I have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer having noticed blood when going to the loo was then picked up on a colonoscopy , I have had ct and mri scans and looks like it hasn't spread. Will need an operation anterior resection. Then possibly chemotherapy. Anyone got any advice. Quite nervous and anxious about the operation.
Haven't Had a date for the operation yet but everything has happened so fast im strugglinc to take it all in.
Hello - I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer almost 14 years ago, had an anterior resection followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. Yesterday I had a check up colonoscopy and was told that it’s still all clear. Bowel fine and no further signs of anything to worry about. Hope you find this reassuring.
Hi DavidDotty and welcome to the board. I felt the same back in 2016 when I had my op as I’d never been in hospital before but I was ‘pleasantly surprised’ by how well it went? The surgical team go through everything before hand then talk you through everything that they’re doing and there always seems to be someone almost holding your hand to make sure you’re ok. After the op the nurses check on you regularly and make sure you stay on top of any pain you might be feeling. They will encourage you to get up and about as soon as possible and this will help your recovery. I would recommend that you just eat light meals for the first few days as the bowel does not like being manhandled and can react quite badly (ileus) if you start having big meals.
I’ve attached a link to a recent post similar to your for you to look at and also a link to a booklet about the op
Karen 62's reply to you is pretty good and GlitzyGranny's note is most encouraging too. Although the initial diagnosis is a hammer blow I learned that none of my friends and family wanted to use the "cancer". I encouraged them to speak plainly even though the word strikes fear into most people (superstition perhaps?) but over the past few years I realised that luck has a lot to do with things. I just did exactly as I was told by the colorectal team and radiologists and never missed an appointment. The surgery and recovery period were much better than I expected and short term pain control worked a treat. Just remember that a hospital ward is perhaps the worst place to try to get a good night's sleep; there is too much going on, but it's all for a good cause. I hadn't been in hospital for nearly 60 years and found the latest experience a marvel to behold; bless them all. Total recovery took about 3 months, even though the keyhole wounds healed quickly it was obvious that a lot had taken place internally and you just can't see that bit.
Worrying won't change anything; it will only affect you and those around you and you cannot control events.
Hi. I had an anterior resection 7 days ago. The operation was laparascoptic and therefore minimally invasive. I was offered a spinal block by the anesthesiologist because she said it included pain relief for over 24 hours. I was looked after really well in hospital. There is some soreness but not severe pain in my experience. I needed anti sickness meds from the affect of the general anesthetic. I was discharged after 3 full days. Staff were efficient and caring. Being home is lovely. You are encouraged to walk each day and a change of scenery is really welcome. I may have to have chemotherapy. I will know in 2-3 weeks. I was tentative prior to the operation but now I feel gratitude that the tumour is gone. I hope that you gat get some rest and that your operation is soon.
