New here just saying Hi

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I have been lurking on this page for a while so thought it was time I introduced myself.

I am a 50 year old female

The last few months have been a real whirlwind, I was diagnosed with anemia in August 2024. GP gave me a fit test to so which came back positive. I then had a colonoscopy a week later where I was diagnosed with a 30mm tumour in my sigmond colon.

Within 2 weeks I had a ct scan and a mri, aswell as seeing the consultant. I was then given a date 2 weeks later to have the tumour removed.

Stared with key hole surgery but was unable to complete so had to open me up. I spent 7 days in hospital after the op. The wound around my tummy button has not healed and I have had 2 weeks of antibiotics from the gp.

So now 4 weeks on I am due to go back to see surgeon tomorrow I have already been told by specialist nurse I will have to have chemo as cells were found in the lymph nodes that they removed during my surgery.

I have appointment with oncologist in 2 weeks time, but I must admit I am really scared as to what will happen next.

I'm having my up and down days but I must admit that I have more down than up at the moment. And finding life a little hard at the moment as I am normally fit and well.

I am really desperate to get back to work asap as my husband is disabled and unable to work. We are struggling with me on ssp. I am having to prioritise bills and basically robbing peter to pay paul but I am keeping our heads above water just.

I have 3 wonderful adult children, close family and friends who have all been amazing and very supportive but I feel that I am unable to tell them how I'm really feeling and how scared I am that I find myself sitting alone at night trying to make sense of everything.

So sorry to have been waffling on and thank you so much for reading.

Kareno62 12 days ago

Hi Needmorecoffee and a warm welcome to the board. I’m glad you’ve posted as sometimes it helps to talk to people who’ve been in the same boat as you and understand how you feel.

Depending on how many lymph nodes are affected then you may have 3 months or 6 months chemo. Once you know which chemo you’ll be having then we will be able to link you into some top tips. Chemo can affect everyone differently so go in with an open mind - sometimes the reputation of chemo is worse than the actual event?

I don’t know what you do for a living but, if your oncologist agrees and you feel up to it, then you may be able to work through your non-hospital chemo days? Please give the support desk a ring too. It’s nice to chat to someone in person and they can also advise on any benefits and grants that might be available to help you through this?

Take care and please don’t apologise for your post - it’s good to talk and we’re happy to listen

Karen x

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

Needmorecoffee 12 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you so much for your reply.

I will be following your advice.

Natata 11 days ago

Welcome to a very supportive group

I was in a similar situation last year I was diagnosed at age 50 with Bowel cancer in the sigmoid colon., and had Robotic surgery after that 4 cycles of chemo Capox if you have any questions please ask

Nat

Darkmoor77 7 days ago

Hello. Your journey sounds very similar to mine but I’m a few weeks ahead. My cancer had also gone to my lymph nodes and I’m currently on cycle 2 of Capox chemo. I was terrified of starting chemo but so far so good. I haven’t been able to work but have recently been awarded PIP which will help financially. There are also grants available to people with a cancer diagnosis. I used the turn 2 us grant search.

I would often lie awake at night and really worry which would leave me tired the following day and I’d start the day feeling rotten because I was so tired. I went to my GP who prescribed me a night sedative and it’s really helped. Hopefully once you see your oncologist you’ll have a little relief at knowing what the plan is. Sending lots of positive healing vibes