Hey folks, newbie here.

Hi Ouvrier and a warm welcome to the board. Yes the cancer stories, adverts etc. all seem to jump out at you all of a sudden don’t they? I don’t think that Kate is getting any better treatment. She’s having preventative post op chemo which is what I had after 2/17 lymph nodes were found to be affected. I don’t think they give chemo ‘as a special extra’ for the sake of it but without knowing Kates medical diagnosis, I don’t think that it’s fair to say that she’s getting better treatment than anyone else imo. 

If you want some positive light then click on my name and look at my profile? I was diagnosed in 2016 and I’m still ‘no evidence of disease’ as are the 2 ladies that I became firm friends with during my treatment. A lot of people leave the board once their treatment is over and move on with their lives so often the posts can be from people just starting out or needing advice during their treatment.

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable - the next few months will be tough but doable and we’ll be here to help and support you through your treatment.

Take care

Karen x

Thank you so much Karen, I will take a look at your profile and story. Guess the biggest problem at the moment is that I really don't know the size of my elephant, and what it's gonna take to get it sorted (assuming it's sortable!).  But let's be positive here of course it's sortable! 

Hi this is the worst time. Once you get your treatment plan you will feel much better. I think from diagnosis to operation I was five weeks. Fortunate not to require any further treatment and am on surveillance for five years. Mine was a whopper so size doesn't mean it's spread. 

You're right it seems everywhere you turn there is something about bowel cancer. During my wait the advert for the fit test seemed to be on all the time. The NHS will do everything they can for you to make you better. It's so early days yet but once the NHS start they will wrap you in cotton wool and really take care of you x good luck on your journey and you will find lots of help and support from here x

Thank you for taking the time to write Poppy, and goodness, that seems an incredibly positive outcome for you! Wishing you ongoing wellness! 

Hi Ouvrier ,

I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer last summer as it had spread to my liver . However after the numerous scans and tests the oncologist stated that my treatment plan was for hopefully cure. I took what she said and used that every day to remind myself that I had a positive prognosis. I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy and 4 cycles of chemotherapy (CAPOX) to reduce the size of the tumours to have surgery . Thankfully this combination of treatment worked and the scans I had at the end of November, did, indeed show that the tumours had shrunk. This meant that I had bowel resection just before Christmas (No Stoma needed ) and then last month I had liver resection to remove what was left of the tumours I had in liver . Pathology reports from both surgery’s were good , with good margins for error and the lymph nodes that they removed showed no further signs of spreading . I had my oncologist appointment a couple weeks ago that said that I am now cancer clear .

my treatment hasn’t finished though , my oncologist did give me the option of either do nothing and just get the usual scans and tests or adjuvant chemo (tablets only) to potential help reduce chances of reoccurrence. I chose the second option, only because if I didn’t take the 12 weeks of tablets and it does come back, I’d be so annoyed at myself for not doing everything k could. 

this post isn’t a boast , it’s just to try and provide positive vibes. Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing and can be easily treated . 

Here to help answer any other questions or help .

Jim 

Thanks Sub (Jim). That really is a positive tale. It's so great to hear that you're on the path to real recovery - though I don't doubt you experienced all the same emotions as I'm going through. I'm not a praying person, but I hope to goodness I'll be able to offer similar reassurance and positivity to others in the future. Thanks for taking the time to write. 

Hi,

I noticed my mum’s liver surgeon was also down as the surgeon to the Queen at the time and I thought this sounds good to me. We can share !

Most cancer treatments outwith stage 4 are driven my protocols set out by the Nice guidelines . The right amount of treatment is established through research and honestly they would not give it where the need is not present  So pleased be assured you will get exactly what is best to help you through the process . 
It’s a frightening time but support is very much here for you and the great thing about Macmillan is no one know who we are . Our common bond is cancer and helping each other through it .

I hope we can be some assistance to you .

Court 

Thank you so much. All these positive messages are just what I need at this time; I know I've probably got quite a journey ahead, but we'll get there, I'm sure. 

It’s a lot to process . Having a treatment plan really does put some structure round it and helps moves things forward . I can’t speak to enduring the actual treatment as I came here 14 years ago when my mum was first diagnosed. She has over that time had the most wonderful team of people looking after her and she has sampled most specialists . 
The part you are going through just now  is emotionally hard where you have some information but waiting on others .

The advances in treatment over the years has been wonderful . 
Best foot forward as my mum likes to say .

Take care ,

Court