Hi all
I'm new here after being diagnosed with peritoneal cancer 4 weeks ago. It's really early days for me and my family. We're trying hard not to resort to Google but damn, it's hard. I am featuring in the MDT at my hospital today and have an appointment with my consultant on Friday. I thought I was handling things quite well but this cancer doesn't make for easy reading anywhere and as finding out what the treatment is going to be and the results of the various tests draws closer, I'm realising that perhaps it's not the case. I don't know how advanced the cancer is, whether it's primary or secondary, whether there any other areas effected. The cancer was found by accident when I had a CT Colonoscopy after a failed Colonoscopy as I was thought to have diverticulitis. From what I've read, that is fortunate as the cancer often goes undetected due to the innocuous symptoms so I'm taking that as a bonus! But I have so many unanswered questions at the moment.
I'm sure there's people here who have experienced peritoneal cancer so I'd appreciate any advice. I am able to manage most of the pain which seems to be stabbing pain in various places around my abdomen but I am struggling with eating and have so far lost a stone in weight. My dad died of bowel and liver cancer in 1989 when he was just 55 so cancer is something that has always lurked in the back of my mind
Most of all, I'm scared and wondering why me. Pretty much the same as every cancer patient I guess. I'm 57, am fit and active and look after myself (apart from a very busted knee...). Me and my husband have been opening for our retirement for so long and am now wondering if I even have a future. This is horrible.
Anyway, I'm waffling so I'll stop now.
CH
Hi Cry Havoc and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
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 that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated Peritoneal 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 in with the group please click on the link below…….
……. and once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group 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.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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.
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.
