New diagnosis

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I had a Left Hemicolectomy to remove a cancerous tumor from my bowel in January. I do not need chemo but it was still shock to the system to learn that I had cancer. I have recovered well from the surgery although it is taking time for my bowel movements to get back to normal. I am looking forward to learning how other people cope with their diagnosis and with the thoughts that the cancer could return.

hutchm over 3 years ago

I,m also nervous my operation was one year ago yesterday, and I have to go for a colonoscopy on friday and I am worried they will find something else.

Celandine over 3 years ago in reply to hutchm

It is understandable that you are worried. I hope that all goes well for you.

hutchm over 3 years ago in reply to Celandine

Thanks will keep everyone updated

Nelly1955 over 3 years ago

Hello Celandine, I finished treatment last October, I had chemradiation, of which I had complete response. I have not coped well, I am on antidepressants. I’m hoping with time and out of this Covid chaos . I hope we all get to the new normal. Take care

Nelly1955 over 3 years ago in reply to hutchm

Wishing you well with your tests. Take care

Gemmary over 3 years ago

Hi Celandine, I think everyone thinks exactly the same! It does ease off, except when the anniversary comes round. Try reading the paper, that hopefully courtcan tag, as I failed! Hope you feel better as time progresses, the bowels do take time to settle, and it will be to a new normal as your bowel is shorter. Take care

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi Celandine. Yes it does take a while to recover both mentally and physically but time is a great healer for both. You will have regular checkups which will be reassuring and every clear result will push it further back in your mind. It feels a bit daunting to go from having lots of scans and meetings to suddenly being left to get on with life but this board is always here for you.

Ive put a link below to the paper that Gemmary mentioned. Some people find it really helps and others put it away to read a bit further down the line?

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/LivingWell_BowelCancerUK.pdf

hutchm good luck for friday

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Celandine over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Thank you Gemmary, it is good to have people on here who understand. It is often difficult to discuss these aspects with family and friends as we do not want to worry them.

Celandine over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi Kareno62 - Thank you for the links - I will read them later. I have also requested some of the Macmillan booklets. I have a really good Colorectal nurse and have contacted her a couple of times since I got home but it is also good to be able to talk to people on a board like this that really understand how a cancer diagnosis feels.