Dear Jo,

Thank you for your reply I wasn't expecting any answer to my "hello, I am scared message", my amazing wife did not wait for the conveyer belt to start, and organized everything. I do have a very large cancer tumor of 22cm, they think they can operate but it will be a major op and I will lose a kidney and some colon and it will have a major impact on my body. It is a very rare form of cancer and I am waiting for the biopsy results now. A little over 1 week ago I was a healthy dad, I knew nothing and now I am meeting surgeons to plan major surgery and strangely am slightly less terrified but very scared all the same it is too much to cope with. The doctors are very hard to read, and do say I could be "cured" but...

Thanks for the hug, it means alot, I think all of us need lots of hugs, 

Simon 

Good morning Simon,

I saw that you found my thread and kindly posted a message there. 

Your wife certainly does sound amazing, getting the ball rolling. It's the 'waiting' that seems to get to us all, so if this waiting time can be reduced in anyway, it's a big plus! 

Presumably, once the biopsy results are back, you'll have a better idea of timescales for an operation date? 

No doubt you'll have a pre-op assessment and the medical staff will be able to advise you about preparing your body for surgery. For my first op (bowel resection) I was put on an 'Enhanced Recovery ' regime - basically, I was given protein drinks to take before the operation and in the days after my surgery. 

I wasn't offered it for subsequent surgeries, but took a DIY approach and in the days/weeks before and after an op, I really tried to watch my diet and include more protein. Not sure whether it worked (or was a placebo effect) but I seemed to 'bounce back' quite quickly, to feeling my usual self! Obviously, you should take advice from your medical team on such things. 

Take little steps, Simon. I used to feel overwhelmed when thinking about everything I was facing - now I just try to deal with things on a weekly / fortnightly basis! I still keep the 'bigger picture' in mind, but basically, I've learned to take it 'one step at a time' (sorry for the ramble - hope you get the gist!) 

Keep in touch, Simon and send your wife a hug too - our nearest and dearest often get overlooked (not by us, but by others who just see the patient as the main focus)

I know I wouldn't be coping as well if it wasn't for the love and care and support of my dearest partner and family.  (and this forum!) 

Love Jo xx

Dear Jo,

Just to let you know, I had the operation and they removed a 4.4 kilo tumor, which was pretty amazing as I am pretty thin and it wasn't obvious. It was cancer, I am recovering from the operation but it went well and now they are going to decide on more treatment once they have done the analysis.

Anyway thanks for the help,

Simon

Hi Simon,

It's been a while since I've been on the forum, but my email sends me alerts to responses and it was good to see your name appear. 

I'm glad you're recovering from your surgery. Wow! What a large tumour! I hope any further treatments go well for you. Do let me know how you're getting on. 

Take care and take it easy, Jo xx

Gosh, that was a huge tumour, Simon. I hope your recovery goes well.  Take care and let us know how things are going. Will be thinking of you. x