Unfortunately, I have had a health scare and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2022 and was admitted to hospital to have half my bowel removed.
I am still on sick leave and recovering well. It’s been a long journey, but I am getting through and coming to terms with the huge lifestyle changes. I have changed my diet to a plant based and vegetarian diet and cut out meat as evidence suggests that red meat can lead to or cause cancer. My bowell cant tolerate it and it takes longer to digest. As you may like myself may have experienced tiredness and stomach pain in waves and I didn't do anything about it at first or find out what the underlying problem wasas Im also menopausal and have an under active thyroid gland so usually tired as a result of that. I was tired for a year and after getting COVID in August 2021, I thought my symptoms were related to long COVID. I found it difficult to catch my breath when I was walking, however this was not the case. I’m saying this because I do really care and would not want anyone to go through what I had experienced, spending one month in hospital after surgery with complications! What meant to be key hole surgery ended up being a full blown open laparotomy from above my navel to below my bikini line. I booked a private health check and was offered a FREE FIT stool test to check my stools and then that was when blood was found in my stool. If I had not booked that test, perhaps I would never have known. You see although my GP knew I was anaemic they treated the cause bit didnt explore the underlying problem, so i am doing everything I can to raise awarenes. Thankfully they were able to get it all but i still need to be monitored for 5 years. Looking forward to hearing from you and to hear your stories
Hi shirleyjp and thanks for sharing your story. Good to hear that you’re recovering well. Bowel cancer is very treatable especially if caught early but unfortunately often misdiagnosed as ibs/crohns/colitis so your free fit test was worth it’s weight in gold. I passed the 5 year clear mark last November and if you click on my name then you can read my story to date
I am new here but glad to find this support and this group. I also became ill in April this year. Started with diarrhoea and vomiting, the stomach cramps didn't go away and I thought I'd got appendicitis, called 111 and was fortunate to be seen and admitted by that evening. Within 4 days in hospital I'd been scanned and told they thought it was bowel cancer. I had further tests including a colonoscopy which confirmed it and was scheduled for surgery 13th June. However I had a further couple of episodes of diarrhoea which was really the bowel blocking so they took me in and I had emergency surgery on 23rd May. I now have an ileostomy.
I have residual cells at the tumour site and in my lymph nodes in the abdomen, now increased including tiny spots in both lungs and tip of or next to the liver.
I started chemo on Monday 15th August and the plan is 4 cycles of three weeks each and some radiotherapy on the tumour site at some point.
My medical treatment has been brilliant and I know not everyone is as fortunate. I am also blessed with lots of support including a couple of cancer charities locally.
I still don't seem to have anyone who I can really just let out my emotions to. Everyone needs me to be strong.
Hi HMDotty and a warm welcome to the board. How has your chemo been going? I think people sometimes underestimate the mental side of cancer and trying to be strong so as not to worry others which is difficult when the physical side of cancer is so debilitating. Do you have a Maggies centre near you where you can pop in for a chat? The support desk on here is always available too and there’s always us of course! We’re always happy to listen and send virtual hugs so please reach out when you need to
