Newly diagnosed

Hi, I am in the same situation, I can so relate to all you say, jumping to conclusions is how I am spending my day , I was diagnosed on colonoscopy last week ,awaiting CT next week, I am a keen jogger and climber , and enjoy keeping fit, and I have gone to pieces emotionally. My appetite has gone , and I am struggling not to loose weight . Everything that happens I take as a bad omen. Like you I have an incredible wife and lovely children ,how I would be without them for support I do not know. I found it helpful to read your post as at least it makes me realise how much anxiety is part of this stage. I too feel self indulgent but writing it does help.  Could you try a short bike ride and I will try a short jog.

Hi 

Welcome to the forum .

You are not indulgent at all this is exactly what we are here for . To support people as they go through various aspects of this process as the health team work hard on their behave to achieve a better health outcome for them . Bowel cancer caught early really can be very successful. My own mum’s was not caught early but yet she is here twelve years later !

There are many unknowns at this stage and I think everyone here would totally agree it’s one of the hardest parts as the team pull all the information together to creat a better picture of what approach is best ! That can take a few weeks but most people also report it gets significantly better when a treatment plan is put in place and structure to move it forward .

Great to see you are so fit ! A lot of research coming through about the benefits of being fit post op and on recovery . Are you still able to do some exercise? It one aspect you can still control !

It’s very hard to eat when you feel so anxious . Hopefully with more information it will settle in time . 

The best piece of advice about being fatalistic came from a patient . Keep your mind where your body is ! Every time you start down the chain of negative thinking try pull it back and think about it having treatment options. I am going to tag in Kareno62as she had a lot of experience in this and Marianne26 who will be able to share their direct experiences. Just to reassure you though I was exactly the same about my mum even as a carer I could see no way forward but her team found a way !

Take care ,

Court 

Hi 

Welcome to you too! Again I am very sorry you had to join us here on the bowel forum but hope we can offer you some support as you navigate this very difficult part of the process.

Great to hear you as so fit too! Good on you for getting out for a short jog and feel free to post your achievements on our “chat up thread “ . Encouraging each other out the door and controlling aspects of your life through this process is very powerful.

I also what to reassure you despite the negative thoughts that pass through everyone’s mind they definitely do not impact the outcome of your treatment . It’s is truly just the very difficult emotions surfacing . Perfectly normal . My mum has had over 35 scans and I have done mental gymnastics over the majority. None really that accurate ! 
Once the adrenaline settles a bit it’s easier to focus on eating but it’s a process so be very kind to yourself and hopefully you will get a good treatment plan in place soon .

I look forward to hear about your exercises too.

Others will be along to share their experiences and it really does calm some fears !

take care ,

Court 

Thanks I find it very helpful to read 

Hi Cycleman & Twocatsman,

Welcome to the forum- where you will find lots of friendly & invaluable support from all here.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago, just before my 70th birthday. I felt as though I had fallen down a deep black hole - the sense of unreality was palpable. I live alone, & had no idea how I would possibly cope. However, I had wonderful support from my daughter (though she lives 160 miles away,) yet also from some very good friends. However, mentally was very hard to cope with...especially in the first few weeks. But - once a treatment plan was put in place....you are quickly whisked into a whirlwind of events - which though daunting to comprehend, does soon put the situation into reality...which I found helped enormously with my mental state.I am not an exerciser...but as an artist, I found that my painting helped put my mind into another place...to a point where I often had to remind myself that I actually had cancer.

Within a month of diagnosis...I had a left Hemicolectomy, spending 3 days in hospital. I came home alone, & a friend shopped for me for a week. Thereafter, I was doing small shops in the second week.

You both sound very fit...which should go very much in your favour! You may have to have chemo beforehand, or go straight to the Op. Either way, try to retain some of those fitness levels you have attained - yet also, I'm sure that as you both enjoy your pursuits, that will also enhance the mental side of things for you both. I expect your appetite will return...Indulge yourself & eat the things you really enjoy. 

You are both very fortunate to have such strong support from your families & friends...& we all need that support through this journey. Don't hesitate to ask any questions/ get advice on this forum...as there will always be a response.

Thanks you for factoring me in here court

I wish you both very best wishes.

Marianne 26

Hi  and  and a warm welcome to you both from me too. This is the horrible stressful time when your thoughts start to run away with you but please remember that thoughts are not facts - once you have all your scans back and they have agreed a treatment plan for you then things will feel a bit better.

I shall give you both my usual advice which is to stay away from google - it is out of date and downright scary in places - stay on here and the bowel cancer uk board. The fact that you’re both fit is good news and will help you get through your treatment both mentally and physically. I remember my Colorectal Support Nurse telling me about a patient in his 70s who did the 40 mile round trip for his radiotherapy on his bike.

You will both be aware of how foods affect your cycling/running performance so please try to keep your calorie intake up - there will be times along the way when you might unintentionally lose weight and dont want to get to the point where you’re weak and struggling with the treatment.

The next few months will be tough - think running/cycling up Shibden Wall - but it is doable. I am currently 4.5 years clear as are the 2 friends for life that I went through my treatment with.

As you’ve seen already everyone is at different stages of treatment but we’re all here to help and support you both through this

Take care

Karen x

Thank you and also to Twocatsman, Kareno62, & Marianne26.  Talking about it does help a huge amount and to realise that others experience or have experienced similar emotions.

I did get on a bike today for the first time in over a week  which for me is a long time away from it, and yes I did feel a bit better.  Also doing household / gardening jobs helps take your mind off things.  Cheers  

Brilliant effort ! Well done and glad it helped !

Court 

Thanks to Kareno62, & Marianne26 and Cycleman, all such good advice and support with the emotions. An inspiration how you have coped with things 

Well first of all I hope you all doing fine. I have just registered 32 years old myself... This seems to be a good place to share thoughts. I have not had my colonoscopy yet, booked an MRI with a private hospital due this Friday. So yeah I am not diagnosed yet. I could write down my symptoms, but we are all familiar with them (weight loss, fever, feeling tired all the time, bloating, lose/pale sometimes dark bloody stool) I still believe it took my GP way too long to suspect it (or do anything), and book a colonoscopy. Just a month ago I woke up every morning with a belly bloated big as as a watermelon, and having all sorts of symptoms. I decided to fight it, whatever it is, and tried to live as healthy, and active as I can. I do gym, cycling, jogging as much as I can, I still spend whole days in bed sometimes, had days when I felt like this is it, I am dying..... I take all sorts of vitamins and food supplements. Well at least I have less bloating going on, and see little improvements. I believe the last couple of years I knew something was off, and if it took me years to get where I am, it will take a while to get better. This Friday I will have a diagnosis, and I am looking forward to fight whatever disease   I’m facing. Cause I am a tough guy, always been :)))