2020 Stage 3c N2b M0 Colorectal Cancer to 2024 NED

Hello, I am a 66 year old Scottish grandma and although I joined this forum in 2020 and have benefited and taken encouragement from the many texts I’ve read , this is the first time I’ve actually posted . 
My motivation behind his is to possibly give hope to someone who just might be at the start of being faced with the reality of a fairly advanced cancer diagnosis and the proposed treatment plan ahead. 
In July 2020 ( right in the middle of Covid) my, normally well behaved, atrial fibrillation produced an episode with symptoms so severe I ended up in A&E. it soon became apparent once all the blood results were known that AF was the least of the Dr’s concern concerns ; I was extremely anaemic and required a blood transfusion. This was the red flag which initiated an urgent colonoscopy 2 weeks later. This procedure was not able to be completed as I had a partial blockage in my colon . The surgeon even then was pretty certain I had cancer . 
This skilful man performed a right hemicolectomy by laparoscopic surgery 3 weeks later . I had the operation on a Friday and had as discharged home on Monday . No visitors were allowed due to Covid restrictions but the hospital staff were just wonderful ! 
I was always aware from the start and appreciated that everyone involved in my treatment care were giving of their best , using their skills , to help me and , as such, I was determined to do my best to recover and be as healthy as they could.

Although the CT just prior to my op showed no spread to other organs , it was normal accurate in being able to detect any microscopic cells and n the lymph nodes and it was just nlt the pathology results which could place the actual staging as Stage 3C, 2Nb M0  ie Stage 3 bowel cancer with 7 out of 21 lymph nodes removed having cancer cells . No spread to other organs.

I think as then referred to consultant oncologist who was in no doubt I required a course of chemotherapy to provide me with a ‘belt and braces’ cover . 
I’ve always wanted to have as much information available on my condition but I was never interested in hearing about survival statistics. I’m a committed Christian and I truly believe that no one is a statistic and that each person is a unique individual and has their own journey plan in life . 
I had 4 sessions of Capox chemo and, although I experienced the majority of the rather bizarre side effects , with the support from the colorectal team , my husband , my family  and church family , I managed ok . One side effect I prayed I would not experience was sickness and amazingly and thankfully I was never sick once and ate my way through the dozens of meals daily delivered to our door by gloved and masked family and friends ! I didn’t much enjoy the daily fragmin injections I needed to give myself while on chemo and not able to take oral anticoagulants but I came up with a plan to ease the situation. I would set out on the table the 4 chemo pil , then the fragmin injection and then a lovely Thortons Continental Chocolate!!!!
I have had great follow up care all through this journey and to date all my scans have remained clear and bloods all normal

I opted for my big 3 year bowel check to be a capsule colonoscopy.. That was an interesting experience! 
It was a bit if a shock when the results from that showed the presence of several polyps throughout the colon , one as large as 2cm . My surgeon as always was quick to respond and arranged an urgent colonoscopy where he proposed to remove all the growths .That was on Friday 5th Jan 2024 . He did explain that sometimes the camera image can be a little innacurate but neither of us could have predicted the outcome; the only polyp he could find was one … and it was only 2mm!! 
So thats  me discharged  but should I have any concerns or new symptoms in the future I still have the availability of contacting the colorectal team .

i am so thankful , no words can really express , to every single one of the dedicated NHS staff : my wonderful surgeon to the lovely tea ladies and everyone in between, for their part in helping me back to being as active and healthy as ever !

if you are reading this lengthy speel and f you’ve been given a diagnosis similar to mine , please remember you are a one of , a unique mould ! So try to be positive and hopeful and take one day at a time ! 

God bless you x