Hi All,
Just wanted to share, especially for those of you going through a particularly tough time at the moment – there can be light at the end of the dark tunnel.
In November 2020 I was diagnosed with rectal cancer – (T3N1M0). Then surgery, LAR with loop ileostomy, followed by FOLFOX chemo cut short due to proctitis. Ileostomy reversal, followed by 4 episodes of blocked bowel due small leak at anastomosis and build-up of scare tissue. July 2022 - Further procedure to dialate and stretch the constricted area failed with a perforated bowel. Emergency surgery similar to right hemicolectomy, stint in ICU.
July 2022 to September 2022 were horrendous – almost bed bound, diarrhoea and incontinence each time I moved. At this point I felt life was pretty miserable and although I didn’t have suicidal thoughts, I did wonder if it was worth living. However, I had my daughter’s wedding to look forward to, so had to give it my best shot. Little by little I improved and although now diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption I can control things most of the time by following a very, very low fat diet.
So, on Saturday 29th April 2023 our beautiful, talented, inspiring, supportive daughter married her equally gorgeous, inspiring, talented, supportive fiancé. What a fantastic day it was; we couldn’t have wished for a better one! It was absolutely beautiful, amazing, joyous, magical and of course very emotional. I was so happy to be there to share the occasion- (there had been times I didn’t think I’d make it). We were and are blessed.
Meeting their wonderful friends and speaking to them has made me realise I’ve been living in something of a tunnel since Covid and my diagnoses. And rather than just enjoy life in my ‘closed circle’ I need to get out there and embrace it and experience all I can. Over last few days I’ve realised that this is the first time I’ve truly felt as I did before my diagnoses. There are some strong, kind, talented, compassionate (younger) people out there, as well as on this forum and speaking to them last weekend has made me remember I’m one of them – just not as young
.
Sending love and hugs to you all and especially the ones on here who have helped me through the last couple of years
.
Net x
