Grieving for my life before bowel cancer diagnosis

Hi Jeri29. Sorry to hear about your night pain. It is always worse in the night unless you can distract yourself and the painkillers too. I sometimes get my kindle out and read for an hour. (If I can concentrate!) Yes, I do love Strictly! It is just lovely light and frothy entertainment. Cheers me up, and I love the outfits. So glamorous. I am not sure on a winner yet either. Some of them seem to have a bit of an advantage in that they have obviously danced quite a bit before. Watched Frozen Planet tonight. Amazing photography. Hope you sleep well tonight, pain free. 

Thanks for your message Rosbear, it was lovely to receive. Grand to know you’re a fan of Strictly too. I’d like the playing field to be flatter. It just doesn’t seem fair if they’ve had dancing lessons or experiences before.

How are you doing?

Thanks for your well wishes, last 2 evenings I’ve tried to have pain killers later so I sleep through early hours. However, it also depends on how much I’ve drunk of course. Talked to specialist nurse today who reminded me about putting Epsom salts in bath which apparently enhances healing. Also suggested increasing medication.

How’s your day been?

Haven’t watched Frozen planet yet but hope to soon on i-player.

Sending a big hug

Hello again Jeri29. Sorry you are still getting a lot of pain. I don’t suppose a hot water bottle helps at all? I have had one on me today for a bit of comfort as it has been feeling a bit cooler. I have a face to face Consultation with my oncologist tomorrow morning with my husband and one of my daughters. Quite important as I have to make a decision about my future treatment. Depending on what he tells me. I also sought a 2nd opinion from a Prof Jamie Murphy on Monday. But he is a surgeon and I am not sure I am strong enough for any more radical surgery. Have been feeling a lot better and don’t want to go back to how I was in hospital a month ago. Probably won’t get much sleep tonight! Kindle at the ready. You will enjoy Frozen Planet. Hope you have a decent night.  Take care of yourself and keep warm and cosy! 

Hi Rosbear,

How did your consultation go? Good to hear you took support with you. Very wise to get a second opinion too. I wonder what you’ve decided to do, it sounds a difficult decision to make.

Did you sleep at all the night before? Having your kindle ready sounds well prepared..

Been advised to increase pain killers, will have meeting with specialist nurse tomorrow. He’s very good, supportive and knowledgeable.

I asked about hot water bottle and told not to use probably due to position of cancer. I’m keeping warm with a snuggly blanket when resting on sofa.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sending a big hug.

I have been prescribed serious pain killers for an unrelated ailment (non cancer). But over time that regime has completely wrecked my digestive system. (I will spare you details). But I am now under a nurse led clinic to try and restore some order. So pain killers are very much a double edged sword. 

Hi Simon

Thanks for posting. I’ve never been a fan of taking tablets So was reluctant to take them at first as I thought they might have side effects.

I appreciate you sharing your experiences as it gives me more insight into the use of pain killers.

I hope the nurse led clinic helps you and enables you to have more order. As you say a double edged sword but this seems to be the case for other things too. 

Just have to make the best decision at the time with the information available.

Hi there same here unfortunately you gain some relief from the medication but then get nasty side effects like you say double edged sword x

Me too ! Twenty years later and my digestive track wants no more of them . 
However I do take them sometimes to bring the pain down but one dose only and keep my probiotics up . 

Caught between a rock and a hard place at times but I can see now why people are careful what they put in .

Court 

Hello Jeri29. Thankyou for asking about my Consultation. The 2nd opinion was Prof Jamie Murphy. His option would be quite radical surgery, which is not suitable for me for various reasons. My oncology team in Velindre spent an hour with us and went through everything in detail. Basically I have to decide whether to go back on Chemo or not. Bearing in mind that the last lot caused me to be hospitalised with partial blockage, which has caused me to be on a fairly restricted diet (low fibre) However, Oncologist said dosage of Chemo would be modified. I was already on reduced last time. I have now been off Chemo for 6 weeks and my quality of life is better. Don’t know what to do really! Will have to make a decision soon. Look after yourself and keep snuggly under your blankets!

In my arsenal of medication I am prescribed Oramoph (morphine) which is really bad for errr side effects.