Just been diagnosed with bowel cancer and lymph node cancer

Hi I am new to the forum .

3 weeks ago I went to the doctor with a surgical hernia and asked if blood and gel in my stool was connected.

I was fast tracked 2 days later after fit test was positive for a camera which luckily happened to be done by a bowel cancer surgeon. Who informed me I had a 8cm malignant tumour in my lower colon.

2 days later I had a ct scan ,mri scan and then was informed I also had a enlarged lymph node as well as stage 2 bowel cancer which luckily has not spread to my organs .

I go on monday for pre radiotherapy check and will be having 5 weeks of intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy tablets every day .

I have to have 2 operations, 1 to remove the humour and a stoma attached and then another operation to reverse and maybe more treatment. 

I actually am still in shock ,as a plus they are also sorting out my surgical hernia at the same time .

This next year of my life has suddenly become out of my control and I dont know what to expect and know am probably very lucky but still .

I would love to chat to anyone about the radiotherapy and chemotherapy pills treatment,maybe side effects and what to expect in a time frame .did you still go to work ?

Thanks for taking the time to read this as am feeling pretty shocked. 

  • Hello Lusardi and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I hope the forum will allow you to make connections with others members affected by cancer, especially as you begin to process your recent diagnosis. It's natural for you to feel all sorts of emotions in this situation and it can feel like things our out of your control, but there is support available if needed. Experiences can differ, particularly around time off work, but your medical team is there to address any questions or concerns you may have and on our website we have guidance around treatment for cancer, including possible side effects. You can refer to this at anytime and you can search for any other information via the About Cancer homepage.

    Also, if you ever wanted free and confidential advice from our team of dedicated cancer nurses, you can call our helpline on 0808 800 4040. Lines are open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday.

    I hope this is useful and all the best for your upcoming operations as well,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hello ,in 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer it had metastesised to my aorta ,I had chemo once every three weeks from December to April ,I had no problems with the chemo just felt a little nauseous on the first day .l had a rest from treatment for a month and then 28 rounds of radiotherapy again no bad side effects, then the operation was given a stoma bag really easy to handle six months later the stoma was reversed and here I am eighteen years later still going.

    Good wishes to you anrd I hope you treatment goes well

    .

  • Thankyou for re assuring .appreciate it and am glad you had a good outcome .