me.

I see you have joined a number of our support groups. These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

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.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

MaryChar2046 over 3 years ago

Dear Harlekwin,

I am so sorry to hear you news. At the time of writing this my friend is having her chemotherapy treatment in hospital and I keep thinking about her, and hoping she is coping with it. I also went through it and I know it does limit some of the things you used to be able to do. It was nice to read the other comment from The Highlander, who has had incurable blood cancer for 23 years, so do not give up, try and stay positive. It sounds like you have a loving wife, and I am sure you have a loving family and friends. I know when I was extremely ill I do not know what I would have done without them, I was overwhelmed by the support and love they gave me.

I see that your activities include Church. My Church family supported me so much, do hope that you can perhaps feel up to going to a service. I have a little booklet called "Facing Illness with Hope, by Rev. Tom Wesemann..I bought several copies and sent to friends that are ill, it is a lovely little booklet and you can buy it online, it certainly helped me and it brings Hope when you feel there is none.

Thoughts are with you at this time.

Kind Regards Mary.

Harlekwin over 3 years ago in reply to MaryChar2046

Thank you, MaryChar2046 ,

…and also to Thehighlander .

I am still trying to just get to the next set of scans in March/April to get a better idea of prognosis.

Still, catching up on the boxsets I have ignored over the years or been given recently.

Thehighlander over 3 years ago in reply to Harlekwin

I see that you have also joined our little community in the Religion, spirituality and prayer group - there is a small but supportive group the support each other.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story