Hello, just been diagnosed with cancer in my transverse colon. It has fused to my duodenum so I will be having chemo to try and shrink it prior to surgery. It was a bit of a shock but looks like I am in for a long haul of treatment!
Sorry to hear your news. It is a awful shock hearing one has cancer, and there is nothing that makes that news 'better' - but do take courage, one gets through the chemo and the surgery.
In case helpful, two things have helped me through surgery and chemo...during chemo, I'm vocal and tell them if I'm suffering side effects (I don't suffer in silence, stiff upper lip etc). This is important, as some symptoms are medically important, and others not, and they can manage symptoms optimally if they know exactly what you experiencing. On surgery - I've 'walked my way' better from surgery. Exercise is key I found, both for my recovery and mental well-being. Walking is therapeutic, and lets face it nature just 'decompresses' one's mind! Last tip on surgery - I found the hospital physios to be uninspired...they don't tell you what exercises you can and can't do and how to get your core strength back. But there's a great book written by a Sarah Russell (physio) called 'The Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit'. I've used it as my recovery 'bible' over the years, even gave my surgeon a copy. LOL.
