Looking for some hope after recent diagnosis

Hi Mimi668d81fb ,

I had one the other side in 2024.  i had a left hemi colectomy  and then six months of chemo.  Neither was as awful as I had imagined :-) 

Bowel cancer tends to be a slower grower, there are lots of positive stories on here. 

My neighbour had it back in 2015…. She’s now ten years cancer free.  

In terms of coping, avoid dr google. It’s out if date.  Take someone with you to appointments or record them to listen back as worried brains don’t necessarily absorb the information correctly.  Finally take each step as it comes.  I wrote a list of steps and then concentrated only on the next one. 

Sending good wishes 

cerysm

Thank you so much for your reply. I am trying not to use the internet as it’s definitely made me more anxious. Just so worried it’s spread. I hope you continue to do well. 

Mine had been there for years they think but there was nothing in my lymph nodes.  Easier said than done but try not to worry until you know.  It will feel better when you know the plan of action. 

Snap! That’s exactly where mine was. The splenic juncture. Had op in March, and just on rest days beteeen rounds 7 and 8 of CAPOX chemo. I had laparoscopic surgery, so minimal scars. 4 days in hospital. Initial CT scans showed no spread at that point. 
At follow up with surgeon was told that op had gone well, as well as the tumour they took 45 lymph nodes, and biopsy showed 5 were “positive” which means automatic stage 3, and “mop up” chemo, 8 rounds, so just round 8 to go, and I’ll take last tablet on November 3rd. 
everybody is different with regard to side effects, but you’ll almost certainly experience neuropathy, tingling in hands with touch and cold, especially for first few days after infusion. I’ve been fortunate, neuropathy easy to cope with, and very little other effects… others have different reactions and can advise you when the time comes ( IF you are out on a chemo pathway) how they deal with whatever comes your way. 
colon cancer is very treatable and very slow growing, plus you’ll be in the hands of a brilliant oncology team who are experts… hope your meeting goes well, you’ll feel much better once you know the exact diagnosis and treatment plan 

That is amazing Chris thank you so much for your reply. I am so pleased to hear you are doing well and so close to the end of your treatment. Keep everything crossed for me. 

All crossed x

Hi Mimi, I am in a similar situation with a 2.5cm lesion found last weekend. The doctor at the time said he was 90% certain a polyp but not sure if he can be this sure? Ct scan on Friday and an mri cancelled this week. The multi dis team meeting on Friday to discuss my case (and others).  Assuming this means the biopsi was not benign but not sure? 
my meeting is likely to be next week. 
thinking of you and also looking for hope 

Hi, so sorry to hear you are going through the same thing. It is so scarey isn’t it. I wouldn’t read too much into the MDT meeting, my understanding is that’s procedure.,I was told mine is likely cancer I am just praying it hasn’t spread. Sending you a big hug. 

Sending a big hug back. Just hope we both have positive news. 

Hi Mimi668d81fb,

I was diagnosed with a 6cm invasive tumour in the right side of my transverse colon in May this year. I had an extended right hemicolectomy in June. No cancer was found in my lymph nodes or veins and no further treatment was needed.

I know it’s such a frightening time for you but as others on this forum advised me at the time, you honestly will feel better once you know what you’re dealing with and you have a treatment plan in place.

i found this forum a great support in those first few weeks especially. I also focused on eating healthily (lots of colours on my plate) and getting outside for some walks and fresh air. If you do google (I think we all do it), try and use trusted sites like this one or the nhs as a lot of information and statistics online are out of date.

Best of luck for positive news x