Hey there. I had my surgery on 12th December and I’ve been off work since then. I’ve just been sent my follow up appointment which is 29th Jan.
This is with the surgeon . I’ve literally no idea when I should be going back to work. I’m definitely not ready yet. Sitting in a chair gets painful on my right side (I’ve no idea why there). and I get dizzy if I walk too far and while my bowel has been amazing I get nervous when I need to poop and I take my time. Pre cancer I’d never poop anywhere except for at home and only at work if I was sick. I haven’t even got a sick note or a fit for work I think it is now. My employers have been amazing but even though they are not even asking me when I will be going back I feel like I should at least give them an idea. Bit of my back story. I’m on a contract which was due to end mid Jan. I even got myself a new job while this whole thing was going on. I bury my head and plough on with what I know best. Anyhow my current employer extended my contract for which I’m so grateful because they know me and know my situation.
Do I make an appointment with my GP and get them to give me the fit for work or wait until my appointment?
Also now I’m reading into the fact that I’m seeing the surgeon as good news but I don’t want to get my hopes up chemo and radiation obviously terrifies me. Probably more so than the operation but I need to get my head into a place where further treatment might be needed and I will be grateful for it. What are your experiences? I thought if they found a spread into my lymph nodes I might get an early call back but I did read somewhere either here on in one of the booklets that they allow recovery from the surgery first.
I don’t need a diagnosis just your experience and I must say this far you guys have been the most amazing support I’ve started to read the chemo threads over the last few weeks. Knowledge is power and for all of you sharing your journeys thank you!
Hi Scout,
I’m so glad we’ve helped you! That has made my day. I don’t think any of us know what to do and that’s why this forum is an absolute lifeline. Now you focus on getting well xxxx
You’re all helping me more than you can ever know. Thank you so much xxx
Just an update. I got that early call from the hospital yesterday and it was the best news that I could hope for. My cancer had gone into the bowel wall so is classed as T2 but all of the 17 lymph nodes removed were clear. I don’t need any further treatment. I’m beyond grateful.
That’s brilliant news Scoutabout - so pleased for you x
It’s amazing and down to the work of the NHS. I had a brush with cancer and I’m ok I feel incredibly lucky. There is no reason why I’m ok and others aren’t it’s pure luck which is cruel. I know I’ll feel guilt because I have friends with different cancers at different stages. My own dad never got this news but I’m so incredibly grateful.
This is just brilliant news!!!!!! Am so pleased for you. Now continue to rest, no thinking about work. Nurse told me post op I will need at least 8 weeks recovery. Sometimes more. Work can also do an occupational health referral for a phased return. Xx
I wanted to dance around the house but then I remembered my dancing days will have to wait. The nurse made a very good point that when we go back to work after these operations the people around us forget very quickly what we’ve been through and just because we are back they expect the previous version of us to show up. I’m taking the full 6 weeks and I’ll go back but I’ll just do 3 or 4 days a week and see how I go.
I’ve been out on my second solo dog walk to celebrate.
That’s absolutely AMAZING news Scoutabout !!! Great to know that everything was contained, removed & no further treatment needed!!! Awesome!
Did they give you any advice with respect to follow up or ongoing screening?
I still have my appointment with the surgeon at the end of the month so I think they will tell me what happens next with regards to ongoing screening. At my pre op I was told that I’d be called back regularly for tests. I can’t remember I think 6 months then every 12 months. I feel confident that I’m in the system
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