New to this group

So glad you joined in .  I think a lot of people experience fear contemplating surgery. The good thing about joining in a forum is its able to reduce some of that . There are a lot of people around who can give you practical advise on how best to prepare and recover from surgery . If they don’t pop on I will tag some people in . Do you know where about in your colon the tumour is ? My mum was right side ascending so able to reconnect her colon right away and after a short recovery period has never had any really issues with her bowel . 

My mum has had her fair share of cancer over the years and I hear what your saying about the kidney requiring further intervention . All I can say it’s the very best of scanning and surgery that has not only kept her well but gone back on to enjoying life . Despite it raising anxiety and stress at the beginning .

Sounds as though you have a great support system around you and that will come into its own as well as you recover .

Ask anything you like . Everyone here is friendly and relaxed . They will answer the best they can .

Take care ,

Court 

Thanks for the kind words Court, much appreciated. I only know it is on the left hand side... seen a letter to my GP and they are going to perform a Hartmans procedure, got the specialist Stoma nurse coming out this week to see me and then surgery on Tuesday next week... Don't know how i feel about a stoma, mixed emotions at the minute.... My partner is really my rock but I worry that she is internalising everything, trying to be strong for me... We have talked, she says she is fine, but I know deep down she is worried... seems our life is being dominated by all this at the minute, and that is not what I want.... I like to think i am a strong man, but am finding waves of emotion running over me... I don't like lisa to see me upset so try to hide it, but there are times that it shows through... I am also trying to protect my step-daughter from all this, she is 21 and autistic, do not want her worrying.... . work have been very good, I have worked from home since lockdown in March, and they are giving me all the support I need, good thing about working from home is no 1 hour commute each day to the office.... means once I am out after surgery I can get straight back to work.... I have read some of the comments on the group and know there are people a lot worse off than me, makes me feel a bit of a pussy.... but I just cannot seem to control the waves of emotion that are sweeping over me at times.... sorry waffling again, thanks again Court 

Hi belfastbrett

I just wanted to say a quick hi and let you know that this community is here for you, and your partner too! I don’t have a particularly supportive husband, so found this group invaluable. I had Bowecancer last year and my big op to remove the tumour was November. I gad a stoma for four months, and reversal end of February this year. I am a woman so not everything we experience will be the sameAsk any questions and express any worries you have. That’s what we’re here for. I sailed through most of my treatment and was very positive. Fast forward to now and I’m full of anger, sadness and alsorts. There will always be someone on here who can help. So much for my quich hello!

Hello, I've had a colostomy for 33 years (cancer since 1985) plus metastases in the bone - 1990/91 (and another primary tumour of the cervix). Yes it is a scary time and I have often thought worse for our loved ones who can feel so helpless. I have started writing a guest blog about my experience, which you will find on the community here:

 https://community.macmillan.org.uk/blogs/b/community_news/posts/cancer-me-35-years-on-vol-1-to-begin-at-the-beginning It's very long and convoluted and I'm currently only up to 1986, but you will realise after all these years I'm still alive and kicking.

I know exactly what you mean regarding it being a "roller coaster" and that is the title I have given to two solo art exhibitions I have had. Don't worry about "waffling" as it's good to pour it all out and you may find it cathartic - also people will try to reassure you as best they can.

Best wishes - hope all goes well next week.

Willo (AKA partsyann85)

Good luck for next week (((hugs)))