Bowel blockage

Hi Everyone, 

Hope you are all doing ok and keeping well.

I haven't been on for a few weeks and I am just catching up with all the chat.

5 weeks ago after a lovely day out in Birmingham with my daughter I realised I hadn't had to empty my stoma for a few hours. This quickly moved on to crampy tummy ache. I soon realised that I had a blockage and tried all the tips to get things moving, warm drink, deep bath and massaging tummy, but still no movement. After advice from oncology team I went to our local A&E.

Things quickly moved on, X-Rays, CT Scans and an attempt to unblock through the stoma. They could see a shadow on the scan but was unsure whether this was progression of the cancer or blockage, so an operation was advised. I had a very big operation, the surgeon said it was the biggest he had done for some time. My bowel was completely blocked with adhesions and scar tissue from the original operation to remove the tumour 12 month ago, it was all twisted and blocked.

I stayed in ICU for 5 days and then moved to a ward where I stayed for another 3 weeks as I needed to be fed through a tube to give my bowel a chance to heal.

Happily, it all went as planned and I have been home a week and a half and getting stronger everyday.

Now the good bit!

While I was under anaesthetic and "Opened up" the surgeon had a good look around and could see no  cancer. The tumour on my duodenum for which I was having Immunotherapy and was not operable has gone! The scans confirmed all other organs are clear. The surgeon was amazed and my Oncologist delighted the treatment has worked for me. I have an appointment to see him on 7 June, but he sent a message to say he is keen for me to carry on the Immunotherapy with hopes for a durable long lasting response.

I am delighted and humbled by the treatment I have had the opportunity to have. I know that I will still be classed as incurable, but this has given me hope.

We are off to Devon for a few days tomorrow, me, my amazing hubby, my 2 sisters and their hubby's. We are staying in a very nice hotel and they have got me a wheel chair so I can just chill. A few cream teas and some sea air will be fantastic! I may even have a glass of wine.

At Christmas when we were told I was classed as incurable but treatable, we were devastated.The Oncology team has been fabulous.  I hope my story will give others hope too.

Love to you all and keep safe

xxx