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Hello All - diagnosed with colon cancer in January. Don't think I've had time to fully process everything until now and it's hitting me hard now

Durr
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I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in January. I was lucky enough to be told that the cancer had been caught early, and the lymph nodes, removed during the operation to remove part of my colon in February, tested clear for cancer. However,  the main incision became infected in hospital and here I am,  almost 5 months down the road,  still waiting for the wound to heal. I ended up back in hospital a month ago with a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. It's been a long, hard road to recovery, even if I haven't needed chemo. Everything happened in such a rush after the diagnosis that I don't think I fully processed it all. It's hitting me now and today I found out that a friend's husband passed away from a pulmonary embolism whilst in remission. It has hit me hard. It has triggered me and I feel emotional tonight. 

  • Hello Durr

    I'm sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year and that treatment you've had so far hasn't gone as smoothly as you would have hoped. Add to that the recent news about your friend's husband, and it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed by things. 

    I know many of the Cancer Chat community members will recognise the situation that you've described. Quite often, after initial tests and diagnosis are given, we get caught up in the whirlwind of treatment, and whilst we're focusing on getting through that part of our journey, it can be easy to put the emotional processing of the news to one side. Inevitably, at some point, it usually catches up with us and it can feel like a ton of bricks dropping on you. We have some information about how cancer can make you feel on our website. 

    What support do you have around you, Durr? I hope that you have family and friends that you can talk to and lean on as you begin to process all that you've been through and continue to go through whilst the wound is healing. Many of our members here will know the benefits that can come with seeking some support, and it may be that you might want to talk with someone outside of friends and family about how you're feeling. If this is the case, then you can ask your specialist cancer nurse about services that may be available in your local area, such as Maggie's. If it would help to chat with one of our nurses, you're welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope that you can find the support you need to help you begin to process everything Durr. The Cancer Chat community is here for you, so do keep in touch. 

    Sending you my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi 

    I agree with what Moderator Jenn has said. It is a really difficult time for you and at the moment you have to take one day at a time. I also agree that you should see if there is a Maggies near you. Maggies are supporting both myself and my family with both one to ones and support groups.

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