I can relate I am twice your age and have been suffering exhaustion for around 6-9 months in oct 24 go have me iron tablets stating I was a bit anemic, I then completed a FIT test which was sent out to me on my 60th birthday, I got a call on 23rd December to say it was positive and had a colonoscopy yesterday the surgeon told me afterwards that it was defo cancer and that I need more investigations before they decide on my care plan treatment and operation. I feel let down by the GP surgery as the surgeon asked if they had done any follow up. I am so scared I wish I could help you feel better ️‍ 

Hello Sobubb,

                        l am ten years on from bowel cancer diagnosis on Christmas eve, confirmed on new years eve, with spread to the liver confirmed six months later. That's the problem with cancer, it ticks away in the background slowly chipping away, unlike say the flu, that arrives in a day ,spanks you hard from the off and is un-mistakenly diagnosed.

So unfortunately you can have a rolling diagnosis to contend with and that can be such a difficult thing to get your head around,people deal remarkably  well with the known, its the unknown that throws them..l struggled with this at the outset and knew that  the fight and turmoil in my mind was giving my opponent its best possible chance of success.The doctors can do their best, but you need to have the best mind and body for the fight ahead if you wish to come out stronger than your foe.

Finding the foundation from which you can build your determination and strength is a personal thing, what works for one will not work for another, but that solid foundation works for all  relieving fear,reducing stress, focusing on your chosen journey destination and outcome.

For me it was the acceptance that it could kill me,but the knowledge that l could kill it. From that moment l ceased looking back,reduced my stress, trusted my surgical teams knowledge and experience and played my part by giving the best mind and body l possibly could..My watchword and constant from then on was personal stress was handing my opponent a massive advantage and no way was that going to happen.

It will take time for you to get your foundation in place, but the sooner the better, you cannot change your intruders journey so far,but you can change its outcome, so more time using your mind to your advantage and less time thinking about what-Ifs will stand you in good stead.If you catch yourself thinking of a negative,offset it by thinking of a positive.

Cancer is a life changer,so embrace that change to be a better one,l built a new house during my treatment in between hospital stays, kept my cattle and sheep to force me onwards each day, you have your children so you have a piece of your foundation in place, just add the positivity to it .Do not despair if your progress seems slow,and it will, but remember a single step forward each day is a step closer to your favoured destination.

Be kind to yourself, gentle as possible to those closest to you, and accept and use all the help from whichever direction it comes from,if you have a MAGGIES centre near you or attached to your  treatment location then use it, an oasis of calm, a sanctuary of peace, a place of help and understanding, an escape from the pressure and all at your own pace and choosing,

Best wishes from one that knows what you are going through and where you can emerge to,

David

Thank you for your encouragement, it’s fear of the unknown difficult to get your head round x

David,

I cannot thank you enough for this message, you sound like an amazing human being and you’ve no idea the drive this has given me to get through this. The foundation is so so important every word you have said has been so inspiring. I have sent your message to most of my family members for them to have a read too they have all said how wonderful it is to hear your take on it. 

thank you so much! 

take care 

Sophie 

Hello Sophie,

                      Remember ,l am only one of so,so many that will be there to help you along the way to the other side that is called success,They will be easy to recognise because they will always share a smile. Should you ever have the need of a distant shoulder to fallback on,you know how to reach me, it would never be a burden,

Take care, sending you a smile

David

Wishing you all the best .. it’s such a scary unsettling time the fear of the unknown is the worst part .. speedy recovery! X

Currently waiting on biopsies and had a CT scan and await MRI scans .. I just need a plan .. if I can accept this is what I have then fine what we going to do to fix it .. my whole family are outraged at my GP for his attitude and lack of compassion toward my situation, especially since nothing is set in stone. As I said he might be right but he frightened the life out of me … 

wishing you well :)