Hi new here.

That’s absolutely understandable, and there are times like this when you are waiting for results, when you inevitably imagine what could be going on. You’ll feel much better once you know what you’re dealing with, and what the plan is. This is a great resource to get information and to know that you’re not alone, and that there are a lot of us going through the same, it is scary, but hearing our stories will help to keep you positive. Also there is lots of stuff on you tube and Google about things you can do regarding nutrition, exercise, relaxation and so on … especially around the cycles of chemo. Work with your oncologist as partners.

All the best as you start the journey, it honestly gets better once you know what you’re dealing with.

Thanks Chris. I'm just so worried that I missed this and there will be little they can do for me except make me comfortable. I try to keep positive but I' finding it very hard. The fact I've been rushed through all the stages of tests worries me. I'm a private patient which may be the reason but I don't know and I'm too afraid to ask. And it won't make a difference to the results even if I did know.

Hi Kaza No, it’s pretty standard once they find it.  They try to get it all done as quickly as possible.  From diagnosis to removal mine was 5 weeks on the NHS.  I had my ct scan within an hour of the colonoscopy. 

I’m currently in the limbo stage again at the moment.  Waiting to find out about the plan is very difficult so I am feeling your anxiety. 

I hope you get a plan soon and will be on the mend shortly. 

 CerysM 

The op followed by chemo is the standard procedure… nearly everybody on this board has been/ is going through that. Unlikely it’s “ too late” and good that you’re getting prompt treatment

cx

Hi Kaza and a warm welcome to the board from me too. Yes the waiting for tests and results is very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better.

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable. I’ve attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first meeting which may help with terminology, questions etc. 

https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Your_Pathway_V10.1.pdf

We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery on here and happy to help and support you through yours.

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen. I will read the booklet a bit later. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed again. My CT scan is at 4pm. I'll check back in after that. Probably this evening or tomorrow. I'm so grateful for all the support I'm getting from this forum. xx

I've been back from my CT scan. No side effects from the contrast. The results were already on my records. I was surprised I was allowed to see it. I have a 10mm Metastasis on my liver. The rest is clear. I was expecting so much worse. Relieved. I will see the surgeon of Tuesday to find out what next steps he suggests.

1. Sounds familiar to my journey. Just had 1st Chemo session so a bit to go. Try to be pragmatic, make informed decisions, ask lots of questions. Scary but treat as an adventure... We'll get through it with flying colours.

Hi Staaship and a warm welcome to the board. Yes it can be scary but sometimes the reputation of chemo can be worse than the actual experience? Take it one session at a time and you’ll soon find you’re over half way before you know it. Lots of experience and advice on here so ask away if you’ve any questions 

Take care

Karen x

Regarding rushing through tests, they are working to targets and time scales and just forget to mention that. The pace of phone calls texts etc whilst at the beginning of this , is alarming. It shou be reassuring ...but I found that at each step I was alarmed until I had the outcome . Thankfully this is a very common cancer and the service seems swift. In my area , talking to the clinical nurse specialists is very helpful and they can really make up for unclear info from doctors . They also have a true commitment to calling you back when you raise questions. Good luck, I had ' curative ' surgery , and some cancer cells were found in what was removed so am having " preventative " chemotherapy . They told me it was " belt and braces " , which I had to Google . 

Just keep going ,there's lots of wobbly feelings ...that's ok