Middle of the night

Hi Claire,

I’m sorry you’re feeling so anxious. 
I found that I was more scared when I didn’t know what the outcome of the many tests and procedures were. Yes, everything happens so quickly and you feel as if you’re on a roller coaster of medical activity. 
I can only speak for myself, but once I knew what I was dealing with and the pace of everything slowed down it was easier. I started hearing about the successful outcomes for so many people. I had a brilliant team of people caring for me, and that care continues, even after the surgery and chemo. Things will settle down. 
I won’t say try not to worry because that’s pretty impossible, but do try not to let it overwhelm you. I hope that once you know what you’re dealing with you’ll be able to settle down and cope. I know I did. 
good luck x

Thank you x

Hi Claire,

Lovely to meet you! Think we’ve all probably been there at some stage (the anxiety & panic)

The best thing I can say to you is just take one step at a time... That’s how I’m getting through it... I try not to think too far ahead coz life loves an olde curve ball for us..

I have found meditation (also reiki & shamanic journeys) to be very helpful in keeping me right & practice gratitude in being thankful which I feel definitely keeps my glass half full :-)

Best of luck with your colonoscopy

Suzyl

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board from me too. I’m glad that you’ve found us and that everyone’s posts are helping. You can ask anything you like on here but please stay away from google - it is out of date, inaccurate and downright scary in places. Bowel cancer (if that’s what it turns out to be) is very treatable nowadays and once you have a plan in place, things will start to feel a little better.

We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery so will be happy to support you through this. I’m nearly 4.5 years clear now so I’m sending you a virtual hug and slice of cake and hopefully you’ll sleep a little better tonight

Please keep posting (and reading) and let us know how you’re doing

Take care

Karen x

Thank you. Knowing there is a community of people here does help.

Hello Claire,

You mentioned the magic word - humour!

We all approach our diagnosis then prognosis with near disbelief. I initially went to my GP with chronic stomach cramp and after a bit of a prod he suggested I buy some Windeze! Two days later I was having an emergency operation for bowel cancer, waking up in intensive care to learn that I had a) survived and b) now had a colostomy.

I'll cut a much longer story short to say where I am, 18 months down the track, covid interrupted chemo and plenty more besides. As I type I'm in the middle of my third lot of Chemo but this time I'm on this very new drug called Braftovi. Just like the previous two mixes the current chemo saps all my energy BUT it has taken a lot of the pain away and my appetite has improved slightly.

Now I feel that I might have the chance to survive a bit longer but am sort of pleased that I've got a realistic sense of perspective on life. I've always been a devout agnostic and nothings changed. I've got brilliant support from friends and family - and this forum has also helped! I'm thankful for all the things I haven't got - covid, just to mention one.

Nobody knows how long they've got - my mum had an operation for bowel cancer, refused chemo and she's still here - 30 years later. Honest. So just enjoy life for what it is. I just bought a Porsche last week - honest! Why not!

Reasons to be cheerful.

Gaul

Oh yes!

Humour & a Porsche, I’ll have what you’re having

Suzy 

Thanks for this message. Hope you are enjoying the new Porsche!

Hello there  you sound in great spirits despite treatment and a new Porsche to scoot about in ! Very stylish and why not in deed .

Great to hear from you as ever and I am just off to look up your new chemo . Never heard of that one before ! Have you become a medical trailblazer?

Have a great day !

Court 

I just popped onto the European Medical agency and see it’s specifically for the Braftv600 mutation ! And the research looks encouraging !

So , so good to see progress like this !

Court