New diagnosis

Hi CLH and a warm welcome to the board. Personally I waited until I had all my test results back and had met with the surgeon and had a treatment plan in place. He told me that they were treating me with a ‘view to cure’ which I was able to reassure people with. I’m not sure how old your children are but there’s a couple of links here that might be helpful?

https://www.bupa.co.uk/~/media/Files/MMS/bhf-02916

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/talking-to-children-and-teenagers

I’ve also attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first meeting which might give you a heads up about what to expect treatment wise and staging etc.

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

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2016 and I’m still ‘no evidence of disease’ as are the 2 ladies who I became friends either during my treatment. The next few months will be tough but focus on each stage of treatment at a time and we’ll be happy to help you through this.

Take care and feel free to ask any questions - there’s nothing too daft or embarrassing!

Take care

Karen x

Hello Karen,

Thank you for the reply and also for the documents. My children are 10 & 11 but one has autism and I am his main comfort blanket when things get too much so I know this is going to be hard for him.

I am hoping that we have caught it early enough to treat :( but unfortunally as I am sure for most people waiting the final treatment plan...all worst case scenarios are going round in my head.

I am 2 years in and I havent told my children (now 18 and 15). My colorectal nurse advised to tell them but I decided against it. I personally cant see the benefit for now. If it gets to a point where it is necessary then I will inform them but for now I'd rather they be oblivious and live their best lives with me.