Newly diagnosed

Hey there

im so sorry about your diagnosis.  I know from my experience it consumed everything.  Once you have your scans the MDT will discuss your case and will come up with a plan for you.  This part for me was when I finally felt safe.  We all go through every scenario and fill in the blanks and it’s terrifying.  
You will get amazing support here but don’t suffer and reach out for as much support as you need.  You’ll find so many kind people who can tell you about their experiences but please also talk to the professionals.  Cover all bases.  

Before my diagnosis I knew so little about bowel cancer I didn’t even know that I had a sigmoid colon so it was a bit of an education   I still know very little about it all but I had my sigmoid colon removed in December and I’m cancer free now   I’m definitely one of the lucky ones but before I was diagnosed I didn’t know being lucky was a possibility ️  

Oh don’t Google anything and be kind to yourself   What you’re going through is a lot   Xx

Afternoon,

That is great advice from Scoutabout; do not go to Dr Google!  Learn from our mistakes!

I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer this time last year.  I’m typing this now before packing my bags for a work trip to Germany tomorrow.  Things WILL get back to a new normal.

It is such a shock.  The good (I know it isn’t really good️) thing is that we’re all in the same boat, or have been.  So, ask away.  What questions are going through your head now as you read this?  Type them out in the reply.  Have you told family yet?  It’s difficult isn’t it?  I held off for about four weeks because I didn’t know how to bring it up.  I eventually I just said “I’ve got cancer”.  Although there was several minutes crying before I could get my mouth to work!  Honestly, sharing does help. 

As you say, it is utterly terrifying.  I have a rather dark sense of humour and it was partly that which made it possible for me to get my head around it.  From seeing a “support” dog have a dump in the hospital reception, to having a students come in to watch my colonoscopy to finding, after my operation, I’d had had quite a substantial trimming round my gentleman area while under anaesthetic!   

When are your next set of scans?

all the best, Paul 

These early days are by far the worst. When they found my tumor during a CT scan, they couldn't even tell where the tumor had originated. Initial biopsies were inconclusive. I spent a month not even knowing what kind of cancer I had. 

You can probably imagine how many scenarios went through my head. I thought I was losing my mind.

Once they pinpointed the source, everything got easier. We had a treatment plan. I knew what I needed to do. Only 1 scenario was left so my mind was less cluttered. 

I hope you get some answers soon. 

Just saying hello and echoing what everyone else has said here. I was diagnosed with a tumour in my ascending colon in December, some lymph nodes involved so I guess that's stage 3. I have had surgery and awaiting chemo. The point you are at is honestly the worst, just try and hang on in there, and I reiterate, avoid Google!! I had some very dark times Googling. In my experience scans and results came together quite quickly, even though it feels like forever. As Scoutabout says, the meeting post MDT was a big shift for me. Having a plan makes everything feel less terrifying.

Be kind to yourself, don't expect yourself to behave or feel in any particular way. This is a massive shock. Do reach out for support. Don't feel like you have to have questions ready to ring Macmillan - a Macmillan nurse phoned me from the hospital to introduce the service and she was absolutely lovely and supportive. 

Best wishes xx

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply, I do appreciate it. I’ve had one of my scans, still another to go. 
I haven’t googled anything, this is scary enough and I don’t need any help! Haha!

I have told my family and close friends, I am well supported and I’ve been pleasantly surprised how a lot of people have stepped up to offer support. 

My fears.. that it’s spread. I’ve been in pain for a while now and just lately it feels.. different. I also feel very tired and very run down. I appreciate it’s the stress of it all but I can’t help being afraid it’s worse than we think. Then there’s the surgery and possibly chemo. It needs to be done and I would have it tomorrow if given the opportunity but my anxiety is in overdrive. 

My greatest fear is being told I’m not going to make it and leaving my wife and kids. I don’t think that’s going to happen but it doesn’t stop those thoughts creeping in in the early hours when I can’t sleep. 

I totally empathise, this bit is just awful.  I honestly thought the absolute worst. Christmas was so strange. I lost weight due to anxiety, couldn't eat. It is unfortunately human nature to go to the worst outcome. 

Try and focus on each step as it comes, not easy I know. Treatments are so good now. 

I hope you get some sleep  

Hi' Baldrick, I was admitted on New years day 04 in agony. After X-Rays, internals + cameras and scans they told me. Following more tests and scans I had surgery to remove 80mm of my bowel. On recovering from surgery I was more or less back to normal and went about my life. Having my twelve monthly scan they found another in my lung. I had that out in October 04. Now I'm back to normal again going about my life. There's no reason why you shouldn't be the same. I's been bloody annoying and time consuming but you just have to get on with it 

You are with friends on here who share your anxieties we've all been there. Stay with us and you will find it's not the devastation it used to be. WE support one and another as best we can. When you get over it I hope you can help others starting out on this miserable journey. Just remember as I said, I'm more or less back to normal

Hi Baldrik I’m sorry to hear you’re on this journey too. It is definitely the unknown and what ifs and as you say a whirlwind of emotions. Some days I feel positive other days completely powerless. I hope you waiting for scans and results don’t take too long for you but definitely talk it out wherever you are able and don’t be alone with your thoughts. I often have days where I just ramble and go over the same things as if trying to make sense of it all. I’ve had a CT and MRI and off for hopefully my last investigation tomorrow with a PET scan. Sending positive thoughts x

Hi Baldrick,

The waiting time is horrendous as you play out the worst case scenario in your head. I was in your situation until yesterday morning. Kind people answered me on this forum  over the last few weeks and made the wait bearable. 

My consultation yesterday provided me with a clear plan and some of the stress lifted immediately. I am so grateful for the support I received here and now within the NHS. 

I am willing you on and sending you love and kind thoughts. Reach out, there will always be someone ready to respond.  x

I'm so sorry you're going through this.  Waiting for the scan results is the absolute worst. 

Hope you get answers and a plan soon, it really does help you and your loved ones to know what's happening and feel like you're doing something to tackle the cancer. 

Once you get all of your results and a treatment plan any questions might become clearer. 

Maggie's centres are great resources too.

Here's hoping surgery and chemotherapy will get rid of this for you.

Like others have said, ignore Dr Google! 

Wishing you strength and love as you go through this, you're not alone xx