Husbands symptoms

Hi Liane, it is a stressful time for you all. But remember they work wonders nowadays, with me I had colon cancer which spread locally to my duodenum. I was lucky enough to be given immunotherapy. I to had an operation a right hemicolectomy and part of my duodenum removed and here I am now clear for 2 years. I know its hard and no one can say it will be fine for certain but try to be positive. As for the accidents I had that for nearly two years after I found the cure myself. I have given loads of info on it in a posting starting “Call to arms BAM” it might help sometime in the future. My thoughts are with you both and good luck and I hope everything goes great 

Hi Tom

Thanks so much for replying. I shall certainly look up your posts. 

Great to hear you are doing well, that's all any of us can ask for. 

For me I just feel helpless, we can't do much as the need for the loo is always there, meaning we're certainly in the cabin fever phase. 

His diagnosis came half way through me working my notice, was supposed to start a new job next Monday, obviously have postponed that and they have been great, the thought of a new job through all of us, is just rubbish. Obviously nothing compared to what James is going through, but still. Life has certainly turned upside down. X

Hi Liane and a warm welcome to the board. Yes it’s a horrible time and impacts the whole family but the operation is not far away so try to focus on the fact that by the end of that day the cancer will have been removed.

Recovery from the operation is about 6 weeks with no lifting anything heavier than a kettle with 1 cup of water in and no driving until he can safely perform an emergency stop. I’ve attached a link to a useful booklet about the op which has a handy list of things to take - an extra long charging cable is a must. I had a temporary stoma after my op but once I had that reversed I found the need to go came in very quickly so I had a handy bag that I could take with me containing clean underwear, wipes, cream, pads etc. 

https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/Your_Operation/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Your_Operation_Booklet.pdf

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable. Once the tumour has been removed then it will be sent off to the lab for testing and that will define whether any further treatment is needed but cross that bridge when you get to it. 
Theres lots of success stories on here and I’ve seen so many people pass through the board and are now getting on with their lives. 

I became friendly with 2 ladies online during my treatment and we’re meeting up on Saturday to celebrate 10 years of being cancer free - it can be tough at times but it’s doable and we’ll be happy to help and support you both through this 

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen

Thanks for replying and for the useful info. It is one thing at a time, and yes the op needs to be done to get this thing out! One week and counting now. 

How lovely you are meeting up this weekend to celebrate 10years, how fantastic is that.

I will keep you all posted. X

Hi Liane,

You’ve hit a horrible situation no one ever wanted to be in but this is a helpful, supportive community where you can express your concerns, ask questions and rant when you need to - we know what it’s like …. 
Tom and Karen have given you lots of useful information and a way to think about getting through what feels like the worst time of your life. I think sometimes it’s worse to be the partner of the patient - you’re desperately trying to help but so much is out of your control. Try to take it one step at a time and keep positive. Easier said than done but by keeping to routines and controlling what you can you’ll give yourself the best chance. I hope your husband’s surgery goes well. 

Hi Karen, 

• I was so pleased to see you’re celebrating 10 years with your friends. Sharing this gives us all hope.

Thank you. We just feel floored by it all. He is petrified of the op. But needs must!

I can't wait for it, then his symptoms hopefully will stop, before no doubt we get a shed load more from chemo. X