Bowel cancer - second diagnosis in 6 months

Hi 

I think that it's entirely up to you but I am giving the chemo (now onto my second regime) another chance. They have said that I can get 2 cycles of 4 treatments. This regime is tougher (infusion and then 2 weeks of 6 x 500 mg Capecitabine tablets a day) but after 3 days I'm coping ok with it. I'm very aware that this can change though. I have even stopped my homeopathy treatment and reduced all the supplements that I was taking. There are so many conflicting views on whether that stuff helps or works against the chemo drugs.

I think that as long as you are happy with your choice, your family should support you. Plus, don't give up... You never know. 

Good luck 

Steak 

HI 

Thanks for your reply. I epathise where you're at in treatment, I was on the same regime, 8 cycles Oxyplatin  intravenious, then two weeks of twice daily Capeciatabine, week off, naively thinking I'd feel fine on free week, when in reality all I could do was mentally and physically prep for next cycle. A corner of unimaginable hell. This time around it's surgery again, likely chemo and radiotherapy but it feels like it's just holding back the tide. Had PET/CT scan and back at oncology next week. I've lived all this through lockdown and shielding, like millions of others. 

Holding positive thoughts for you 

To both of you, being through bowel cancer myself I wish you both a good recovery.   I know it is like going through hell with sickness and severe fatigue, dreading the time you have to go back for more treatment, but I persevered and prayed (even though I am not religious) that I would get through it.  This was my second time I was going through it as well, but with a longer gap than yourself Gerbera22. After this I endured a massive operation to remove various organs.  The average time was supposed to be 21 days in hospital and that is what normally happens, however due to complications during the operation I ended up staying in hospital for 10 months and left disabled.  I suffered for the 10 months and months after getting back home.  The point is, was it worth it?  I would say yes it was,  After my last scan, the cancer had still not reappeared, this is after 2.5 years,   I know everyone is different and the choice is yours, for me I decided to do it for myself and my family, who would have missed me dearly. But it is your decision and yours alone, it is your life. I wish you both well.  I am open to any questions.  Take care

Hi Redhead33786

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience, I can hardly comprehend what you have been through but happy for you that it was the right thing and that you remain cancer free. 

I do think family circumstances make a difference, I never had children (circumstance not choice) I do have extended family and my partner of 8 years but I am so coloured by my experiences from early childhood through recent adulthood of losing so many loved ones to this disease. I know I need more information on what I will be dealing with but it's good to be here to read of others experiences.

Take good care and sending great positivity for your future health.