Bowel cancer

Hi 

I think everyone here has late recall on what I would call “ throw away lines” that can be over interpret . Sometimes professionals feel the need to fill a void in the conversation. Sometimes I do it myself but it’s not factual in itself ! The other thing to remember A and E is a snapshot of a persons medical history ! The Registrar who told my mum she had a spread to her liver  name comes up here from time to time ! He is now a very good consultant ! Through a contact he found out that my mum was still alive and enjoying life . He was delighted to hear that . But in that snap shot encounter he had to deliver news but have no idea of how that worked out in a clinical oncology setting ! 
The nurse that saw my mum for her first bloods in a clinical setting told her she has many long term people doing well on treatment and she gave her hope ! 
Personally I find it an impossible burden when someone has just had a bad diagnosis to encourage them to “ make every day count “ whilst today does matter as much as tomorrow most people have some sort of trauma response to the situation and just need support and understanding!

You will however see people gaining strength and finding a way to work and manage with their diagnosis. We did have a great Christmas after my mum’s diagnosis in the August! We had time , some good days , some bad days !

I notice a lot of people suddenly feel ill after diagnosis! I suddenly felt ill after my mum’s and it was nothing to do with cancer just horrible escalating anxiety!

You absolutely will get to see the oncologist and just remember this is overwhelming anxiety it is not accurate in its assessment!

You don’t need to be positive at this stage but hope is pretty powerful ! And their is hope that you will get a good treatment plan !

Are you able to get out for a walk or coffee ?

Take care ,

Court 

Hi there

im sorry you’re feeling so unwell. Just take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. You deserve it. We are here for you. 
I felt ill before my diagnosis but emotionally traumatised when I was told so I know how frightening it is. 
take care 
Artsie Ann 

Thank you. I seem to be clinging to all negativity. I find you and your mums story uplifting .

I try an£ hold on to it. But I suppose when we’re not at our best, the dark cloud feels so powerful.

my husband took me for a walk today . From tomorrow I’ll be isolating I’m having a colonoscopy on Friday 

so a week on my own feels very frightening 

thank you so much for your support and listening .It means so much 

Thank you .I hope you are feeling a little better 

Thanks Darcyolly

I am definitely on the road to recovery thank you. In fact I am away for the first time in two years. The lock downs been so tough on all of us. 
once I had my operation I felt so much better. A huge weight lifted. I hope that’s how you’ll feel. 
BW

Artsie

Hi Darcyolly. I can fully understand your fears which are completely natural and to be expected. I was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 mastetic bowel cancer in January. Mine has spread to multiple organs and lymphnodes and is inoperable.  It was to be my 50th birthday the following month and I did not think or believe I would live to see it.

I then saw my Oncologist who told me treatment could help slow my tumours. He gave me hope.

That initial hope is my strength, along with the love and support of my family and friends. Don't get me wrong, most days are a challenge but I would rather have this life than no life at all.

1. Try not to let your mind wonder. Keep it occupied with the things you enjoy. Yes life is different now but try and embrace it. You can't change what's happening to you but put yourself in control of your emotions and try to build on your inner strength....your mind is a very powerful tool and you are far stronger than you think.

Sending you love, strength and hugs xx

hi Darcyolly, this is the place to say how you feel. Speaking personally it's not a burden to hear how things are with you. You're not a robot who can be programmed to be optimistic and upbeat. Life is sometimes a bi**h full stop . A big virtual hug from me. I hate this stuff as I'm a tactile person and believe in the power of touch. It's reaching out and connecting which of course currently we're cautious about which I find hard. Whenever I was in the hospital theatre for a procedure or op holding a Nurse's hand was so comforting. I hope you have someone to hug or to hold hands with.

Thank you so much x

You sound like your name sassy! 
I’m glad you have found your inner strength . You sound amazing . Thank you so much for your support x

Hi Darcyolly  inside you there is a thing that tells you that you can do this .Grab it and don't let go  Be positive about your self and strong .Get your wee hospital bag ready as if you were going in tomorrow .Then put it away  Treat yourself haircut and anything else you want  .I was lucky that I had no warning  but after a year I'm still making trouble.I've a long way to go .  I hope that things go well with you and remember that your dignosis can change all the time  Good luck with everything your not alone P.S. If you have any questions for the doctor start to write them down now big or small eve things that you think that you can't ask ASK that's what they want ....This is a great place to put your feelings and questions on Please don't let it beat you.