Hi there and welcome to the forum, but so sorry for why you're here. It sounds like you've been through a lot in a short space of time and no doubt it has taken a toll on you, both physically and emotionally. I know the colon surgery followed by all the rest of it had to be very stressful and no wonder you're depressed. These experiences take a lot out of us and it seems like its' never really over. I had colon cancer surgery almost seven years ago now and my life has been a nightmare ever since. Its' been a steady round of surgeries for me with the colon surgery, two lung re-sections, major ureter surgery, bladder cancer surgery, not to mention all the treatments in connection with all of these. I'm still kicking though and in between all of this, I try to do some of the things I enjoy. It can be a real challenge though as my life revolves around hospitals, doctors' offices, and treatments centres, etc. Every time I turn around, they're finding something new that's cropped up. I guess I shouldn't complain though, because they've kept me alive this long. I know my time is running out though and it has started to wear me down both physically and emotionally, and I wonder how much longer I want to do this anyway. People keep telling me to keep positive!!!! Sure, okay for them to say. They get all bent out of shape with a backache. I think the fatigue is a major challenge now too, and its' with me almost constantly. Everything seems like a major effort as I have no energy.

I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer you, but I really don't. I also think everything we feel in our body becomes a red flag and we question if this could be another cancer. Not much wonder we're paranoid! Most people would be after going through what we've been through. I think coming here to the forum was a good decision on your part though. All of us here know what its' like to be dealing with this terrible disease and people who have never had cancer have no idea what its' like. I know you're not in favor of taking chemo and I can understand that. I did six weeks of chemo for colon cancer and it nearly killed me. Even my oncologist said he would never do that to me again. I have had radiation to slow things down some, but I know I'm coming to the end of the road here and it is just a matter of time. I haven't asked the doctors how much time. Has your treatment team suggested radiation for you?

I hope you get some answers to your questions and perhaps someone will come up with some options for you. Come back on here and let us know how you get along with it all.

Take care and sending hugs.

Lorraine     

Thank you for getting back to me, Lorraine.  You made my day.  You are a very brave woman to go through everything that you have been through.  I couldn't do it.  I have to see the doctors again on September 12 and they will either give me good news or bad news.  I'm not having any chemo, and they did not mention radiation, but I wouldn't have that either.  You are right about being paranoid.  Every time they find something, it means more tests and more waiting.  This has not been a good year for me.  I had a triple by-pass in February 2016.  Then I had surgery on July 6, 2016 for colon cancer.  Then they found a lump in my breast.  Had to go for a mammogram and an ultra sound.  Turned out to be a cyst, nothing to worry about.  Then they found a spot on my liver.  Had to go for an MRI for that.  Turned out to be a cyst, nothing to worry about.  Then they found this mass in my abdomen, and I am worried about this.  But there is a chance it is not cancer.  Will find out after I go for the CT scan.

Where do you live in Canada?  I live in Winnipeg.  If you want to e-mail me, I will send you my e-mail address. Keep well, Lorraine.

Dale

Hi Dale, I am in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I have never been to Winnipeg; have you ever been to this part of the country? I had to chuckle when you said I was a brave woman because my friends (who don't have cancer, but they're terrified they might someday) keep telling me I am so brave. If they only knew how scared I am when alone and no one around. I'm not scared of being dead, but I'm scared of the journey with this cancer to get there. I'm a very independent person and I can't stand being dependent on someone to care for me, especially during the times when I'm really sick from treatments or surgeries. I have lost so many loved ones to cancer that I never wanted to be in that place.

You tell me I'm brave. My dear woman, you certainly have been through a lot in your life too. Be sure to let me know the results of your CT scan. I don't know if its' a good idea to put your e-mail address on the open forum here. Perhaps we can private message each other and exchange e-mail addresses that way. I keep forgetting about the private message section.

Anyway, I'm really glad I found this forum. It has been a real support for me in doing this journey. People on here understand how it is to be doing this cancer thing and it makes a big difference in feeling supoorted by others who are in the same boat. There aren't too many Canadians on here. I think I may be the only one up until you joined. I'm going to try and send you a private message. I think in order to do that though, we have to indicate that we want to do private messaging. I will check my status on that and perhaps you can check yours. Between the two of us, perhaps we can get it worked out.

Take care

Lorraine

Hi Lorraine, 

I see you mentioned that you're having a bit of difficulty working out the private messaging system so I thought I'd pop by and provide you with a link which explains how it works. Just click here to find out more.

I hope this helps :)

All the best, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks Steph, I think I can do the basics anyway. I guess practice makes perfect? I haven't used it a lot in the past, so never did become proficient at it. Thanks for your help and as I've said so many times, I love this forum and it has been such a great support for me over the years. Certainly, the moderators have been a big part of why the forum works so well. Thanks for being here for all of us, especially those of us who are "technically challenged."

Lorraine

Thank you Lorraine, that's very kind of you.

We love having you as part of the Cancer Chat community and "technically challenged" or not, we'll always be here for you if you need us :)

Best Wishes, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi i was wondering if u can help please. I went to my docs because i was having blood in my stools and it started becoming more frequently. I get bloated. Feel tired and sick. The doc examined me and said the blood isnt from my back passage says its all healthy etc. She examined my stomach and it was tender to touch then explained she found a lump in my stomach. Sent me for bloods yesterday. Waiting for the results and as refered me to the hospital within the next two weeks. Does this sound anything like you have suffered as im scared its colon cancer. Im 33 and have 2 young children. Also my glands feel tender on the right side .

Thank you

Hello

How did you get on with the lump they found in your tummy?

I have been experiencing colon cancer symptoms and haven't made it to the doctors yet but reading all these posts makes me so worried.