Stage 4 large bowel cancer

Hi Kiwi50 and a warm welcome to the board. Do you know which chemo you’ll be having then we can maybe share some experiences with you?

Take care

Karen x

Hi Kiwi50 

Just want to welcome you to the forum . 
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Is the pain you are experiencing from the primary Bowel tumour or the spread ?

A lot of people have reported symptoms being lessened when chemo starts . However I do hope you are getting good pain management input at the moment .

My own mum has improved recently on treatment .

I think you would only be human to have anxiety at the thought of treatment . My mum has been in /out of treatment and procedures for 14 years with a stage 4 diagnosis and restarted treatment in February and we were only saying the other day that it took us by surprise how anxious we as a family were going back into that process .

However the staff are just wonderful . They contact you at each cycle to go through side effects and make sure bloods are fine for the next cycle . You can chat through the issues as they surface and get help with managing them . You also have a specialist nurse you can contact and get input. My mum has had so many small adjustments that have made a big difference.

This forum is also here to support you and we have a helpline to 0808 808 0000.

You are not alone .

Court 

I had bowel cancer between stages 3-4 somewhere. I had chemo sessions. Drip makes you stingy feeling for 7 days and then gradually you start feeling ok again and get ready for next one in next 7-10 days. Then process repeat. In some cases doctor says that it reduce / shrink / hold the tumour. 

Don't worry. Be brave. Go fresh. Start drinking water daily and always never leave water. Never let your self get de hydrated. 

Save yourself from cold. 

Hi Karen. To be honest the hospitsl did not say but only mentioned that it will start 31st July. 

Hi  it is the spread. Bowel - overies and lower tissue in stomach x

Hi lovely,

chemo reacts differently for everyone. For me personally I was extremely I’ll, drained and like a zombie. On the flip side it helps keeps the cancer at bay. I made friends with mine name the little hemo pump as my cancer fighting Buddy.  The nurses and doctors are great on the ward, you’re gonna be bored sat there so take some activities or sing and dance the day away which was my preference ️ It’s gonna be tough but you’ve got this and we’re on all here with good luck be kind to yourself and take care xxx