Hello , newbie here

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Hi all

I have today had my formal diagonises of T4,N1,M1 bowel cancer, which has spread to my liver.

Everything to me seems to have happened at a fast pace, which started with an emergency operation to remove the right section of my colon. So at that point, I was told it was cancer, but in my head, I was thinking there has been no results yet, until today. Now makes it feel so very real and my head is spinning.

I'm now waiting for first oncology appointment and hoping it's not too long.

How have people coped, what do i do now while waiting, what am I to expect, I know have have all the books, but I guess I want to hear from people who are going through it.

Looking forward to hearing from you and getting to know you all, as I'm sure I will have many more questions. TIA

court over 1 year ago

Hi Mollstar

Welcome to the forum .

Bowel cancer despite the spread actually still can have a lot of different treatment options compared to some other primary cancers .

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/advanced-bowel-cancer/treating-advanced-bowel-cancer/
This leaflet is quite good at explaining some of the options for treating it .

One if the best quotes I have heard is stage 4 cancer is a marathon not a sprint . Learning to live with it as a chronic condition takes time and we are here to support you . My mum was diagnosed back in 2009 with a spread to her liver. The first two years were the most intense but after that with robust scanning she has gone in and out of treatment as required . If you click on my user name you can read her story of how her team have managed her treatment. I will add she is currently back in treatment but using a targeted treatment just now every two weeks . Outwith treatment she keeps us busy as she stays connected with her life .
There is a lot of information coming through on the benefits of moderate exercise whilst enduring treatment/ surgery . I get my mum out most days not just to give her the physical benefit but the connection to the world around her .

During the last 14 years I have seen a lot of different treatment and approaches coming through so there is a lot of hope .

As a family we have learnt the art of compartmentalising. In between treatments we completely switch off to it . That was not possible in the beginning but it will amaze you how you achieve it .

My mum keeps busy but also gave herself time to think things through and find her feet .

Take it one small step at a time was the advise someone else on the forum gave .
Take care and we are here any time you need a bit of encouragement.

Court

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