Husband's bowel cancer tests

Good Morning, 

To avoid a long reply you might click on my name to read a personal account of similar experiences regarding tests, preparatory stoma, chemoradiotherapy, etc. It all took time, it worked and here I am 4 years later on holiday in Tenerife!

Try not to worry about matters over which you have no control. 

Best,

Dulac 

Thank you for your kindness in responding to me. I have read your narrative, which is amazing and makes me more hopeful about our situation. It certainly won't be easy, esp as I have several painful conditions myself. 

Chemo 5 times per week over 5 weeks seems common from my own research. That's at least 450 miles per week that we have to consider - we'll need to sort something in car as sitting is already very uncomfortable for my husband. 

We're second time arounders and got married last year after 15 years together. Now we're over the initial shock of diagnosis and having read several anecdotes of Stage III patients with good outcomes, I feel more positive. 

Thank you, again x

Hi SammiC  try looking in to valley cushions. They’re not cheap but you can rent them or sometimes hospitals may lend them out. My husband had one after his surgery and it seemed to help. We were told to avoid donut cushions as apparently they can put pressure on the wrong space but were told valley cushions were good. May be worth asking the nurse about it.

best of luck x

Hi SammiC 

Have you checked to see if your hospital has any accommodation? I seem to remember mine having a few apartments that patients could use if they had to travel a long distance?
You’ll probably be given a list of appointment times but feel free to ask if they can allocate any that may suit you better - I asked for early morning appointments as the waiting around tended to be less and I could go in to work straight after.

Lastly I just wanted to make you aware of the stoma hoard - lots of help and tips there

 Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support 

Take care

Karen x

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

hi SammiC, 

It sounds like the system is working but has left you trying to keep up.

You should be put in contact with specialist stoma nurses. And when chemo starts the pain should back off. But expect some side effects. These will be drug dependent. 

Radiotherapy is targeted - my man has three tattooed dots that they used to position him. 

Regarding diet, my man is a skinny bean So had to go high sugar, calories and everything and anything he could take. The disease saps energy. Your main hospital should have dieticians too. Make noises. 

Look at getting an SR1. Apparently this can get a PIp payment to help with travel and independence costs. 

Macmillan advisors can help you. 

Live today 

Thank you.

Hi 

I've just read your thread, it's amazing 

The reason for me asking you a question is my husband has had bowel cancer, operation went really well and he got an all clear, apart from follow ups which is amazing 

The one thing I am worried about is he as lost his appetite, he has been out of hospital a week 

He has a stomer, is Loss of appetite normal at first 

Thanks Ruth