Hello there, new here and i thought i would precis my 12 long months of treatment that might help others new to this.
In May 2023 i did my usual regular poo test for cancer. Was told there was blood in the stool so had to go for colonoscopy.
Was told that i had a tumour after the colonoscopy and would be referred to the Colorectal Team.
At the appointment with my surgeon was told thay they wanted to shrink the tumour before removing so radiotherapy and chemo for two months.
Lots of scans beforehand, all done quite quickly.
Radio and chemo last summer, side effects could be a bit grim so took two months off work especially as i gad to be at the hospital every weekday.
Once finished (Sept 23) told the tumour had shrunk but as much as they would like but still put f8rward for surgery.
Most likely a tempirary ileostomy for some months then a reversal.
Psyched myself up, pisitive thoughts, into the operation.
Woke to be told that operation stopped, a large mass found by the tumour not seen on scans. I lost it then, especially
as it was just before Christmas.
Reviewed again,more chemo (3 months, stronger dose, some IV) before surgery. This went on until April 2024 then put forward for surgery, loads of scan.
My surgeon was honest, said he only had one chance of removing it completely but said realistically now i would have a permanent colostomy.
Surgery at the start of July, still recovering with a deep wound from a drain. Stoma not too bad, getting used to it.
Good news is i had a phone call with biopsy results today. All removed and no lymph node problems. Its been a tough 12 months.
Psy hed myself up
