Just had a Colonoscopy and I have Colon Cancer

Hi James 

2017...then age 63

After finding traces of blood in my poo I had a colonoscopy, mass found and surgery performed to remove the tumour, massive shock... discharged from oncology December 2022 after clear colonoscopy ... mentally and physically draining.

Try to stay off Google.... ask about Macmillan counselling... keep posting on this forum...lots of support and sound advice.

Peter 

Thanks Peter

Have you been clear of cancer since having your tumor removed?

Also did you need chemo or radiotherapy?

Thanks

James 

Hi James 12568 and a warm welcome to the board. Yes it’s a shock isn’t it but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better. As Peter says - stay away from google - there’s lots of posts and info on here and, if you click on peoples names, then their profile page may show their treatment to date.

I was 53 when diagnosed in 2016 and I’m still NED (no evidence of disease) Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable. 
If you feel counselling would help then you can ring the support desk on the number below and they can arrange it for you.

We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery on here and happy to help and support you through yours. Please feel free to ask anything you like - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing!

Take care

Karen x

Thanks so much Karen I really appreciate your advice.

i feel a bit better having read your email think much of it is not knowing.

Hi James, sorry to hear your news, I too was 54 when diagnosed following Colonoscopy in April this year, had my surgery in May and was discharged from hospital after 2 days and was basically back to 'normal ' after 4 weeks. I am now on Cycle 2 of 4 chemo as a mop up /preventative. The MacMillan Specialist Nursing Team assigned to me are great and answer any questions I have, 

I wish you well with your treatment and recovery, keep positive! 

Thanks Jim I really appreciate hearing your story. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your chemo. 

Hi James

 try to stay positive I had the same as you’re going through in October last year,I’m 56 from colonoscopy to operation in 3 weeks and luckily for me I had caught it early and didn’t have to have any chemo which was a blessing but don’t let it get to you if you want to call me and have a chat you can no worries

Hi James

All clear and discharged by Colorectal cancer  team in Dec 2022...no chemo or radiotherapy....

Unfortunately I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in Feb 2023 (unrelated) had chemoradiotherapy for that...now recovering ...PET/CT scans clear.

Just back from playing 18 holes of golf....treatments work....but they haven't improved my golf

Peter

Hi James

It’s such a shock when they tell you there and then as you are mid Colonoscopy, isn’t it?

I, too, am 54, did a test that came through the post, no symptoms so all this is unexpected- but then that is the same for so many people and our emotions are exactly that- ours. No one is the same in how they feel, but talking and reaching out helps so much. 
And everyone’s treatment is different. 

I had a CT scan, then chemo before my operation as part of a trial into the best ways to treat bowel cancer. Operation to remove part of my bowel and was in hospital 5 days. Now on post surgery chemo- but the last cycle has been started!

Please let us know how you get on with your MRI- And talk with the colorectal nursing team who will be assigned to you. No question is silly, they actively encourage you to ring if you have concerns. Also Macmillan will offer a phone call for a support call- where you can go through all your thoughts and feelings. Mine offered me counselling when I need it- and I will. 
Good luck next week.

Hi James 

I'm so sorry you have been given this news. Waiting is the very worst time and once you get your plan together when all tests are through you will feel better. I felt so alone too, following my diagnosis my partner of fifteen years decided he didn't want to know and eighteen months later it's finally going to court to force of sale. At times I didn't what to worry about most the cancer or the break up. I'm doing OK now and recovered after the op. 

I do think it would help a lot if you could confide in someone, a friend or work colleagues because keeping it all in won't do your mental health any good. 

I really hope you get your mdt meeting soon and can move forward with the plan. In the meantime keep yourself busy, walking helped me a lot and do things you enjoy x