New Diagnosis

Hi Cleo,

It's scary I know.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer on 28/01/22 and because of pain etc I had one of 3 surgeries on 01/02/22 and had two more surgeries within a week. (You can read my story by clicking on the icon by my name. You can read everyone's by doing the same with their name/icon).

I can honestly say I have never been so terrified and like you my family live 100s of miles away so I was and still am very alone (I'm in Glasgow, family in Kent).They couldn't even visit because of Covid but I met some great doctors and nurses who gave me the will and confidence to cope.

The old saying of "it will get easier" is hard to hear but it does. I woke up with a stoma and thought I would never be able to cope but now I don't even think about it when I change it.

I am about to start chemotherapy this Friday (15/04/22) and again I'm dreading it but I know I can and will cope. I've been through so much already this is just the next step.

So what I'm trying to say is tell your partner he has to release his emotions. He will have good and bad days (sometimes VERY bad days) but everyday is a learning day. But I found from experience you have to let your emotions out. Tell him to talk through his anger/fear and tell you/everyone how is feeling. There are councillors and nurses/doctors there to help. Plus we on here have all been through similar experiences and we will listen, advise and help when we can. 

I hope everything goes well for you both. Feel free to talk and ask anything. We are here to help. 

Good luck

London (David)

Hi Cleo123. I can’t comment on why so much is being removed so you will have to trust your surgeons judgement on that one - the important part is that the tumour is removed. I don’t know if the op is going to be keyhole or open but recovery is generally about 1 week in hospital then 5 weeks at home. My husband had a few days off work but once I started to feel a bit better he used to just set me up with drinks and snacks prepared and I was ok for the day. He won’t be able to lift anything heavier than a kettle with a cupful of water in and no driving for 6 weeks. Encourage him to take small walks and build up daily. 
I’ve attached a link to a booklet that you might like to have a quick look at - it’s got some ideas of things to take into hospital like a long charging cable!

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

Please feel free to ask if there’s anything specific that you’re worried about and hope the op goes well

Take care

Karen x