Just diagnosed and petrified with fear

Hi Jane just read your message. I have my surgery on the 13th too

I will have my sigmoid removed. Nurse read me the letter today and up to not t2 but depends on biopsy of lymph nodes.

Keep positive 

X

Hi Keen gardener and Poppy60.

I had same surgery just a few months back so feel free to ask if you have any questions or concerns.

Don't forget to have some super comfortable clothes ready for the weeks post op. I found waist bands a complete nightmare, so opted for low waisted, no waisted (dungerees ) or generous fitting bottoms and lose tops.

Everyone responses different to ops and meds. Just be patient + kind to yourself throughout, it really will help.

All the very best for 13th  and hope you have fun filled next 2 weeks

Hi Keen gardener

Another source of great wellbeing support is from Penny Brohn charity.

There are various free offerings:

https://www.pennybrohn.org.uk/resources/

And if you can pay £1 for some specific tailored mediations tools:

https://shop.pennybrohn.org.uk/collections/lifestyle-1 

Hope they help

Yes 

Penny Brohn I was told about them by the helpline here. Not actually used it but the adviser I spoke to did tell me about `Breathing Space` which is a charity in Scotland if anyone from Scotland on here. They are similar to Samaritans, and I have done a webchat with Breathing Space and they're ok. I actually find the webchats better than the phone but have phoned the helplines here.  We have SAMH in Scotland too they are a mental health charity they are running a TV advert in Scotland just now. Just a thought for anyone looking for additional support north of the border. 

Vicky x

Thanks Jac, only four nights to go now. I have had two iron infusions so am up to doing cardio workouts again. My fitness had dropped the last couple of months so I'm working hard to get as fit as possible. I am keeping as busy as possible to distract my mind, but nights are bad. I still wake at 3 or 4am. Thank you so much for your support, Jane 

Hi Poppy60, we both now have only four nights to go until surgery. How are you doing? I keep busy during the day but still have problems with sleep and nightmares. I hope all goes well for both of us, Jane 

Thank you for the advice about clothing, I had wondered about things with waistbands. Tight trousers might be out for a time! 

Hi Jane

You sound like you are more prepared than me. I went for my pre op yesterday so good to go. Have to take the prep and a few sachets called pre load.

My world has been turned upside down. Since I was diagnosed my partner has been mentally ill and cant take it in. If I told you what has happened in the space of a month you would be wondering why am I still here. The truth is I have a 17 year old cat. She is my baby and I know she couldnt cope with another move. 

We have had 5 years of hell with our next door neigbours that triggered psychosis in september folliwed by his mum passing and me getting diagnosed. 

So instead of focusing on me i have used all my energy on trying to help him but he is now beyond reasoning. 

I am pretty certain he wont be visiting me in hospital. 

My heart is breaking because he was my best friend and my world. I have to now focus on me and get through this but I have become very depressed.

Im sorry for pouring my heart out Jane. I truly hope your op goes well and we both and everyone else going through this horrible journey make a good recovery.

Gill

Xx

Hi Poppy 

Ive just picked your message up. Hope that you don’t mind my popping in 

I really feel for you it sounds as if you’ve had so much to deal with and try and process your treatment plan. 
I think you really need to focus on your recovery and that darling 17 year old cat. my goodness that’s a grand age. 
What ops planned?

Sorry if you’ve already said I can’t see it. 

I’m sending you a hug x

Hi Ann

Thank you for your concern.

I am resting now and tryong to focus on recovery. Its taken its toll i have lost almost 3 stones (it wont do me any harm. 2 years at slimming world and now slimmer of the week 5 weeks running.) 

I have a 6cm malignant tumour. The biopsies state  that the cells are changing hower the surgeon said that he is  100% certain that the base is cancerous. He said the colonoscopy nurse dont always get the best biopsies. I am having my sigmoid colin removed.  I am currently staged at T2 so very vert lucky it hasnt spread to other organs but will remove lymph nodes to get a correct staging. If it has spread to lymph nodes he will offer chemo as a mop up. But only If I want to. Since the cinsultation i have been getting aches and pains everywhere . Now worried its soread. 

Im 60 with no other ailments except for gallstones. My surgeon said he will discuss this once the cancer is sorted out.

Tonight is a better night with the partner i am just spending time alone in my room but am sleeping most odmf yhe time fue to the arguments that have been going on. It has been made a bit better tonight. I told his daughters who have spoken to him and he has at least for the first time opened up and said he is lost and cant see any evidence. The youngest one said dad what can you not see we have the letter and completely understand. 

I dont think after this is over we can survive this but will stick it out for my Poppy. I wont be able to forgive him for what he has put me through. 

Hugs

Gill x