Hi all.
I have used this forum before around 2014 to 2015 when my father (78) had bowel cancer which he sadly succumbed to and I got a lot of useful information back then which helped to prepare me and deal with the situation.
I am back again but this time its my own battle. It started in 2024 but I am only rejoining now because it looks like this is getting a bit more serious. I dont think I have any questions as I have found most of what I need in the forums but just want to use this thread as a diary which I promise to update till the end (whenever that is) to help others who may be in similar situations as I am.
Diagnosed in August 2024 after blood in stool, constipation and fatigue. Sigmoid colon resection. I think it was T3 and 3 of 11 lymph nodes had cancer. CAPOX chemo from December 2024 until May 2025. 4 infusions and 4 tablets only. CT scan in June 2025 and was NED. Colonoscopy in September and all clear.
Went for 3 follow up appointments and all stable. CEA stayed at 4. I was feeling great as well and was very thankful and optimistic. My last follow up in May 2025 saw a rise of CEA to 5 and that coincided with me not feeling the best. I pushed for CT scan and it came back with a new nodule on my lung and existing ones had grown. They weren't really worried about it back in 2024. I have had a PET scan today and await a call from my colorectal nurse to book an appointment for me to discuss my options with a consultant.
I was 46 at diagnosis and now 48, hoping to get to 49 later in the year. I have 2 children, 18 and 15 who knew I was ill, but I didnt tell them what it was. I just told them stomach surgery 
. I plan to keep it that way until a point where it is necessary to let them know.
