Strangely calm

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
124 subscribers
1418 views

Hi, all.

I just got a colon cancer diagnosis a few days ago. My surgery has been set for the 4th of November, which is less than 2 months from my initial visit to my GP due to bowel irregularities and blood in my stools.

I'm actually feeling quite calm about it all, which is a bit surprising given that I have taken antidepressants for anxiety in the not too distant past. A few of the medical professionals I have interacted with seemed surprised that I didn't particularly want anyone with me, but I just think I am perfectly capable of understanding my own medical needs and asking for and understanding all the relevant information without having someone else take time out of their day. Am I a bit strange with my rational approach?

Kareno62 over 5 years ago

Hi and welcome to the board. Bowel Cancer is very treatable especially if caught early and it sounds like both you and your doctor have been very efficient in that department. Are you a bit strange in your rational approach? No, not at all. If you’ve read any previous posts then you’ll see that everyone deals with it differently. You may find that you get a bit more anxious closer to the actual op but just post on here and we’ll try to reassure you and answer any worries you may have.

I took my husband to my appointments with me a) because he wanted to come and b) he remembered things that I didn’t afterwards! but that is absolutely your choice.

After my diagnosis I remember just feeling dis-belief that it was happening to me. I was told that they were treating me with a view to cure so I adopted a 'bish, bash, bosh let’s get on with it then’ approach. Before my surgery assessment my surgeon asked if I had any questions and I asked if I could keep my rings on and if I needed to bring my own towel! - looking back that maybe wasn’t what he was expecting but I accepted what I was told treatment wise as I trusted the medical team to know what was best for me.

As I advise all new people on the board - stay away from google. There are some good booklets on the bowel Cancer uk site about the operation and what to expect and I’m happy to send you a link if you want one?

Hope everything goes well and please remember to ask for support if you need it whether it be on here or from family and friends - you’ll find a lot of people happy to help you through this in all different sorts of ways.

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi MarcusH,

We are all different, and so our reactions to things are going to be different too. I feel that you have settled your mind to your diagnosis and that you just want to now get on with things. When I received my diagnosis, after the initial shock, and over time, I was astounded at how strong a person I found myself to be. Cancer has a funny way of highlighting traits we never knew we had, and making us see things differently too. You're not a bit strange at all. You're simply you!

Hope it all goes well for you with your treatment.

Take care,

Linda