Hi
My first time here after a turbulent few months. Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer just after my 60th birthday in April and now six weeks post colon resection surgery. Unfortunately I’ve had a slow recovery and at my first oncology appointment two weeks ago I was told that I wasn’t sufficiently recovered to begin chemotherapy, Am having repeat CT scan tomorrow and meeting with consultant on Wednesday. I was contacted by chemo admin last week to book bloods, in order to start chemo this week but to be honest I don’t feel prepared. I worked really hard prior to surgery to make sure that I was as fit as I possibly could be and it paid off (slow recovery was due to infection and early discharge without follow up) Now I feel that I’d like just a couple more weeks to get a little of my fitness back prior to chemo. Would love to know if others have felt the same or if maybe I’m dragging my feet!
Hi Elfie and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our dedicated 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.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use 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.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
It’s a pleasure to be able to help out.
Hi Rn1 and welcome to the Macmillan Community but ever so sorry to hear about your cancer returning…… I know this feeling well as I have relapsed multiple times over my 24 years journey with my type of cancer.
You may want to join and post in our dedicated Bladder cancer and Lymph nodes, secondary cancer support groups as you will connect with others who are navigating the same journey.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
