Diagnosis and Surgery

Hi TreeHugger59. Yes I think you have every right to feel shell shocked. I had pre-op treatment so was broken in a bit more gently but things sound to have moved pretty fast for you? Not a bad thing but maybe the reality is starting to catch up with you now? Has the support desk on here suggested any counselling? 
I don’t think there is any recognised way of dealing with cancer. I think I was a bit in denial - I felt perfectly healthy apart from the bowel issues - and I was maybe a bit flippant throughout and just pretended it was an everyday illness that I was being treated for.

The results of your histology will decide on whether chemo is recommended or not. If not needed then you’ll be back into ‘normal’ life with regular check ups. I’m attaching a link to a paper which a lot of people have found helpful.

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Hope this helps and please post or ring the support desk if you’re still struggling

Take care

Karen x

Hi TreeHugger

Glad to hear something familiar.  I am in a similar situation.  Colonoscopy at beginning of July, then CTs and MRIs and told at the end of July i had Bowel Cancer.  T3/4 N2 M0 - so i think that is stage 3.  i had surgery to remove the tumour end of August.  I am recovering well.  But feel a bit of a fraud really.  i was never poorly before i found out, I am recovering well and not poorly.  But feel i should be more ill - if that makes any sense.  Like you, not sure what to think or feel - am i a cancer survivor/patient or not.  I know that sounds stupid.  I have an appointment with my consultant in early October - they will give me my lab results then and advise if i need any further treatment.  But honestly, not sure how i should be feeling right now.

i'm quite a practical person, so just dealing with one thing at a time.  Been seeking advice from Dr Google of course - that says that some form of chemo may be required - but again, not thinking too much about it.  Will wait for the consultant to tell me.

not sure if this has helped you at all.  i fluctuate between being scared of what may be, and being optimistic that all will be well.

Hi, yes it is normal to feel shell shocked I know I was especially when I saw the tumour it was scary. Things can move fast and it might feel like a whirlwind of stuff and emotions going on I know I definitely felt that way.  All you can do is take it one day at a time. 

Thank you Karen. NO they haven't suggested any counselling as yet, but then maybe I've not asked the right questions.

Thank you and Good luck

Hi treehugger

I think many of us have experienced exactly what you are going through. So many emotions and thinking what the heck has just gone on in four weeks. You have gone through major surgery and once you start feeling better, start worrying again. 

I ended up with counselling x It really helped a lot. I still have e wobbly days but nowhere near the fear I experienced in those early days.

Have you got your follow up appointment? You could possibly chase it up with the nurses x I hope you have a good histology  and continue to recover well xxx

Hi TreeHugger29 Here’s the link if you do feel that counselling would help?

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support