41 Terrified - Diagnosis today

Hi Ebbsandflows

Im sorry you’ve had this shock. It’s a lot to process and the early stage I felt was the hardest. My mind went into overdrive a bit like you now.

This is a good place to share your worries with people that know how you’re feeling. 
If you click on my name and others you can read our back story though in these early days just be kind to you. Baby steps 

I was close to blocking so was in pretty smart ish. 

Once you have your CT scan and any other tests they want you will have a medical team that will meet and discuss your treatment plan. Then you with have a consultation with your specialist and then the treatment will be explained

Bowel cancer is very treatable and is individual. So at this stage try not to worry about what they’re going to do let them sort that out. 

sending you a hug 

Hi Ebbsandflows,

This will be the hardest time, the waiting to know what you are dealing with is dreadful, but once you have some answers and a treatment plan to get on with it will be easier. I got diagnosed in 2019, aged 42 and I was also fit and healthy, just having ran a half marathon, so it was a shock! It is a long journey with lots of ups and downs but you'll find a very supportive community here where you can ask any questions you may have.

Take care x

Cecile

I feel for you. I went though same thing in June...went for a colonoscopy, 5cm tumor found, CT scan and wait about 2 weeks for result. Aside from the shock I was obsessed with thoughts of dying and what if it has spread...i thought it must have spread as all i read on line indicated it was a big tumor...long story short mine had not spread, had to face a 5 hour operation but recovery and everything else has gone so smoothly. It is a rollercoaster and you just have to get through this first 2 weeks, that was by far the worst time, once you know what you are facing you will find the strength. The not knowing is really hard, but as my nurse said even though it feels like nothing is happening right now behind the scenes your case will be being discussed by a team of specialists and they will be gathering all they can to give you the best treatment possible. Your job is to keep busy, stay off the internet as it can really cause more panic I found, think positive and think how slow these tumors grow.

Hello! Although not happening to me my mum also got diagnosed about 2 weeks ago now during a colonoscopy. I was present at the time and have been to all the appointments since. She was taken straight for a CT scan and we waiting a week for the results. I can honestly say the waiting is the worst part, like the advice I received here once you know what you are dealing with and have a treatment plan it is by no means easy but it does feel so much better knowing what is next. My mum has a T2N0M0 tumor so it's not spread however we are in the process of all the pre op appointments and she has surgery on the 11th January now. Everyone has been amazing and I am sure you will receive the best care also. Please let us know how you get on and this forum really does help on those worrying days.

Keep strong 

Hi Louise83

Your mums same as me  no spread  if you click on my name you can read my back story  I had my LAR August 21 so I’m a little further along 

Best wishes 

Hi Ebbsandflows.

This summer i also had the scary colonoscopy situation where tumour size blocked progress of camera, resulting in cancer announcement there and then.

The time you have now is super precious so if you can fill your time with as many things you love and enjoy, this will charge you up ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

I found the bowel cancer uk publication called "your pathway" really informative and helped me understand the process and terminology quickly. Here is the link in case you want to read it: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/our-publications/your-pathway/

Good luck and we're here for you if you want us.

Thank you all so much for your replies. These past few weeks have been a rollercoaster. I went i to surgery on 22/12 to have the left side of my colon removed. The op was a success and no need for a bag and after xmas in the hospital and a 7 day stay I’m now home and recovering. 

we’re confident it hasn’t spread but not had the full results yet. It feels like a lifetime ago when my world was turned upside down but somehow it’s amazing how we do and can adapt. 

big love x

Amazing. 
You have a good 2023 and rest to recover from your operation 

Im delighted for you 

Hugs coming your way x

Thank you so much. I still have my results to wait for on the tunour and lymphs that were removed but feel quietly optimistic. 

happy New Year to you x

Well done . Delighted to hear you are safely home .

Recover well and hope you heal quickly .

Court