Advice on what questions to ask

FormerMember over 5 years ago

3 replies
124 subscribers
1844 views

Good morning all,

I have been dipping in and out of the various discussions since diagnosis and operation. It is so nice to see and read such great support and information from everyone.

A bit of background, urgent colonoscopy, malignant tumor picked up, ct a week later, clear, anterior resection a month later, via keyhole. Home now, recovery going well, bowel functioning well. Consultant warned there might be a chance of chemotherapy prior to operation. But seems to feel quite definate after the procedure. He mentioned six rounds (tablet). I am waiting to get my histology results, see my colorectal Consultant and then the oncology team.

So far, I seem to have taken everything in my stride, only a small meltdown on my first day of diagnosis and once post-op in hospital. I had a list of questions for my Consultant prior to op but not sure what I need to ask now. I can't seem to get a handle on it and organise my thoughts. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. I am 49, have two children, 16 and 20. I work full time, shifts, for the NHS.

Thank you!

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Good morning Hugos mum, i too have a tumour ,and my treatment starts in a couple of weeks, im glad you are home ,and everything going well for you, like you i come on here for help n advice, as there are people going through the same thing, im sorry i cant give you any suggestions, but i know someone will, then i can read what they answer,and it will help me too, you keep taking 1 day at a time ,and i can understand the meltdown part, i probably be the same when things get rolling, its such a shock to hear the words,,,, tumour,cancer, treatment, operation,,,, but i will take it in my stride best i can,,, hugs sent to you ,,x

Kareno62 over 5 years ago

Hi and congratulations on having had the cancer removed. Things you might like to ask the consultant?

Were you able to remove the tumour with clear margins?

Were there any lymph nodes affected and how close to the tumour were they?

How much would chemo improve my reoccurrence chances?

What side effects can I expect from the chemo?

Chemo in tablets form is usually capecitabine which is reasonable well tolerated and doesn’t have as many side effects as oxaliplatin for example. Hopefully some of the others who have had just capecitabine post op will be along shortly to offer some advice.

Glad to hear that you sound to be recovering well

Karen x

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

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Welcome to the our group on the online community and so pleased that your recovery is going well and preparing yourself for the next stage, there is not a lot I can add to Karen's reply except to refer you to some Macmillan publications that might interest you.

Macmillans questions about treatment

The above has a load of questions to suit all stages of treatment all you need to do is cherry pick the ones you want answers to. Remember if it's not clear what's been said or you don't understand don't be afraid to ask for it to be repeated in simpler language and it's always a good idea to take someone with you as a note taker.

Macmillans- Chemotherapy

Macmillans - understanding chemotheraphy

We have a monthly chemo chat post as part of our breast cancer group but anyone can join in and ask questions about treatment etc. and this might be of interest to you

Monthly chemo chat

I hope that the meeting with consultant and oncology team goes well and makes everything a lot clearer for you.

Ian

By clicking on any of the green text above will open up new pages for you.