New here

Hi Lost boy and a warm welcome to the board. If you’re passing blood with your stools then this could result in a low iron count and tiredness so you could maybe ask your doctor to run a full blood test if you haven’t had one recently? Are you getting out and about in the sunshine? If not your vitamin D could be low? 

Have you got a treatment plan in place now then? Do you have any spread to other organs? I’ve attached a link to the stoma board where there’s lots of support and advice and the stoma nurses at the hospital will make sure you’re comfortable with all aspects of it before you go home?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum

Im glad you’ve reached out to us as we’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery and happy to help and support you through yours so feel free to ask if there’s anything you’re particularly worried about. 

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen. 

Just a tad worried about upcoming stoma and chemo. Spoke to macmillan nurse this morning was very reassuring and kind.

I am getting out but feel exhausted all the time. Going to clear out my wardrobe this morning and walk the dog then retire to my bed to rest again. Keep falling asleep most of the day.

Thanks for checking in

I'm sorry for your troubles. I had a lot of fatigue that started even before my diagnosis. 

Definitely get the bloodwork done that Karen suggested but if that doesn't fix it, you might be like me.

I work from home and was taking mid-day naps for up to 3 or 4 months before my diagnosis. In hindsight, it was probably the first real symptom of my cancer. It came on gradually and built up to actual naps. At first it was a couple days a week but ended up being daily. I blamed it on a medication change, being out of shape, and getting old.

Now that I'm cancer free and recovering from surgery, I recognize it as a symptom of the cancer. And my energy is so much better now. Fatigue got worse during treatment but the core fatigue was always there.

I don't see many people talk about this level of fatigue and I think it isn't common. I see people talk about taking trips and doing things even during their chemo and feel a little jealous. I could barely get out of my chair. My husband was refilling my water bottle because it was such a struggle for me that I'd rather be thirsty than get up. 

Keep as active as you possibly can. It will help you down the line. But be gentle with yourself too. 

I ended my cancer surgery with 2 permanent stomas so happy to help there too. In brief, I'll say it's a learning curve but quickly becomes second nature once you've managed the fundamentals.  

Hi lost boy,

Got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and 8 tumas on my liver, I've not started chemo yet but will be on 22nd may, I like you feel the cold am tired through out the day, I ache every part of my body, so this seems a normal thing.

All the best with your treatment 

              Seb

Wishing you every success too Seb . If you click on my user name you can read how my mum’s team managed her liver spread . She passed last year but 15 years after diagnosis.

A lot of stress and pressure too . It’s the only time I have seen my mum rest . 
Take the time you need and I wish you both every success with treatments .

Take care ,

Court