HELLO

Hi Everyone. I have joined today.

My story is - I was referred to my local hospital in South Wales for a colonoscopy  following a routine blood test in August 2021 where it was found my iron levels were low - I had no other symptoms apart from feeling tired which I put down to working and everyday life… I was put on a course of iron tablets in the meantime… I had the colonoscopy on 16th Nov 2021 where it was discovered I had a 3 cm bleeding tumour… to say I was shell shocked was an understatement.! I had biopsies taken and as I thought turned out to be cancerous and was then sent for a CT scan to make sure it had not spread to any other parts of my body which thankfully it had not. I had my operation ( Right hemicolectomy)  on 17th Dec 2021 and came out 3 days before Christmas… I was delighted when I asked the consultant if I would still be able to eat Christmas dinner and have a few glasses of Prosecco to which she replied I could.I was told I could eat basically anything (I love my food.! ) but little and often… I had to wait until the New Year for the results from the removal of the tumour to see what stage the cancer was at and whether I would  need any further treatment… I was told I had Stage 3 cancer but would need no further treatment as the consultant told me where the tumour was located (Caecum) was the best place to have it and the fact that I am fit and healthy for my age. My first follow up appointment is on 13th July . The NHS were and have been exceptional with my care before and after with plenty of follow up calls from the colorectal nurses and the very short time from diagnosis to the operation- only 4 weeks - and I have had no after effects and I have not had any real issues with my toilet habits.! 
Apologies for the lengthy tale but it helps me to talk about it.!