Stood at a cross roads.

Triton1963 over 1 year ago

5 replies
184 subscribers
426 views

Not a place I ever thought I would post.

Two weeks ago on a Tuesday, cancer happened to other people. On that Tuesday I was fit and symptomless. On Wednesday I was blue-lighted to A/E with severe abdo pain. On Thursday I had an ultrasound which found a problem they couldn't determine confidently. On Friday I had a CT scan and was told I had stage 4 colon cancer with liver mets. By Monday the multidisciplinary had met and less than a week later I had a liver biopsy and spent 2 nights in the hospital. My time in the cancer ward was a reality check on the journey I am about to walk on.

The speed I have gone through the system has been scary given everything you read about delays. Things will now stop as we await the results of the biopsy. The reason is they don't know what type of colon cancer I have. They suspect a small chance it's NET and I am in limbo waiting!!

I was given this devastating news and then progressed quickly through the system. Not sure any emotions have caught up with me yet. Now the brakes are on and those emotions are catching me up and about to take my feet from under me. Thankfully a previous career taught me no one is an island and I have to seek support from those who won't just say 'It will be okay.' if I am to stand any chance of walking this path.

Thanks

court over 1 year ago

Welcome Triton1963 . This is a soft place to land when everything feels very overwhelming.
Going from no symptoms to a stage four diagnoses is a lot to process but you will find your feet . My mum completed one of the first bowel screens back in 2009 and was very shocked to discover she not only had a primary tumour but a spread to her bowel . Chemotherapy was very effective for her . If you click on my user name you can read her story . It’s needing updated as she is currently back on a biological treatment. I think she also might have had covid but despite it all she is currently on holiday with me and leading a good life .

It takes time to digest the information you have been given but bowel cancer actually has a lot of different treatments options with a spread to the liver . They are inclined to use chemotherapy first as they like to stabilise the disease and pull in any stray cells . This can also cause shrinkage . They rescan and if other approaches can be added they are very robust and referring onto surgeons etc to investigate every Avenue .

Once you have your information on your cell type we get the right information on chemotherapy etc .

Macmillan has some information on the benefits of moderate exercise during treatment and we can link all this in .

For now please know you are not alone . Many people here are navigating a spread and will share with you .

Ask anything you like . We are here to help .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

court over 1 year ago in reply to court

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/community_news/posts/help-to-overcome-problems-effectively-accessing-the-hope-course-through-macmillan-wellspring-s-story

You might like to press on Wellspring name and read his story . I have also linked in a very good article he has written on navigating the disease through a course he went on .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

court over 1 year ago in reply to court

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis/251001/happier-days-for-s4

Another posters story .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Gemmary over 1 year ago

Welcome, Triton1963 , just ask anything, or just rant, we've all been there, and someone is sure to have had the same treatment and can help. Sending (((hugs)))

CrumpetsOrToast over 1 year ago

Hi Triton1963

We're definitely here by your side, for whenever you want or need us.

Big virtual hug and hope you can catch your breathe