Rollercoaster of emotions

Hi Susmr. Hope today is a better day for you? There can be a lot of waiting around for appointments in the early days but sounds like you’ve got your head round your treatment plan. 
I had a rectal tumour so had 5 weeks of radiotherapy with chemo tablets. I had a good response and as daft as it sounds I almost forgot I was poorly during the 6 week wait before scanning so the operation was a bit of a downer. 

I know a lot of people hate the ‘stay positive’ advice but instead of thinking about leaving your little boy, why not think about planning something nice for when all this is over or even in between treatment treats? Bowel cancer is very treatable and although there is lots of useful information on the internet, there is also a lot of scary out of date information. I know some people like to look at stats but things like 5 year survival rates are already 5 years out of date, there’s no way of knowing about other underlying causes and we are individuals not statistics. Bowel cancer treatment is constantly changing and improving and that’s just in the 6 years that I’ve been on the board.

Unfortunately cancer will be part of your life for the next few months and you’ll suddenly start to notice all the adverts on telly. The next few months will be tough but they are doable and the more clear scans that you have, the further it will get pushed back in your mind. You’ll never forget that you had cancer but you can move on from it and there’s a great paper that I can send you a link to once you’re a bit further down the line

Please keep posting and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Hi, 

Sending you the biggest hugs to you.️

Hi

One of my mantras is that positive thoughts bring positive results

Easy to say I know, but I was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago, made a coscious decision to be positive, had the surgery, adopted my stoma (Eddie Stomart), had scans showing all clear and now feel so very much better.

Whatever the outcome, you can deal with it, you can enjoy life and I absolutely believe my attitude has helped my recovery.

Go for it and plan your wonderful future with your family

Richard 

Hi,

Totally agree with everything you have said. Great advice. 

Hello there,

I feel for you, your story is similar to mine. My first scan was on 27th September, last one 7th October.  Yesterday I had a phone call saying that I have an appiontment to see the specialist (at last!) I actually feel relived as I know that all the waiting around and worrying every time my phone rings is over.

I have been told that I have a tumour on my rectum and they will be doing chemoradio therapy. Thankfully everywhere else is clear. Now I know what I am dealing with I can get on with it!

I have lots of supportive family and friends but I still feel lonely and scared sometimes. I think we are all bound to feel sad and fed up occaisionaly.

Keep your chin up and good luck.

Hi grannyange and a warm welcome to the board. Yes chemoradiotherapy is the usual treatment for rectal tumours as it can be very effective at shrinking the tumour and the smaller the better allows the surgeon to remove it with clear margins. No spread is good news too.

It is a scary time but I’m glad you’ve joined the board - family and friends can be very supportive but sometimes it helps to talk to people who have been in your shoes

Theres lots of people on here all at different stages of treatment and recovery and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x