Husband just diagnosed with bowel cancer. Stage 3, as it has spread to a lymph node. Came as a shock as we guess these things always do. Long and short of it is that chemo is commencing on 1 May. Three months of therapy suggested, with includes CAPOX and 5FU. Three week cycles, four times. My husband is a resilient and pragmatic and unflappable sort of character who doesn't think about 'should bes' but 'what is.' A realist, he knows the therapy isn't going to be a joy and yet has that quality of 'what needs to be done will be done.' All that is a calming influence through these choppy waters. It nonetheless helps, for me, to feel connected to a community like this, too, when I feel I am a bit feeling vulnerable and to feel the contact of support to a wider community in these times. Thank you.
Hi Anna 2025 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type or support challenges will help you a lot……. I have a completely different type of cancer and treatment journey.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
As you already see the Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you post in our…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. support groups.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your husband and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
……. support group where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above …… 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.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
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 ((hugs))
Hi Footballmum23 and a warm welcome to you.
Do please follow the links I put up on my reply to Anna 2025 where you will find links to our support Bowel Cancer support group and places to get support and guidance.
