Newly diagnosed

Heartfelt thoughts are with you. I am awaiting the multi disciplinary panel decision on what to do with me today after having a diagnosis on 29th Jan and scan on 12th.It too was out of the blue. This last 3 weeks has been a daze and today I feel sick although I won’t know anything until next week I think. Coping strategies for me are keeping as normal as I can, being selfish about my self care and looking at each task as a step closer to answers and treatment. Reading about not being the only one helps too. 

waiting is hard

be kind to yourself

There are many many nice people on here to talk to

big love sent your way.

I think the waiting is the hardest bit ,so I've read, once you know what you are dealing with then you can start fighting. I will be thinking of you. Please keep us all posted.

Hi and a warm welcome to the board. Yes, as you say, the waiting for scans and results is very stressful and it will feel a little better once you have a treatment plan in place. Stay away from google - it can be scary and out of date. You can read previous posts on here and if you click on peoples names then their profile page may show their treatment to date.

Bowel cancer is very treatable and everyone in here will be happy to help you through this

Take care

Karen x

So, I have an appointment on Wednesday at the colorectal surgery unit. I’m trying not to read between the lines but does anyone know what that means? Im scared to sound silly but I I automatically assumed that with cancer I would go to oncology. Is there a hidden meaning in it being a surgical unit? 

Hi Atticus. I had a colonoscopy, followed by numerous blood tests, a CT scan and MRI my case went to MDT then an appointment was set up with a surgeon. In my case, the MDT decided surgery first, then chemo so from what you have said, that may well be the course your treatment is taking. Sounds like your team have an action plan in place for you and hopefully you will feel more reassured after. I have a friend who had surgery and then did not require intervention from oncology, unfortunately for me, I was recommended chemo post surgery as 1 lymph node had cancer cells so a 12 week course of CAPOX was completed. Any treatment plan is tailored to each individual for the best possible outcome for that individual. Waiting for a treatment plan, scan/blood results is the worst part of the journey . Good luck Wednesday xx

Thank you so much. I thought that might be the case but wasn’t sure and not knowing terminology or even what to ask is daunting. Thank goodness for people like you and this group. 
I truly wish you well.

Yes, they might decide surgery first, as was mine. The MDT works out what would be best in your particular case. Take care 

Hi Atticus If you click on my name then you can see my treatment pathway but my tumour was in my rectum so I had radiotherapy then surgery then chemo. My initial meeting was with a member of the surgical team to explain the treatment plan then my colorectal support nurse had a chat to make sure I understood everything. I’ve attached a copy of the booklet that I was given which was quite helpful

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourPathway_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Take care

Karen x

Hi Atticus

The document Kareno62 posted is what i would say is the most useful info i've found in my journey to date. Great at setting expectations and explaining terminology. I'd say it's a "must read"