Bowel cancer

Why not click on some peoples names to see how they got on with chemo.its really nothing to be frightened of.it saves lives after all.I felt it was better to throw everyrhing possible at the cancer then if it came back I had tried my best.

Kath

Hi Sydnbertie

I wanted to say hello and add love your name choice. Syd n Bertie. 
There’s a brilliant support group for members with a stoma  

I found them a great support with me when I had my Ileostomy Whoopi  she’s now asleep (Reversed) as you can see by my Avatar but once the scar is healed I’m getting her tattooed

I’m sorry that I can’t advise you on the chemo, it was mentioned before my LAR but I didn’t need it then. But I’ve read that a large proportion do and manage well

Others will be along that have had the chemo that you mention. Can you phone oncology and get some advice as to what chemo you are having once you know you can ask here about reactions though I think we are all different? Some sail through 
Take care  

Hi Sydnbertie and welcome to the board. Do you know which chemo you’ll be having? Everyone has a different reaction to chemo so there’s no way of predicting how you’ll feel but there’s lots of help and advice on here. There can be a lot of side effects but there are pills and potions to help with them and if one doesn’t work then there’s often an alternative. The nurses will keep a close eye on you during your treatment and you’ll be given a 24 hour helpline for advice.

At the end of the day it’s your choice whether to have chemo or not but personally I wanted to know that I’d done everything possible to prevent a recurrence. Yes the unknown is scary but you can give it a try and you might find it’s not as bad as you’ve imagined?

Take care

Karen x

Hi Syd N Bertie

I am presently on my 2nd round of chemo with at least 2 more to go prior to surgery and possible stoma then more Chemo. To be honest for me the Radiotherapy ( I had a 5 day intensive course) was much worse I had side effects fort 2 weeks which delayed the start of Chemo but so far the Chemo is not causing any real problems I have a little pins and needles and can't tolerate any thing cold. Not every one gets bad effects although you may get sickness or diarrhea equally you might not  in the end its better to play safe than chance it returning.  Just the fact of naming Syd Nd bertie shows a good attitude so I'm sure you'll get through it OK. Personally I ve called my tumor Roger as in Roger over and out. Good luck buddy. 

Hi 

I agree that naming your stoma shows a positive attitude that is (in my opinion) critical to a positive outcome. I named mine Eddie Stomart as soon as my oncologist told me that I would have him for life. I admit it very scary and life changing, but this can be for the best as you can be (to a certain degree) assured that the hideous cancer is gone, and the chemo is really a belt and braces cover to make as certain as possible.

I had chemo after my op and didnt tolerate the infusions too well so only had two of those, before having a further 6 cycles of capecetamine. I had a little nausea (took anti sickness tabs for this, which helped), felt the cokd a little, and also notuced heightened emotional state. All im all, it was manageable and worthwhile for the relative peace of mind .

Im now almost two years in and all clear, living life with Eddie and awaiting training for self irrigation.

I wish you well and believe absolutely that your positive attitude will bring positive results

Richard

Hi SydnBertie!

Sorry if I sound negative but I'm just very bitter at the moment. My husband had surgery in January this year to remove a localised tumour which he had been walking around with for 4 years and showed no symptoms until the end of 2020. He got diagnosed in July 2021 and a stoma operation took place mid-July. He now has `Charlie` the stoma. Anyway, he got his operation as I said in January and as far as the surgeon and her team were concerned they got it all and he was clear. At his follow up oncology appointment in February I asked the oncologist if he would need any further sessions of chemotherapy and he said no because all margins etc were clear and they didn't do anything that wasn't necessary. He had chemoradiation before his surgery which successfully reduced the tumour in prep for the surgery. So off we went to get our lives back together again. Fast forward to May this year when he had a follow up appointment with his surgeon and she took some blood tests and we got a letter a few weeks later to say his CEA (tumour markers) had risen again and a further CT scan confirmed the ba****d was back!! after believing he was cancer free. His sirgeon was very upset by the whole thing because he was recovering so well, and she couldn't stop apologising to us. He has had a further 4 cycles of combined chemotherapy Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin. His first three he sailed through but the 4th he became very ill. Because he was tolerating the first two cycles they upped his dosage in cycle 3 and he completed that well then midway through No4 he became ill. We went to see the oncologist last Thursday re starting his 5th cycle and it was decided that he wasn't going to put him through this cycle because of how he was. He also got a CT scan 2 weeks ago and the result has shown that there has been a spread to his pelvis and showing slightly on his lung. My husband is also suffering from fluid retention in his legs so has been sent away with diuretics (water tablets) to resolve this and we see the oncologist again a week this Thursday to find out if he is able to go back on chemo. So what I am saying is, If you have a chance to get this chemo to keep you cancer free- you go for it!! Yes, it will be scary! and yes there will be side effects my husband up until now only suffered the neuropathy of tingling in his fingers and toes. But those side- effects you get- if any will be worth it if it saves your life! I now look on it as being if my husband got that chemo directly after his surgery he may not be in the position he is in now and because of this I am now scared I'm going to lose him and just hope they can throw everything at this. He is really not my husband at the moment and a completely different person to who I am used to. I wish you well. 

Vicky

Summersdad

Thank you 

Roger 

Over and Out 

You've made me laugh out loud which I really needed. 
You take care 

Good luck with the rest of your chemo and your impending surgery. Honestly compared to what your going through a stoma is a breeze, I got used to mine really quickly. The support is great, the stoma nurses are lovely. I receive a complete package of goodies (bags, spray, wipes etc) every month. I've also been given a radar key. I hope you can wave goodbye to Roger soon. All the best.

Thank you for your kind words Richard. I'm already highly emotional, I blubbed dreadfully when I was released from hospital and at every meeting with a specialist. I'll try and hold it together for my PCA this week! Do you write a girls name on each bag like the lorries? All the best.

Hi Artsie Ann, I agree the stoma support is fantastic. The nurses are lovely. Good luck with the tattoo of Whoopi.