How to cope with treatment on my own?

Tatty2 1 month ago

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Had 18 polyps removed during my first colonoscopy, the 19th was too large and needed a different method of removal, unfortunately it could not be removed and has turned out to be cancerous. I have had an MRI and CT scan infact everything has moved so quickly. My case is being discussed this afternoon and I should hear soon what treatment will be recommended. I am at such a loss I always did the NHS test at home and sent it off, it always came back clear but the last time it didn't . I did not have problems and feel the same as always so finding it hard to get my head round this. Very scared of everything and how I will cope. I live alone only sister is in USA. Friends are all elderly like me and have problems of their own to cope with. How have people on their own coped with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery?

MaryChar2046 1 month ago

I am sorry to hear that one of the polyp was cancerous, but I would wait until you have seen the Consultant who will explain what will be happening in your case. I think once you know exactly what they are going to do you will feel a bit more settled. You might not have to have chemo/radiotherapy. I did and to be honest it was not as bad as I thought it would be, Also finished off with an op. that was 3 years ago. If you do have to have treatment perhaps you would be able to get hospital transport, I know when I went there were people there on their own, and they had transport.

What are your neighbours like? are they the sort that would be able to help you? And also friends, they may be elderly, but I am sure would be keen to support you at this time, that's what friends are for. ow

Do let us know how you get on.

Tatty2 28 days ago in reply to MaryChar2046

Thank you Mary. I had another targeted MRI last Tuesday of my adreanal gland . The team are discussing my treatment again this afternoon with the new MRI info. Having to wait another week because of the additional MRI to find out what is going to happen seems such a long time but I know it is not in reality.

Praying that the cancer has not spread, this is all I seem to be able to focus on at the moment.

MaryChar2046 28 days ago in reply to Tatty2

I know it is the waiting that is the worse, and we always thing the worse unfortunately, but its not always, so try and keep occupied to try and take your mind of it, easier said than done. I have been told that bowel cancer is one of the very slow cancers, so hopefully yours will be contained. A week seems a very long time when you are waiting for results, but it will come around and then hopefully your mind will be put at rest..keep us informed how you get on. x

FiveO 27 days ago

Hi. Back in October last year I received a screening test thst I completed and sent back. Had no worries,no symptoms and definitely not losing weight. Imagine my surprise when the result came back abnormal. Coloniscopy, only to be told very small tumor. Fast forward to 6 January operation removal and consultant said with good margin and no need for chemo.

A bit if an uodate. Just had first post op CEA blood test which at 3.8 apparently is slightly elevated. They are sending me for a CT scan just to be on the safe side. Something else to worry about!!!

Tatty2 27 days ago in reply to FiveO

Hi, do hope your CT scan is clear it is so hard waiting for results of tests and scans. I am hoping to hear from the team today about treatment and what stage I am at, they met yesterday.