Piano drop

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on 24th January 2018, which has spread to all sections of my liver. Took them 4 weeks to tell me the second part. So I am now in palliative care till the day of reckoning. What puzzles me is that nobody has asked me anything about what may have caused this, lifestyle to diet. I am 60 years of age, quit smoking when I was 21,had an active job and was careful with what I ate. I read labels on food, avoided things like palm oil and sugary foods, had plenty of ruffage (high fibre) and I have never been fat.

I feel like I have been hit by a falling piano, just did not see this coming at all.

  • Hi there ... so sorry about your diagnosis... and welcome to our little chat room ... 

    Unfortunately, cancer doesn't care how fit, or unfit, young , old ... even babies are occasionally born with it ... smoker, non smoker ... I think, if you don't smoke, and keep yourself reasonably fit, you cut the odds ... but it doesn't keep you safe ... it sneaks in when wer not looking ... and it has no empathy and wants us to lay down and give in ... 

    So don't let it ... like the young ones seem to do, we need to get our boxing gloves on ... get in the ring with it ... and stick two fingers up to cancer ... weather we win or loose ... you can kick it all the way down the road ... we all have down days and want to scream ... so it's about having all those feelings ... and a good vent at the situation .. then back in there giving it a run for its money ...and you being a fit 60 year old, gives you a good start ... 

    When you feel down, just remember wer all on that cancer rollercoaster with you ... so hold on tight ... lots of highs and lows ... but however your feeling, someone here will know just how you feel ... so dodge that falling piano ... so sending a big hug ... you can do this, we just don't know how brave we are till our backs against the wall ... Chrissie x

  • Hi Peter I was told that Cancer is one third genetics, one third lifestyle and one third bad luck. Some people manage to abuse their bodies and never get anything and others are not so lucky. I have always been overweight (one of the lifestyle no no's) but have always been healthy and fit. I do regular exercise go cycling and walking. Try to have a good diet - but over eat (hence the overweight). I would not worry about why you got cancer because you could spiral into the "why me". Just concentrate on getting the most out of your life. River