Hi all,
I’m new to the forums. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year. It follows a very rough few months after the loss of my step-daughter who lost the final battle with her mental health in July 2023.
The diagnosis was off the back of a random fit test as I had no symptoms at all. Since diagnosis in February I had the surgery and am now on chemo.
I am lucky as there is no cancer left and this is belt and braces but I have a blood issue which means I’m on half dose for twice as long (six months of two weeks on and one week off).
I normally like to exercise a lot to keep myself feeling good but at the moment I’m not allowed to do more than a gentle walk once a day. I’m extremely down in the dumps. I feel like the last year has just whacked and whacked me with a large stick.
I’m hoping for ideas for lifting my mood while I manage the next few months.
thank you in advance for any ideas!
Cerys
Hi CerysM and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and to hear about your step-daughter.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer and I have been on my journey with my incurable cancer for over 25 years…… navigating the cancer journey is indeed a rollercoaster)
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Bowel Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. 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 3 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 and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
