Bowel cancer carers, family and friends chat

I have one friend near me and another down south and Australia.  The one near me says just accept it, easier said than done. I panic when out as well. I am not housebound but don’t like to leave him. He pulls around about lunch time when his colour looks better. I am keeping my fingers crossed for his next bloods. He has had his first chemo and is on a break.  Starts again on 28 March. Is the second chemo worse as he was not sick just he could not put his hands in the fridge, a bit of disorientation but pooping is awful. His eyes were blood shot and is now taking something for it to help. Again thank you all x

Hi Distraught.

I've found risottos have been great on low residue diet. You can do with fish or chicken, and add herbs + stocks to ensure you have a variety of flavours. You can also add a little root veg to give you nutrients and different flavours + textures.

As you can see from my username, i've also found great comfort in toast and crumpet based light meals

Thank you any more suggestion’s would be appreciated x

Hi again Distraught.

Food wise, i've eaten heaps of fish (mackerel, sardines, cod, haddock, anchoivies, salmon, etc) but had to avoid any breadcrumbs or heavy oils as my bowel just couldn't take it.

I found shredding fish onto boiled pasta and topping a little grated cheese or a cheese sauce was really tasty.

Depending what you read and choose to believe, i've also opted for lots of tree nuts (almonds, hazlenuts, walnuts, cachew, brazil nut, etc). There is some research that says it helps reduce cancer reoccurance. If the research is wrong, at least i enjoy the crunch, flavours and bundles of nutrients.

Jelly has been great too as you get so many different flavours, so you brain feels your being more adventurous than you really are.

I am pretty much in the same situation and can’t quite believe it’s all happening so quickly. My husband is currently in hospital with an infection and on drips and as his bloods are low his second chemo has been cancelled. I just want to cry as all our plans etc have gone and he looks so frail so quickly. It’s so hard trying to out a brave face on and I’m not sleeping very much. We are getting lots of medical help etc but it’s constant telephone calls appointments seems like every day there’s no time to take it in.  Sorry if this doesn’t help xx Take care

So sorry torry. Try and stay strong which is easier said than done. I know exactly how you feel. Having no family only a daughter going back to Australia and another one with two young children I feel so alone, sad and frightened.  My thoughts are with you. How many sessions has he had. I am thinking of you x

He has only had one chemo and had to have one radiotherapy but it all seems to have floored him and now an infection too. He can barely walk and has lost so much weight. Also dealing with our son who is on end of life care, fortunately our daughter is an absolute star and helping as much as she can working full time and having her own family. So I can completely get where you are coming from x

Gosh that is a lot to deal with. My hubby has had one lot of chemo but no radiotherapy.  I don’t know what to say. Daughter came home from Australia but goes back on 6 April and I don’t particularly want to be on my own as it makes you feel lonely. That is so much to take in.  I thought I was a strong person but apparently I am not as I am shaking writing this. I am eating but still losing weight. I really feel for you torry at this so sad time. I will be thinking of you x

Same x good luck x

Just keep us all informed.  I will be thinking of you. Again thank you all for your support x