Surviving with the Long term side effects

Hi there,

Everybody's circumstances are different.

However, I wouldn't worry too much just yet although I would still advise you to get things checked out or seek proper medical advice. Lately, we've been told that The NHS is very much still open for business for such matters and we shouldn't put off getting such matters checked out.

Anyway, it isn't uncommon to get similar symptoms after treatment. I had an anterior resection in January 2017 (also followed by chemo etc) but, from time to time, I have had minor aches and niggles on my left side similar to before diagnosis. This did worry me a lot at first but I've had three clear scans since then and my oncologist is unconcerned. 

I don't get diarrhoea as such as I still have a stoma and the discomfort on my left side is likely just due to a build up of wind and sometimes mucus which eventually clears itself. This comes and goes but has settled quite a bit compared to the early days.

I was due a routine colonoscopy too.  My surgeon suggested this as I was unsure about whether to have a stoma reversal or not. Obviously, this has also been delayed during the present circumstances.

As I say, our circumstances will be different but its not uncommon to still get symptoms similar to before but that doesn't mean that there's any serious issue. I'd still get things checked out though just to put your mind at ease.

Take care,

John

Hi there, i had my op for Colon Cancer in June 2019.  Stage 3 cancer diagnosed.

I had 8 sessions of CAPOX which finished in Feb 20. My CT scan was all clear in APRIL 20.

I still have blood in my stools occasionally and i have a slight bleed when constipated. I was told this may well be due to the chemo. My bowel actions vary , but are much more regular following the op. 

My next meeting with surgeon team is not until Sept 20.  

It is concerning when you have the same symptoms as you had before. If in doubt get it checked out. 

Good luck 

Paula

Hi Brookville

First of all may I welcome you to the forum.  You will find that we are a very friendly and helpful group on here.

I had surgery and chemo for colon cancer and like you had a part of your large colon removed.  You will find that it will take a long time for your body to adjust to this and your bowel habits will probably never be the same again.

It is quite common to have diarrhoea one day and then be constipated a couple of days later.  A lot of this could be diet related.  Too much fibre in what is called "a healthy diet" that most of us are advised together back on to after testament is not always the best for anyone who has had surgery for colon cancer.  I was just the same.  A low fibre diet may help you, and I did post on here a few days ago about how I adjusted my diet after treatment.  If you didn't see it, drop me a "friends request" and I will send you details.

Do speak to your GP, he will probably be able to give you medication to help when you have diarrhoea or are constipated.  Speak to your Cancer Specialist Nurse too, they are there to support you - even when you have completed your initial treatment.

We all get stressed in the weeks and days before we are due to have our repeat tests, especially colonoscopies, but don't be too worried because it's a little late, I'm sure that your hospital will book another for you as soon as they feel it is safe to do so.  This Covid-19 crisis has put such a strain on our NHS and they are gradually opening-up cancer services again, but I think that they will have a big backlog to catch up on, especially colonoscopies for those being fast tracked for suspected cancers.

I had my treatment back in 2011/12 and I still worry about my check-ups.  And even though I have adjusted my diet, avoiding foods that upset me, I still have the odd bout of diarrhoea and constipation.  Par for the course for some of us, I'm afraid.

Take care, and keep safe and keep in touch with us all on here.

Sending you a hug

VickiLynne

Hi all

Thank you all so much for the messages, I really appreciate all of them. I’ll follow up with my medical team, but you’ve helped me feel less stressed and worried knowing that I’m not alone in feeling and being this way. 

Hope you all stay safe, well and cancer free. Thanks again for being there it means a lot. 

Alison. 

Hi Alison... I too have this issue... I asked the nurse and her answer may help? 

Hi there and sorry to hear about your worries

I had a low anterior resection 9 years ago and had my final all clear 4 years ago

Because my resection was low, and the length of colon removed,  I lost most of my storage and much of the end of colon water removal process and lost some muscle that allows you to delay going to the loo. So, I have lived the last 9 years with limited control of movements and limited ability to produce normal stools.

I say all that because the body has a remarkable ability to adapt, and we have a remarkable ability to adapt our behaviours and get to a place where we are able to manage and predict our movements. My bowel habits could not be described as normal, but I live an active life, am self employed and work flexibly from home, have a brilliant family life and am actively involved with my grandchildren. About the only compromise is that I gave had to give up golf, because I cannot reliably arrange to be away from a loo for 5 hours at a certain time next Saturday. But I do go out to play 9 holes when I know I will be fine for the next couple of hours

I think your post op experience is quite common. Many will settle and gave very few compromises, the rest of us manage and adapt

There us good advice on the forum to be assertive and get things checked if you are concerned, but be confident that the symptoms will settle and there is no reason why you will not live your very best life.

Best wishes to you

Regards

Greg

Hi Greg, thank you so much for your message... it’s a great comfort to me.  My oncologist says he’s not worried because my CT scan is clear... but to enable me to relax I’m having a colonoscopy tomorrow... it was due in November anyway.  Your message finds me in the middle of my prep... you know what that’s like!

I’m sure these pains and loose stools are all part of the process..it’s just that here no one told me what to expect... my op was on the lower right hand side... they took away 17 inches or cms... I can’t remember... and 14 nodes... my doctor says it’s because I’ve got a short bowel? I don’t know...  

anyway thanks again Greg, your message has calmed me down... now back to the Sudafed cream!

Doña x

Hi colonoscopy all ok, thank goodness... no polyps, no problem with scar tissue, all clear... so looks as if it’s just my ‘normal’ now, and IBS and stress (of course)! Oh and no biopsy’s needed thank goodness !