1yr On.

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I was diagnosed last August 2022 with a T3N2M0 tumour. Unbelievably, I had no symptoms so like a lot of people on here it was a massive shock. I elected to have robotic surgery to remove the tumour and found the whole experience amazing and my recovery was just incredible. My histology changed my numbers to T3N0M0. Having discussed next steps with my MDT it was decided to skip chemo and go into the five year surveillance programme.

I had my annual scans and bloods last week and am waiting on my results. I’m reasonably hopeful they will be positive as they were in March on my first surveillance run. I had my follow up colonoscopy last week and was informed that their is no reoccurrence of my cancer.

All our cancer journeys are very personal but I just wanted to share my reasonably upbeat message after year 1. I was a very fit 61yr old man before this happened and I have almost regained my well-being. I’ve given up red meat, processed foods and take-always.

Im grateful for the amazing care I have received over the past 12 months. For those just getting bad news please be aware that bowel cancer is very treatable.

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

Hi Samcon and it’s lovely to hear from you with such great news. Thankyou so much for your update - many people move away from the board once their treatment finishes so it’s always helpful and inspiring to read posts like this.

Hope your results come back quickly

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Artsie over 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing positive news. It’s lovely to hear that you’re doing really well

Good luck with your results

Best Wishes

Ann
‍

Mel M over 1 year ago

Hi Samcon. I am at the same stage as you, diagnosed on 5 July 22 also with no main symptoms. Surgery late July 22, final staging T3N1MO so 3 months of CAPOX ending Dec 22, then discharged to the nurses for 5 year surveillance. Clear CT scan Jan 23, clear colonoscopy June 23, with clear bloods as well. I have been remarkably well post surgery, managed to maintain daily routines through chemo and in hindsight, the thought of cancer , subsequent sut=rgery and chemo was worse than the actual treatment. I was 60 when diagnosed and am also reasonably fit and healthy, well except for this bowel cancer episode. I have also had a really positive experience, using our wonderful NHS and hopefully I will remain well. There are so many new treatments becoming available for cancer which give us all such hope that one day, hopefully soon, all types of cancer will not only be treatable but will be curable . Take care everyone and remember you are never on this journey on your own, we are all here, bit like the Musketeers, all for one and one for all xx

T_21 over 1 year ago in reply to Mel M

Very similar story to you dudes above. T3N1cM0 removed with open surgery along with part of a dodgy looking bladder (which was clear on pathology). Worst part of recovery was a catheter to allow the bladder to heal, a scar that opened up a but (gruesome).

Then 3 months CAPOX (grim in places)

Back to work 1 month after CAPOX.

2 and half years on, scans and colonoscopy clear, bloods good and I've taken early retirement.

Very small incisional hernia. A modest list of foods that I can no longer eat.

Keep on keeping on!

Samcon over 1 year ago in reply to Kareno62

My results on my scan and bloods were clear. My next surveillance is in March 2024 and my colonoscopy will be in 2026. I also want to mention that I gave up eating red meat, processed foods and takeaways. It was my personal decision. Best wishes to everyone on their journey and stay strong.

Arsey over 1 year ago

Hi Samcon.

Diagnosed May this year with similar and no symptoms until sudden blood in poo and colonoscopy found a tumour that has probably been there for a couple of years. I've always been veggie, eat so many home grown veg and now find that might be an issue going forwards I might have to start eating meat! So glad you are doing well. I wonder if my hospital offer robotic surgery, I've yet to find out, doing/done chemo radiotherapy and about to start 18 weeks of chemo before any surgery. Keeping positive :) Hoping that Rasputin will shrink. Agree with Karen - good to hear the positives on here :)