Effected by cancer

Hi Cymru

I’d like to say “hello” and welcome to the forum.

 I’m so sorry to hear that your mum is facing cancer for the second time and I can understand how worried and scared your are all feeling.  Do you know whether it is a secondary cancer from the original cancer or it is a completely new cancer as treatment may differ depending on that and also on the staging.

The positive news is that colon cancer is one of the easier cancers to treat, and lots os us on here are living good lives many years after surgery,  chemo or radiotherapy.  I was diagnosed with Stager 3 colon cancer in 2011.  It may be, depending upon when  your mum had her earlier treatment that far more is known about the side affects of chemo treatments and before giving  certain chemo for colon cancer she may be offered a gene test and chemo could  be adjusted to reduce side affects.

My best advice, until you know exactly what you are facing, is to try to keep your mum as stress free as you can.  As you know the waiting for treatment to start is so hard but worrying won’t change things.

Macmillan also have a help and advice line, the number is 0808 808 00 00 and it is available seven days a week from 8:00am to 8:00:pm and you can speak to them for support and advice on all aspects of cancer

Bowel Cancer UK also have a very good and informative website too which you might like to look at.

Take care and keep in touch.

VickiLynne

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Thankyou so much. As far as we know it is not linked to her previous cancer. She had breast cancer 7 yrs ago and had a partial mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation treatment. Due to covid she has to self isolate leading up the the scans next week and the further isolation waiting for the operation. We will know more when we have had the scans. Thankyou for the information it's been helpful. I just needed somewhere to go if that makes sense as my mind is everywhere and of course I am strong for my mum. We have to be positive. The scans next week are one for the pelvis and chest to see if it has spread and also the see exactly where the cancer is in the colon to plan for an operation. It's a scary time for sure. She is worried of course and worried about what help is there after and also I worry for her mentally as during this Yr as most it has been hard and she has felt very low at times. There is alot going on in my mind at the moment so wanted somewhere to seek solace and comfort and advice i e so thankyou 

Hard times. One thing I have learnt over the last 2 years is that we all have enormous inner strength which we need when dealing with cancer.

your closeness with your mum will help her. Scarry times for all.

good luck to you both. We are all routing for you both.

keep positive

lots of love 

Paula 

Hi again Cymru78

This Covid crisis has made life so much more difficult for anyone facing cancer (or any other) surgery/treatment at the moment.  From what you say I assume your mum may live alone, and self-isolating has had a big affect on many of us mentally, particularly the older generation who are cut off from their social groups and family and friends.  I live alone with just my cat for company and being involved on this website has helped me and I know it has been a real help to many others.  

There is also a” Carers Only Group”  on here that you might like to look  at or  join as they are very supportive too.

When I came home after my surgery, my daughter bought me an adult colouring book and that really helped me to relax.  I had never heard of them but they are very popular and  lots of us on here use them.

Prior to treatment your mum will be taken through an Holistic Needs Assessment - this is a questionnaire where your mum can highlight what is important to her and her worries.  As Covid may prevent you from attending her outpatient appointments at the moment you might like to contact her Cancer Specialist Nurse to  let her know your worries about your mum.  Your mum should be introduced to her or given contact details - probably at her next appointment -  (they are sometimes known as Key Worker) and they are there to support your mum and you (her family) throughout her treatment.  You can get their details from her consultant’s secretary or some hospitals have their details on the hospital website.

Keep in touch on here, it’s a safe place to discuss your worries and concerns and someone is usually around most of the time and  it is often easier to put your thoughts in writing to a complete stranger.  

Take care,

VickiLynne