Hi
thanks for letting me join. I am a 57 year old woman and was diagnosed with bowel cancer on 5th January after reporting symptoms to my doctor in November. I had a colonoscopy in December and knew from that that I had a tumour. I had laparoscopic anterior bowel resection on 24th January. Thankfully I did not have to have a bag. I’m now recovering at home. What I’m struggling with is the absolute exhaustion. I’m normally an active person so not being able to do anything is hard for me. My husband and family have been fantastic but I’m feeling such a burden. Can anyone tell me when I will start feeling a bit more normal. Thank you.
Hi Treacle and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses and about your journey so far.
The cancer journey can be 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 actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms) I do see that you have already joined our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer support group. This group is a safe place 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 (Bold) Group Text Link I have created above then once the group page opens 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.
