Hi, I decided to join this group as I think it will be better for me than going down the Google rabbit hole!
My journey started out as suspected ovarian cancer, but after surgery on 8/04/26 for total hysterectomy and ovary removal, I was shocked to learn that the histology indicated the tumours had started in my colon and spread to the ovaries. Fortunately, I had the most brilliant surgeon and the operation, including bowel re-section, left me with no visible cancer, described as 'residual nil'
I am currently having 12 cycles of Folfox as a 'belt and braces' process and have had 6 of these so far. I'm tolerating them quite well, with neuropathy in my fingers and fatigue being the worst aspect. I feel very fortunate, as I know some people suffer so much more.
I find the mental side of things more difficult and hope I will have a positive outcome.
On a different note, I've been trying to get travel insurance for a short trip to northern France on one of my non-chemo weeks. It's proving quite difficult and I wondered if anyone had any recommendations please?
Thank you for reading my rather long post. I'm very happy to find this supportive group.
MilleB xx
Hi MillieB and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years (first diagnosed in 1999 at 43) with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) then Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
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…….
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 in with the group please click on the link above……. then 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.
As for Travel Insurance I see you have joined our Travel insurance group so click on the link and have a look at the first ongoing discussion thread called Members recommended travel insurance as it's where the majority of recommendations from other group members can be found…… go to the bottom of that thread and hit the double right arrows and this brings you to the latest posts.
As always 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 and 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 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.
Hi Mike Thehighlander
Thank you so much for your very supportive and helpful reply
I'm so sorry to hear about the tough hand you've been dealt over the years, but it's heartening to hear that you're dealing with it all with such a positive mindset. Not very easy to do all the time, I know, but I can see you have found comfort and support from these forums, so I hope I will too!
Thanks again for all the very helpful suggestions re discussion groups to join and I send my very best wishes to you in dealng with your current prostate cancer.
MillieB
Hi MillieB thanks for the supportive reply.
As a family we have always had a positive outlook….. in 1999 when my first Lymphoma was diagnosed the them median survival was 3-5 years….. but the fact that I had passed that milestone by 21 years is a testament to the developments in treatments.
Our daughters were 14 and 18 back in 1999 ……. but we went on to see our daughters graduate, get married, set up very successful businesses and provide us with 4 beautiful granddaughters….. I turned 70 back in Nov last year and I am coming up to 10 years 9 months since my last treatment and living a great life…… prostate cancer is just another bump in the road.
All the very best.
