Hello Everyone, just introducing myself. Diagnosed with caecum colon cancer in May, had right hemi colectomy in June and see oncologist next week to hear about plans for chemotherapy. Tumour was graded as invasive but with no travel to lymph nodes though there was evidence of vascular transmission, hence the chemo otherwise surgery might have been sufficient. Very happy to share my experiences to date with this cancer (and others referenced below) if helpful to anyone at all. I've found lots of very informative posts here that have helped me with the post operative period re pain and diet. These have been very reassuring on what I'm experiencing as being pretty much as expected and with some very helpful suggestions.
I also have (unrelated) bladder cancer which was in remission until 2022 when another tumour appeared, luckily low grade. I also had pancreatic tumour found in 2012 which led to major operate to remove part of pancreas, spleen and gall bladder (found purely due to scans prompted by bladder cancer as had no symptoms) and was unbelievably lucky to have it found in pre-malignant stage.
My only chemotherapy experience to date has been for bladder cancer where its injected into your bladder post tumour removal. I think is a wide world away from what is about to happen with the treatment for colon cancer so will admit to being nervous and very apprehensive at prospect. I will definitely be leaning on the community for help once I know what is planned for me and what type and duration of chemotherapy is planned.
Hi Capt Pugwash and welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your diagnoses and to hear about your journey.
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 Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) abd I do see that you have already joined 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 connect with a group click on this link Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer then once the group page opens and you are ready you can introduce yourself 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.
