Newly diagnosed

Its a difficult road thats for sure but Ive learnt to keep focused in the current day. I guess the scan is to see outside the bowel, then a plan can me made. Hope some one with more knowledge answers you here soon as im new myself so like you, ive hit a ' train '.  Ive also chosen to tell few people apart from immediate family. You are young but ive seen patients in their 20s and 30s. Im just 60 so i n the higer risk. Its not easy at any age. I was misdiagnosed for 5 Years. Take care

Welcome KellyAnn77

So sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult diagnosis and it is very difficult to hear that surgery is currently not on the table ! That broke our hearts too ! If you click on my user name you can read my mum’s story going through a stage 4 diagnosis.

Once we understood a little more and with hindsight going straight to chemo was in-fact a good plan . As chemo is systemic the theory is in gets into all aspects of your system to allow not only the visible  disease to be tackled but also the micro disease and reign that in too !

You will see people on the forums for bowel cancer using just chemo and living a good life for five and six plus years ! My mum’s had already spread to her liver and quite substantially at diagnosis however after chemo a surgical option on both the liver and the lung became possible . It is very individual and your team will monitor how you respond to treatment and rescan and reassess . They are always working in the background to look at ways to gain stability , shrinkage and sometimes even a surgical cure !

Once you have a bit more information to had you will find out about your cell type and be able to see if there is additional targeted treatments that might be suitable for you ! Immunotherapy is the new treatment that is bring a lot of hope in patients that are compatible.  

Is it contained within your bowel ?

My mum has just reached the 12 year mark so although a stage 4 diagnosis brings lots of uncertainty it is only the start of treatment and hopefully that will gain stability for you ! 
You are not alone , others here are currently having treatment and will hopefully pop on to encourage you !

In terms of preparing for chemo we have a helpful thread for that which we can point you in the right direction ! Our helpline staff would be more than happy to chat through any aspect 0808 808 0000!

We are always here at some point in the day ! 

I see our Tony has just replied and I think he has a point you might want to consider! Sometimes there is merit in being selective who you tell as your emotional energy requires to be focused on your own needs just now and sometimes you can spend time either propping someone else up or trying to block out unwise comments even although well intended !

I will link a booklet to show you all the treatment options which can be helpful !

take care ,

Court 

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/TreatingAdvancedBowelCancer_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Some people also planning some moderate exercise to be of benefit . I need to pop out just now but will look for the Macmillan link !

Take care ,

Court 

I’m trying to do the same and take each day at a time. I’ve told people because I’m terrible at hiding things and my children and husband need a support network and people they can talk to but it has pros and cons. Thank you  

Thank you Court. Some excellent info and advice. Guess this is the start of my unwanted and unexpected journey - must try and stay positive. Night time is the worst. Off to walk the dog X

Hi you have come to the right place for support, so much knowledge, sorry to hear your diagnose, its a roller coaster of over whelming feelings I was 45 when diagnosed now 49 

I am a bit of a cancer novice although I started at stage 2 then had re occurrence then clear now it's back, I feel for you when you say hit by a train.

Stay strong

Bud xxxx

Thanks. From an early age I was very active outdoors guy making most of each day. Just as well I did. I would say this to everyone..... Make the most of each day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone ill or not ill.. Regret nothing because hindsight is always better. Say today how much you love someone. Feel from the heart as its much stronger than than the head. Best wishes on your journey Bud, because cancer doesn't care about about age, fitness, lifestyle. It can affect anyone and does. I had no high risk stuff but then my grandma died of the same. Probably I have the gene

Hi KellyAnn77

I'm so sorry that you're here. It's completely understandable that you're worried. Once you know what's what, it will feel a bit easier. You'll have a great team around you who'll be there to support you and your family. Give yourself the time to process everything. It's ok to be scared and anxious so don't worry about feeling upset etc. Stay away from Google. This site and bowelcancer.org.uk are full of information, advice and fantastic support. There are lots of inspirational and positive stories. It'll probably take a few weeks to get a treatment plan in place as there are a number of people that all have to liaise with each other. It's going to be tough but you can get through this. Everyone on here has battled or is battling cancer themselves or knows someone who is so you will never be far from someone that knows what you're going through. 

Cheryl x