Diagnosed with Bowel cancer

I am so very sorry to read your post, Tillymack. In all the fog that surrounds your diagnosis, you will have loads of questions. It might help to write them down so you’re prepared for your next hospital visit. Having perhaps lost a sense of control, by looking at it square with your new spouse you will gradually become a participant in your treatment and not simply a passive patient.

The NHS has developed some well-worn and successful pathways for the treatment of bowel cancer to address a variety of manifestations of the disease. There may even be more than one option for you, but the gold standard is surgery. Whipping out the tumour if at all possible. 

None of us on this site would suggest the treatment is easy, but we’re here because we understand it’s a necessary step towards renewed health. Please try to take each day at a time. Record your concerns so you won’t dwell on them. And lean on this group through your journey. 

Hi Tillymack

I'm do sorry to hear of your diagnosis and can fully empathise with the shock and panic you are feeling. Do write down your questions and make sure you have someone with you when you have your appointment with the consultant - your spouse or a close friend or family member, so they can ask for you if you feel too overwhelmed.

It's easy to say don't worry, because news like this is devastating. My diagnosis came out of the blue, but I have had surgery and am now on the chemotherapy journey. I won't pretend it is easy but this is the road to restored health and I'm staying positive.

Sending you lots of love xxx

Hi Tillymack.

I was diagnosed this summer and since had bowel surgery (known as anterior resection) and am now on chemo.

I found the bowel cancer uk publication a great guide.

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/our-publications/

I'd suggest you start with the YOUR PATHWAY doc before your meeting and then progress to YOUR OPERATION only after your meeting if relevant.

If you want to learn more about others individual cases, click on their names and you should see our profile story under "about (name)".

All the very best and we're here to help whenever you want us.

One of the hardest times of your life and we have all been there and still have moments of fear and panic.  The best advice I was given was to take it one day at a time, and if that’s too much an hour at a time.  You cannot control what you don’t know and until that moment, do whatever you need to to get through the day.  I slept - for 2 weeks!  The best decision you made was reaching out.  When you find out the plan for you it makes things a lot easier as have something to hang on to.  Then, come on here and let us know what’s happening and we can all advise on it - as so many of us have had different experiences.  Click on our names to find out about our journeys and reach out to everyone for support.  Together we will be stronger.  Hang in there and keep positive. Xx

I to found out October 16th I will now need chemotherapy I had a blood test the same day after chat with my dr at the hospital, my partner  was with me,all I kept saying was when can I go back to work.

I have noticed with bowel cancer I do feel more tired then normal I was pretty much active working hard and now I'm off sick but its all a worry really,i was told it should take about 2 weeks for the bloods to match what type of chemotherapy I will have, and I am worrying.

so Tillymack it is hard knowing BC has interrupted my life and plans met my partner we've been together nearly 3 years so I feel for him in some ways luckily he's a very understanding person and will be going to a support group.

Tillymack its all mad hey

Sorry to read this. But great you are getting the opportunity to get chemotherapy directly after your surgery. My husband wasn't even considered for that after his surgery in January this year to remove his tumour not even as a precautionary measure to stop it coming back because they got it all and everything was clear and guess what? yes it came back roundabout May/June. He is now looking at getting a stent or nephostromy procedure for his kidneys. He has also now had a spread to his pelvis. He was going through chemotherapy cycles but had to stop because the 4th one made him quite ill and this is when they found out about his slightly reduced kidney function. I just feel if he got what they call adjuvant or `mop up` chemo to maybe stop it coming back we wouldn't be where we are now. Sorry if I sound really bitter but we've had such a rough time with all this.Take Care.

Vicky x

Hi Tillymack

To be in a state of shock is how we react to this frightening diagnosis.  I’m so sorry that you are going through this. It is unfair and cruel. 
I was in a state of flight or fight and could do neither! I found I just took one step at a time, watched easy Tv banned the news and ate and drank things I enjoyed and could manage I tried to stay as fit as I could and got through

If there’s anything we can help with as you have the treatment plan put it up and here and there will be someone that will have been through the same

Bowel cancer is very treatable and individual  your team will be planning their attack on it  

Take care  I’m sending you a hug x

Hi,

Im sorry to read about your situation. It seems so unfair and you’ve not been married long. As a positive your husband will be there to support you.  
This is a great place to chat and get support as well. 
 
I know this is a very difficult time for you and your head will be all over the place however, I do think once you have a treatment plan and get started you will feel better. 

The word cancer is scary I do understand but I truly believe that trying as much to keep to normal life as possible keeps your mind from dwelling on it all the time. 

My advice would be take one day at a time. 

Sending huge hugs to you. 

Hi Tillymack!

As the rest of the `gang` here are saying (and we are a gang) come on here as often as you need. Sorry if I was a bit bitter earlier with my post we just had the horrible task of telling our son his dad's cancer had spread. But I hold on to the comfort as a lot are saying here that the bowel cancer is known as one of the slower growing ones and is treatable. I live with the hope that they will throw everything they have at this for Jay (my husband). It's a dirty cruel disease who doesn't care who you are, what you are or where you come from if it wants you, it'll get you and we both have had our fare share of it through both our families and now it's on our doorstep. My best wishes to you both. 

Vicky x

Hi 

I’m not sure I’m in a gang 

I’m trying to support members with my experience of what it was like for me in the beginning . We are all different and have very different experiences. Mine is different to others however I do know how it feels at the beginning 

I’m sorry that you are having a bad time. I read your other post. You take care