Recent diagnosis

Hi Blink. 
Ive been where you are. 
It’s hard to get your head around but I hated the Cancer and if I had to have a Stoma to eradicate it well so be it! 
It’s really not that bad, it’s not as bad as I thought but I realise that’s easy for me to say. Click on names and you can read mine and others bio  

The percentages they’ve given you are amazing and bowel cancer is really treatable

I would concentrate on getting that out of your body with whatever weapons they give you. Then you can think about all the other stuff 

I had a LAR  is that what is planned?
I am 67 and not that fit now I definitely couldn’t walk your distance before my operation. Keep up the walking the fitter you are the quicker your recovery 
There’s so many here that can advice you on the recovery  of whatever your treatment plan is 

Keep chatting  

Hi Artsie, Yes I am having LAR but they are not sure if they can rejoin the Colon. They are going for that option but I am aware it may be permanent. To be honest I just want to get it sorted. All this waiting and run up to it gives me time to think too much about any problems. Hey ho.  Tank you for your reply. 

All the best

Bink101

Hi Bink,

If you are having keyhole surgery, its amazing. I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago by keyhole and recovered very quickly at 72 years old. Keep up your walking because that certainly helps.

My husband was initially told they would rejoin his bowel, but I think its too badly damaged for that. He already has a stoma in his neck, so I'm sure another won't bother him!! He has had trouble with the stoma working and is currently still in hospital. Most people don't seem to have a problem. Good luck !!!

Stomas are no problem.quick and easy to empty and to change the bag

Dont worry you will soonget used to it.

As artsie says click on names to see how people have got on.

All the best with the op

Kath

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board from me. You’ve had great replies so far so l’ll just add a link to a booklet that might be helpful 

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

I had a LAR 5 years ago and although I had a couple of blips along the way I was pleasantly surprised by how well the pain was managed. They will have you up and about the day after your op and walking up and down the ward. If you have a stoma then they won’t let you out until you can manage and change the bags yourself - the stoma nurses tend not to work weekends so bear that in mind if you’re wanting them to sign you out as soon as possible!

They recommend not lifting anything heavier than a kettle with enough water in for 1 cup for at least 6 weeks after the op. Driving is about 5-6 weeks and only when you can perform an emergency stop safely. 

Dont worry about being a tad overweight as you’ll probably drop a few pounds durung your recovery but keep up the exercise - it all helps

Take care

Karen x

I agree with Karen.I was told driving after 6 wks when comfortable with an emergency stop.I checked with my insurance and they were quite happy with that

The stoma nurses will send you home with enough supplies to be going on with and also organise new supplies to be delivered.so it is all really easy

Kath

Hi Bink101

Yes, it is scary beforehand but, honestly, the reality isn't as bad as you might imagine.  I had LAR last summer.  The op was on the Monday morning, I was in intensive care on the Monday night and Tuesday night (this is routine in our local hospital as it's major surgery), moved to a ward on the Wednesday and home on the Friday. Legs were a wee bit wobbly initially but I just took my time, set myself some distance goals each day (e.g. once round the garden initially and extending that by a little each day - just remember that you still need to walk back too!) and I got back to my usual 4+ miles in around 6 weeks. Like you, I was a tad overweight but not now.  I'm 64 and feel quite fit and healthy.  I was very lucky to not need further treatment once the cancer was removed.

I have an ileostomy.  Tricky at first, I won't lie (mostly due to confidence issues and leaks) but easily managed now that I have a good pouch that works well for me.  The stoma nurses will sort that out for you if you have to go down that route.  There's a possibility that I'll get a reversal but the waiting times are long as it's not an emergency but that's fine with me as I haven't made the final decision on whether or not to have it.  Having a stoma hasn't prevented me from doing my usual stuff.  I can now eat what I like, get out and about every day, wear the same clothes and have been on holiday - including a 5 hour flight.  Just normal things.

All the best and good luck.

Hi Anny Thank you for your reply and yes I am having keyhole surgery. I am keeping up with the walks . All the best toyou and your husband. 

I would like to thank you all for the kind supportive words. I feel a little easier now knowing there are people out there who care and give advise. I will keep my chin up and let you all know how i get on in the next couple of weeks and how the Op went, when i finally have it. 

Thank you all once again. Stay safe 

Bink101

Pleased to have helped. Hope all goes well keep us updated   There’s a stoma support group here if you need. There’s amazing support and tips. They really helped me  

Good luck