I am 27 years old with stage 4 colon cancer

Hi there, I know its a massive shock to get the diagnosis, i was 46 and thought i was young, so can only imagine what its like for you - I’m really sorry.  No easy answers but all I’d say is that the doctors are great and I’m sure will be honest and straight forward about the options.  Hopefully this group is the right place for support and I’ve always found someone with a similar experience. There will no doubt be ups and downs, use your family and friends as they’ll be a great help.

i had chemo then radiotherapy  then an op  Hope your chemo goes well.  Hopefully you’ll get some good advice.

I know the start is really hard, but hang in there

Bruce

Thank you BCH

46 is still young. My oncologist has been great, has a good plan. 
Family and friends still in stock but have been super supportive 

Happy to join and share my experience and get advice 

Glad you found the forum Pure4642 I think we all wish at your age you were not having to face treatment . However I also hope we can support you . Chemo became a big player in my mum’s treatment and she has been a stage 4 patient for twelve years so I hope that in itself gives you hope . 
Your team will take really good care of you and for all the tips on how to manage side effects you have this forum to assist you ! 
Lots of people here have managed Oxaliplatin and my mum actually had it over two years . Someone suggested getting ahead of the game by being prepared for some of the side effects with cotton gloves , hand warmers , etc . You will see many people discussing tips on how to manage !

Now a little encouragement for you . Chemotherapy actually on its own causes significant shrinkage for my mum which opened up other options. 
I wish the same for you and more !

Ask anything you like ,

Court 

Hi...so sorry to read about your diagnosis , such a shock for you and your family .  I am new on here so don’t know enough to offer any knowledge on the subject but I wish you well with your treatment...will be thinking of you x

Hi Court 

I am happy I found it. Especially your page, it has given me so much hope. Reading on other people who've talked about the side effects has helped me prepare. I've bought a lot of things they have suggested to help with the side effects. It has also helped me prepare mentally.

I am still finding it hard to accept what is happening partly because I kept going to my Gp explaining blood In my stool, I was having abdominal pain and bloating. They didn't take me seriously for almost a year until I got really ill and ended up in A&E. I am thrilled with the oncologist team. They've been very helpful and informative. 

My main worry is the side effects, like how long are they going to last for. How long it will take to recover after treatment. Worst part because of COVID, I can't bring anyone with me to chemo. 

Hi Cruising 

Thank you. The hardest part is watching how it is affecting my family. We are all sensitive, lol. 

Welcome to the forum. I hope it helps you as much as it is helping me. X 

Great effort Pure4642 my mum was about three cycles in before we even thought of preparing . One wee tip my mum was dreadful at was staying hydrated obviously not chilled water but with a drop of warm water added to prevent a reaction . Dehydration during chemotherapy made her symptoms much worse and a few times they took her in overnight and gave her fluids and it made the world of difference. She got round it by small sips frequently as opposed to trying to drink large amounts in one sitting ! 

I have to say it is very difficult to hear that you had been trying to raise your concerns about your health . Bowel cancer charities have been trying to raise awareness on this very subject. Previously it was  more prevalent in an older population but there has been a rise in younger people and it’s been raised as a concern . I really wish it had been different for you .

So glad my mum’s story gave you a boost . I am going to tag in  as her husband’s story will give you more insight into how he addressed a spread to the lungs successfully ! You have a great oncologist and that’s incredibly important going forward . 

Covid is a complete pain however the nurses will take exceptionally good care of you and your team I am sure will be at the door to help you home ! That was the part my mum needed a wee hand in .

Each chemo day we imagined the cancer shrinking and getting brought under control ! In some small way it helped to process the entire event a little !

If it’s any help my mum’s first cycle was completely symptom free ! The steroids kept her going the first few days then she would dip a bit . But she listened to her body and did what it required. She rested when needed . The second year she actually had a small dose reduction and was able to go out for coffees etc as it took the edge off her side effects. They won’t leave you to suffer ! My mum was quite fortunate as after chemo stopped she was able to recover after a few weeks . A bit of neuropathy but she can handle it . Did a bit of sea kayaking six weeks later .

The other thing we found important is staying connected to your life . We did different projects from Christmas projects to cushion covers . What she could not do I did but between us we had something to show ! It helped to think of other things . Nail art etc , whatever interests you . It stopped chemo being her only and every thought even if it was just for a few hours . That’s where your family can help . If side effects are bad that week you can easily drop it ! Others here have been told moderate exercise like walking helps with recovery . Must look to see if there is any information on that . Also be prepared for the odd week where chemo may be delayed . It happens and it’s better to roll with the punches and enjoy an extra weeks recovery but be prepared mentally that it can happen ! 

Just my opinion but I think it’s completely understandable to find it hard to come to terms with that . And I for one will be hoping for significant, significant shrinkage for you ! 

Take care ,

• Court 

court , thanks for the advice. Honestly, I am writing everything down. I also, at the time, struggle to drink the daily recommended amount of water. I bought a cute water bottle that helps. Your mum sounds amazing and she is lucky to have you to support her. 

I had to thank the nurse who referred me to a Specialist. I wouldn't know where I would be today if it weren't for her. Even the specialist didn't want me to have a colonoscopy, but I had to fight for it. I am happy I did. I hope in the future I can help with these projects to spread awareness. 

Thank you for tagging her because I have not seen much on dealing with the spread to the lungs. 

Aww, your projects sound fantastic. I am still looking into things to do. So far, I've started painting numbers which has helped a lot with my anxiety. I started reading again since I am unable to work. Quite annoying, I started the first step for my career job last year August. If anyone knows any good books to read, I am all ears. I am so happy I've joined you have helped me a lot. 

How did you cope with everything? I can see my family is finding it hard, especially my younger sister

Hi Pure4642

I have just emailed Macmillan to see if there is any resources which might be useful for your sister to read or link in with . They might contact you directly. Your family can also use our helpline 0808 808 0000 . On overwhelming days it’s good to have someone confidential to let it out to ! They can do this in complete confidence.

I can’t honestly say I did very well at the beginning as I just did not see it coming . Lots of tears and anxiety, fears too ! However what I would say , this is part is very hard as they gather the information and it felt as though it got worse ! Then when the treatment plan actually came together it  started to feel something was been done ! It was been targeted and treated ! That was a bit easier. Your family love you and together you will start to move forward . 

We are hear for them too ! We have carer forums or they might like to use a completely different site like Bowel cancer U.K. where they have a private carers forum and people can get the support they need there. What’s important is to find a safe place to get support and grew strength .

How special are you taking care of your family !

Take care ,

Court 

https://be.macmillan.org.uk/Downloads/CancerInformation/LivingWithAndAfterCancer/MAC17643E01Cancer-and-relationshipslowresPDF20190221.pdf?_ga=2.26297597.1925160198.1621378558-656812374.1621378558&_gac=1.175247030.1621498333.eaiaiqobchmi0m6r_ufx8aivg-5rch3wuanueaayasaaegjcdvd_bwe

Macmillan wondered if this link might be helpful for you as a family !

take care ,

Court