New diagnosis

Hi Governor

Just checking in to see how you wife’s treatment is progressing? Hope you’re both managing ok!

I’m slowly getting my energy back since the ileostomy… tbh I thought I’d bounce back quicker but the stoma nurse has reassured me this is normal fatigue!

Had my first oncology appt last week- they’ve decided on 5 days radiotherapy - I’ve got all the scans next week then it should start soon after. Then a little rest before 3mths chemo on a 2 weekly cycle. I’ve got to have IV chemo because of the stoma. 

Then I’ll get passed back to the surgical team to remove the cancer and hopefully a stoma reversal. 

I’m always surprised to read via here of all the different treatment pathways for bowel cancer  but I suppose it’s all catered towards the individual. 

AlbaH

Stalled at the moment, there seems to be some issue getting the DPYD results back which is stopped us starting the OxCap, hopefully getting an update tomorrow by the wait is painful while we're in limbo

Agree, the wait between appointments or results can seem tough…hope you get the go ahead soon… like you and your wife, I just want to get on with the rest of my treatment plan now! 

AlbaH

Do you know when yours is starting? And yeah, it is strange how the approaches are different,  are you not having tablets for your chemo?

No set dates yet, will know more after the scans for radiotherapy next week. I was hoping for the chemo tablet but they’ve said IV because of the stoma… have to accept their decisions as the experts! 

AlbaH

Pleased that your treatment is progressing well and you sound slightly less worried now. You are right about different treatment pathways. I had the 5 days of radiotherapy first, then after a 3 month gap, the op to remove the cancer, at the same time as having the stoma installed. They told me, if everything went well, that I would have the stoma reversal after about six months. Due to the pandemic, I went 10 months before the reversal. After they removed the cancer, I was given the option of whether to have chemo. They explained the probable benefits, against the probable side effects. I chose not to have it. 

Hi

I have also recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I was admitted to hospital just over a month ago with appendicitis but on CT they found a large tumour (10 by 8 cm). I underwent an  emergency key hole hemicolectomy  on the 13/11/23. The specialist nurse confirmed on 5/12/23 that I had 3rd stage cancer. I’m currently awaiting an appointment with the oncologist to discuss chemotherapy but they also think mine will be IV.

I hope you are recovering well from surgery 

Rachael

Hi Rac, sorry to hear your story. It was lucky that they found it when they did. My tumour was about the same size as yours, but they managed to shrink it down with radiotherapy, before removing it. Best of luck with your treatment.

Hi Rachael,

That sounds like a huge shock for you, hope you’ve got a good support network and you’re recovering well from the op. I spoke to my GP the other day when I was getting my sick note and she described it as being ‘ambushed’ with info, treatments and emotions. 

I’m new to the group, diagnosed with bowel cancer on 9 Nov & ileostomy on 23rd. Now waiting for radio, then chemo and finally op & stoma reversal. Lots of people on here will give reassuring advice & support, just reach out when you need it. 

AlbaH

Thank you. I had to have my appendix removed as the tumour was restricting the blood supply and causing anaemia (hb 76 ferritin 5). The consultant said they could try and shrink it but I had to go for emergency surgery anyway so it was decided it would be best to remove it at the same time. 
They found a second lesion on CT in my breast, I had scans and tests on Tuesday but they think it’s just breast tissue. They were taking the images to the MDT meeting yesterday to check everyone agreed there is no need to biopsy.