New to all of this

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Hi!

I am 52 and had emergency bowel surgery 3 weeks ago to remove a tumour causing a blockage. I thought I was constipated and was being treated by GP with increasing amounts of laxatives!

I was so unwell by the time of the surgery, I needed to be kept sedated for another 24 hours in intensive care. My recovery is slow as I am so exhausted still.

I was then diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has moved to my liver. Now waiting for results of MRI and PET scans to confirm and to hear about my treatment plan. They have already said it is likely to be chemo followed by liver surgery if possible.

I am in shock still and trying to process all of this with my husband and 3 children. I am a counsellor and have had to close my practice for the foreseeable future. I am self employed so now we have financial worries too.

I am terrified of chemo and still really struggling to come to terms with life with a stoma.

Hoping to hear from people who are in a similar place or have come through this. It is such a new world to me.

Thanks for reading so far!

Warmest wishes

court over 1 year ago

Hi Meepmeep

Big welcome to the forum !
A treatment plan is always a good start and gives you some direction to move forward with .

If you click on my user name you can read how my mum’s team managed her spread to her liver . I need to update it as she is currently back on treatment .
Her liver surgeon did a fantastic job and it has remained clear all these years later .

Early days on your recover from such a big operation . It’s a toe by toe journey but not one without hope and lots and lots of waiting .

At the beginning it was such a shock for mum but she has had years of years of good living too .

We are here to support you ,

You might like to give out helpline a call 0808 808 0000.

They cover all the financial guidance too and might be of assistance .

Take special care,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Meepmeep over 1 year ago in reply to court

Thank you so much for your reply.

That's wonderful that your mum has done so well and I hope she responds well to her treatment this time.

Thank you also for the reminder about the helpline - I will do that.

Warm wishes

CrumpetsOrToast over 1 year ago

Hi Meepmeep.

So sorry to hear about your recent weeks - that is a lot to deal with and I hope you have the support around you to help you process everything.

Self employed people that are off sick can apply for ESA (Employment and Support Allowance).

You can either apply yourself using the link below, or you can contact Citizens Advice or Macmillan's benefits helpline to get help in applying for this and other benefits you maybe entitled to.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

I found doing it myself slightly therapeutic - It was quite an easy process and I got a sense of achievement. And while it does not fill the wealth and fulfilment my work was giving me, it does at least help pay some key bills while I focus on my treatment.

Meepmeep over 1 year ago in reply to CrumpetsOrToast

Thank you so much for your reply and that is so helpful re benefits - I will have a look today.