Life after cancer

6 replies
185 subscribers
671 views

Hi all

I've just joined this group as I'm recovering from surgery for colon cancer.

I was diagnosed with cancer of the colon in the middle of August, prior to that I had a heart attack in February which led to a cardiac arrest. This meant that my treatment wasn't straightforward, I couldn't have chemo/radiotherapy as it would kill me before the cancer did.

So 2 months later I had surgery

To be honest I'm not coping, I've gone from being someone who always had a positive outlook on life to someone who now has a stoma and am incredibly depressed,

I'd love to hear how everyone else copes with this, I'm desperate

Katz51 over 1 year ago

Hi sorry to hear how you are feeling

I found it helpful to click on the various user names and read peoples stories.gave me a wider view on things.Also the stoma group is full of really friendly folk with oodles of experiance and knowledge if you have any questions re your stoma

Wishing you all the best

Kath

Mick14 over 1 year ago in reply to Katz51

Thank you Katz51

I'll give it go, I'm willing to try anything

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

Hi Mick14 and a warm welcome to the board. You have had a really tough year so it’s not surprising that you’re struggling. As Kath says there’s loads of support on the stoma board so I’ve attached the link below

Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support

Have you had a chat with your GP about how you’re feeling? It may be that a short course of antidepressants would help you in the short term or you could ring the support desk on the number below for a chat? Macmillan is also offering 6 free counselling sessions with BUPA which may help?

Im also going to attach a paper that a lot of people find helpful although you might find it’s too soon after your treatment but you could keep it for later

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

Time is a great healer and the more clear scans and tests that you have will hopefully help raise your spirit.

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Dulac over 1 year ago

Hello Mick14,

I am sorry to hear that you are down. Is it the stoma that bothers you? Feel free to ask any questions you have in mind. There is a great deal of information from personal experiences on these pages but - rather than trying to search through it all - just ask. I am sure that you will receive some worthwhile answers.

Dulac

Phil42 9 months ago

I'm sorry to read about your depression, Mick14 following your cardiac arrest and stoma operation. I don't know if you still use this forum, but I recently joined and have only posted once so far. I also have a stoma - it will be 3 months since my operation this coming weekend (3 February). I got depressed soon after this and when I had the prognosis for my cancer treatment in December, I got even more depressed and anxious about things. The only things I have been able to do more recently to improve my mood is sign up for Macmillan (BUPA) counselling and getting help from a local cancer charity in Norfolk called the Big C. Talking helps, and better when not just family or even close friends. An objective and trained listener. Best wishes, Phil

Milkmaid66 9 months ago in reply to Phil42

Hi Mick14, it is a very scarey time, I also struggle to come to terms with the change to my life but when I feel really down I try to be thankful that I am still alive, without the op, I wouldn't be. Some of dealing with a stoma does get easier and having a sense of humour helps but it's OK to have a scream or a rant.