Where do I go from here?

Hi Barsony

I had rectal cancer in 2017 and was recently worried after a lung nodule was found which was growing. Thankfully my last CT showed it had shrunk so it is thought not to be anything to worry about so I understand your thoughts.

Cancer does make you think about death and your life so far. I don't think that anyone can give you a prediction on your chances of it coming back, but we all die of something in the end. I would take this opportunity to think about how you would feel if it had not gone so well and decide if you have any unfinished business or regrets and sort them out anyway. I backpacked around the world on my own when I was nearly 40 and I have never regretted it. I walked around Ayers Rock, snorkelled on the great barrier reef, walked on hardened lava on Hawaii, trekked through the Canadian Rockies etc and I loved it. Cancer made me appreciate my life more. 

Your choices may be very different to mine. You might want to speak to a councillor to get over the lost feeling. Why not look up old friends, tell people you love them, get a tattoo, start a new hobby or take up something you used to love, the list is endless. You might die of a heart attack tomorrow, any of us could so I would say take a break somewhere, spend time thinking, create your bucket list and just go for it. Some things cost money, some just need a bit of effort. Life is so very precious.

Nicky

Hi ,

Very interesting discussion that my parents have faced twice . The first time back in 2009 when she was just diagnosed as a stage 4 patient with a significant spread . Someone told her the good news in the knowledge of her diagnosis was that she could go out and spend all her money !! Despite feeling as though they had missed the issue , at that junction (67) she did not take their advise which was beneficial as ten years later she is still here and budgeting . This year my dad’s pension offered to settle with him and we all agreed it was a good idea and to enjoy it all . 

I think its its a bit of both to be honest . Time is precious and why not do some of the things you wish to do whilst your health permits . On that note it might be time to address looking at the survival stats for one solitary met as stage 4 is largely split into two groups 4a and 4b . One solitary met has a relatively good outcome when it come to discussing cancer that has spread . My mum has had one lung met removed and her lungs have been fine for three years . Although she is awaiting scan results . 

On an observational front my mum is 76 and not just as able this year to do things she was able to do even six months ago . Some issues have cropped up that are a direct result I think of so much treatment. It is limiting her . Her platelets are very low and a blood clot has formed.

A lot of angles to cover but I very interesting indeed .

take care,

Court 

Dear Court

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply to me.

Yes, I guess we all have to make our decisions according to our own circumstances. I need to speak to my surgeon to find out what my prognosis might be. I have had two brushes with cancer now. After the first one I thought that I was lucky to have got away with it, but now it has returned, albeit treated successfully, I'm wondering what are the chances of it coming back again. 

I'm sitting here and budgeting for another twenty years or so and wondering whether I should just enjoy it before it's too late. 

Thanks Nicky.

That is what I'm considering but at 67, although quite fit, I think that I'm somewhat older than you by the sound of it. I want to be a bit more rash but the investments that I have, though sufficient and I don't want to get to my 90's and be broke. I would however like to blow a bit now. Each case is different I suppose and I think that I'd better sit down with my consultant and discuss the prognosis before I make any more decisions.

I am 55 now and hoping to get into my 90's like you. Survival stats give you an idea but you never know which way the dice will fall. Enjoy yourself, whatever you decide to do.

Nicky

Hi I have just returned to the group. Was diagnosed in 2015 and now starting more tests as think Cancer returned (originally in colon but now possibly in breast). I was 77 on Sunday so definitely going threw 2nd midlife crisis

As regarding going on a spending spree. Great idea as last month I bought a Mercedes Cabriolet.  Didn't really go out with idea of buying such an expensive car (more likely a Jazz or i20) but hey ho what the hell.  Decided to go mad and really enjoying my new 'toy'. Told my daughter I'm "going skiing" - spending Kids Inheritance  lol 

Can't control what cancer doing to my body but definitely don't intend to let it beat me down.

Go spend and enjoy life. We only get one go at it 

Hello

Sorry to see you back with us but so nice to see your name pop up . Catching up with old friends! 

Good on you for having some fun and setting cancer some boundaries . However I am holding out that this is something you can put behind you and go off on many day trips in your new car .

Still using the cookbook !

take care,

Court 

Hi Court. Great to see a familiar name. Glad to read your mum still going well. 

Appt next week with Colorectal consultant then appointment with Breast clinic (info paper makes it sound daunting but needs must as they say). Just scared they want to give me chemo after the last episode when I was so poorly. Still consultant said they could try different type and keep monitoring me. Just living alone makes it more scary.

Will obviously keep you updated. 

Pleased cookbook still being used lolx

Hi Phil

It's a difficult conundrum isn't it? However, don't you think you'd be having this conversation with yourself regardless of your cancer diagnosis? When we reach retirement age, it's possible that anything can hit us I guess, & it's impossible to answer the question 'How long will I live?'

I think the questions should be What do I want to do right now that would make me feel happier & more fulfilled? How much will it cost me? Will it make a huge dent in my savings?

If for example it's travel.....It's so much easier these days to research & get reasonable bargains in flights, AirBnb - & it's fun to do so. Or like Bridport 22 (are you from Bridport?) to splash out on something like a car...that obviously gives them much pleasure.

But of course, in the end, it is solely your decision....& best of luck in making it!

Best wishes