New Diagnosis, Ascending Colon cancer

Hi SoniBee and a warm welcome to the bowel page. The waiting for results and meetings is very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better? 
If you type ‘right hemicolectomy’ in the search box at the top of the screen then it will bring up previous posts. I’m going to tag in a couple of people who’ve had the op recently to see if they can reassure you a bitAnother Sunrise and @Nicnak72

Ive also attached a link to a post about dealing with anxiety 

 Controlling anxiety and panic

Hope this helps and don’t forget the support desk is available on the number below if you want to chat to someone

Take care

Karen x

Thank you so much! I’m eternally grateful!! ️ 

 SoniBee You’re very welcome. Have a look at the list below too?

 RE: Hi - a newbie here! 

Hi Sonibee!

That’s exactly what I had. Picked up on a CT scan after a suspected appendicitis, anaemia put down to menopause. I was diagnosed and then operated on within a week. They took out half of my colon (hemicolectomy) including part of the ileum, caecum, ascending colon and part of my transverse colon as well as 42 lymph nodes. Then stitched and stapled my pipes back together, so I didn’t need a stoma. 
Recovery from the operation took about a week and then I was home. I never had any real pain from it, but the trapped wind in my new poo pipe was uncomfortable. I’m 62, with no other health issues. 
Then the scary 3 week wait for the results of what they pulled out. Physically, I felt much better than I thought I would and once my poo pipe was working normally it hasn’t given me any trouble at all (op was 13th September). 
The anxious waits I spent literally finding out as much as I could about the potential outcomes. That’s what works for me though, I feel much more in control and empowered when I know what’s going on, rather than it all coming as long, confusing words and a rising sense of panic! It also meant I could think about the future more realistically, from the best to the worst case scenarios.

As it was, it was a Stage 3 tumour, 2/42 lymph nodes and EMVI. This meant (to me) that it was a bit of a big bugger, it had started to escape from where it was and it had sneaked into my veins and lymphatic system, although no definite spread to anywhere else. Because I’d read up on this, I wasn’t shocked or upset (perhaps even a bit relieved?), and I knew what treatment would probably be suggested and it was: adjuvant chemotherapy, which is like a making sure/mopping up of anything that may be left behind or has any plans to become cancer.

I can’t deny that I’m finding this part a bit harder than the rest, physically and psychologically. The CAPOX combination of drugs doesn’t seem to be agreeing with me as I’ve said elsewhere. However, I absolutely cannot fault every member of the oncology team as they are trying to find a better solution for me. I was supposed to be having 3 months of this treatment, I’m just under halfway through and I’m not sure what’s going to happen yet.

So that’s where my story is and I appreciate you sent me regards about my treatment  It’s not easy and I definitely have moments of vulnerability, but I’ll be honest with you when they first said Cancer I thought I wasn’t even going to see Christmas. It’s so much more nuanced than that. I just try to hold in my thoughts that I am surrounded by professionals who know what they are doing and they are fighting for me to be happy and healthy.I also spoke to a counsellor here at Macmillan and she was absolutely lovely and made me feel so much better.

Hang in there and please continue to reach out. It’s so wonderful that we can all support each other, by understanding and empathising and not having to explain it all. Thank you for being here for me too and remember you are not alone at all. It’s not a very nice journey, but there are lots of folk who have made it and who reach back to offer a hand of support.

Take Care,

Nic xx

I’m 52! Not 62! Typo

I’m 51!  

I’m coming across more and more cases being picked up opportunistically through screening or from acute presentation in A&E! 

Nik - thank you so much for sharing your story. I feel so much strength & support from you x I’m sending a lot of heartfelt positive healing vibes your way!

Learning from others on this site has definitely helped!

My first appointment with the Colorectal Surgeon is on Wednesday and I’m pooping bricks (no pun intended )!!! Counting down the hours. I’ve sort have “prepared” for all eventualities- the good, the bad & the down right ugly - so I’ll see how it goes.

Like you, I’m reading for the purpose of control & “no surprises” - it keeps me sane. I’ve recognised that my fears are grounded from the unknowns. This whole journey is full of uncertainties, isn’t it? 

One day, I feel positive and in control.

Next day, I have pangs of sorrow and literally the planner of my ultimate pity party!  

Next minute, I feel like in walking through treacle - brain in a massive fog….I don’t think going cold turkey on my HRT patch has helped

Haha! I cold turkeyed my HRT too  I also cold turkeyed the nicotine habit I’d had for the best part of 40 years, so there’s a positive!

You are only in control to a point don’t forget. I realised that with my horrible side-effects. In control of having the drug, not in control of how it affects me, in control of the decision to continue with it. I’d rather have more control over my body, but I literally have to accept that I don’t . It’s like when people imply we can “fight” cancer, but I’m just trying to do what they are asking me to. The idea that it’s a battle against this bad thing is really childish and quite insulting to be honest. If I die or the treatment doesn’t work, does that make me weak and a failure? NO!

I found it reassuring when I met my surgeon who was a youngish woman. The operation is quite long, but pretty standard, so they know what they’re doing. None of it seemed very real until I was in the prep room speaking to the anaesthetist before the operation! Step-by-step you get to understand how the NHS works, how the consultants come and do their rounds, how your colorectal cancer nurses work etc. It’s a well-worn path. 

I just think you make your own path with support. I have tried not to compare myself to other people’s journeys, although it’s not easy. Currently watching old X Files with my husband eating doughnuts in bed BECAUSE I CAN! 

Hang in there girl! Survivor friends are always telling me that this horrible part doesn’t last forever and we’ll be up to our old tricks before we know it xxxxx

Hello! Im 44, like you I thought it was IBS or hormones, but I had 3cm right sided tumour, diagnosed in Jan. I had 3 months folfox, and right hemicolectomy in June. All successful and so far no recurrence or sign of disease. It was in two lymph nodes and they thought it had spread to liver (couple of teeny dots) but now they are thinking not as they haven’t changed. I have futher scans next year and regular bloods to check CEA which is currently 0.8. 

when I was diagnosed my world fell apart. I had a 1 year old daughter and I didn’t see a way out. But now  , and I never thought I would be saying this, but I feel positive and have hope. Never give up hope. Amazing things happen every day and science is pretty incredible. Wish you all the best xx 

Gosh I could have written this about me! So similar, except I had chemo first and then surgery. Also 2/42 lymph nodes and now on a watch and wait with scans and bloods. 

im so pleased to hear someone similar to me is also doing so well xxx 

I absolutely love the term “survivor friends”! I had my hair done today - chopped it shorter so it’s easier to manage and my hairdresser has survived 2 battles - cervical and breast cancer! She said that every day is a step in the sand. She said that eventually, you look back and will see a long line of footsteps. Everyone’s trail of footsteps is completely different. 

You’re absolutely right when you say that it’s best not to compare our journey to others! Great idea in principle…my heart sometimes has other plans.

i found the uncertainty about the diagnosis and management has had an impact at work. People asking me to attend meetings in December- I may not be at work next month. No one knows yet. Having to switch off, rearrange my diary, finish as much work as I can, then focus on “fighting” and healing.

My friend sent me a little card that said “I guess if I feel tired, I won’t get very far. I need to take some time for me” said the little star ️

How true is that? 

Chemo is a funny thing - such strong drugs. It’s no wonder that the body reacts in such extreme ways. But chemo is like speed dating, you’ll eventually meet your perfect match!!! Xxx

I‘m going to stuff my face with a minced pie & custard!!