new and recently diagnosed

Hi Jacqui62.

Sorry you find yourself here but welcome and I hope you find this site will give you redbull-esque wings .

I was in a similar position to you a last year - you can click on our usernames to see our experiences if you'd like to know more.

For me, the most valueable information was a BowelCanerUK publication about pathways. I was given it by my colorectal nurse and it helped break down terminology , explain likely routes through this and made me realise i was on a well trodden path. If you haven't been given itcand would like it, here is the electronic version:

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

We're also here to help, so if you feel like it you can talk publicly in these forums, 1-1 in private messages (after you "request friendship" or there is also a great helpline/webchat service.

Here is some of the topics the helpline/webchat can help on:

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/chat-online

You are not alone

Hi Jacqui62 and a warm welcome from me too. Yes it’s a flurry of scans,tests and meetings but sounds like you’re ready to get the tumour in the bin which is the ultimate aim. I see Crumpets has posted a link to the pathway booklet so I’ll just include the Your Operation one which has some handy lists of things to take with you and what to expect

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

Hope all goes well and feel free to post with any questions?

Take care

Karen x

Hi Jacqui62, I was in the exact position as you last July, diagnosis of sigmoid tumoutr following a positive FIT test , sent bowel screening test off on 21 June, mletter sent back on 25 June advising that further investigations required with an appt with screening nurse on 30 June, where a subsequent colonoscopy was arranged for 5 July during ewhich the tumour was found. Then had CT , MRI, MDT, meeting with surgeon, pre op tests and then surgery on 27 July, followed by chemo from September to December 2022, what a rollercoaster the last 6 months of 2022 were. I have now been discharged from surgery and oncology onto the 5 year surveillance pathway. You will feel better when you have a treatment plan but please feel free to ask any questions. These forums are fantastic as there is nothing that you can ask where no one can identify with. Good luck with your treatment journey. You are not alone xx