After surgery

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I was diagnosed with bowel cancer after long period of feeling unwell severely fatigued and palpitations tests found severe anaemia and low red blood cells after 14 months without diagnosis. Lots of sleepless nights and crying not knowing what was to come.

I had right side bowel removal and resection stage 3 bowel cancer 18 lymph nodes removed 16’weeks ago. Pathology good no chemo needed which is hard to get my head round as was prepared for chemo all along. Surgeons did a good job. Sense of relief and guilt for all the others that aren’t so lucky and to go on chemo journey.
Just finding it hard as people think I am better and ok and I’m not - think it’s because I didn’t have to have chemo they think you’re fine - it definitely takes away your old self away and makes you think differently about everything.

Recovery is hard - I’m managing to walk around 30 mins a day now - came home during the heatwaves so couldn’t do a lot then. Just the fatigue it’s only 16 weeks but get tierd so quickly and body feels wrecked. Bowels are not too bad but you do become scared to eat some things - have only just introduced fibre by bread and vegetables.

My first blood was clear of markers and the next is due December. I had a spinal block for surgery and my legs certainly still feel wierd. Ache most days.

Now have received a letter earlier than expected for a breast screening so another worry. Always thinking it will come back or is it somewhere else in between telling myself to be positive.

Final note - so glad to be alive. would love to hear from anyone re feelings / diet and how you are coping.

Anbou 20 days ago

Hello Dorothea, I had a large right bowel cancer, was advanced stage 3, resectioned in 2023 with some 36 lymph nodes removed of which around 18 were affected. Followed by Capox chemo and subsequently 2 courses of radiotherapy for two seperate issues finishing in november 24, and both successful. After routine scans and bloods, I have twice been given the all clear, the last one in July 26. I am a male aged 82. I now live a normal active life, fully mobile, and have tried to bias towards a mixed diet with plenty of fruit and veg, as well as some meat, fish etc, preferably smaller meals but important to chew well and not eat too fast. Enjoy coffee, tea and not shy of biscuits and/or a pastry most days! I do a lot of walking and try to do some 10-15 mins of easy aerobic type exercises daily incl light weights. If occasional tiredness sets in, a lie down of an hour or so followed by movement helps.

I have posted several in the past. I hope the above helps to reassure you that you will progress back to feeling ok. Good and lucky that you have not needed chemo thanks to surgery. (p.s I find a little prune juice and a chunk of pineapple and other fruit with cereal or porridge breakfast helps. Seeded bread of course, if you like bread.)

I presume that you will be having routine scans and bloods to check/confirm that all is ok post the resection.

Amazing the advances made in treatments for all sorts of cancers, which should help to reassure those who have to confront this challenge. Best wishes.

Dorothea 17 days ago in reply to Anbou

Hi Anbou

Thankyou for your reply - it’s reassuring to know how you coped with your journey and helpful tips for diet. Most of our time is spent learning how to manage all of it - when you are an active person it’s hard to be patient and accept your limits but time will improve things and tests/scans/ahead of me. Best wishes to you.

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