Stage 4 Bowel Cancer

My name is sue age 62.

5 years ago, diagnosed with stage 4 Bowel Cancer, could only have 4 lots of chemo, due to getting repeated diverticulitis infections they said it would be life threatening to continue so had to be admitted to hospital to have intravenous antibiotics.

I’ve had approx 10 operations in the past 5 years, I’ve had numerous large hernias, I’ve had 6 stomas and now have a permanent ilestomy which is retracting, and the bag is forever busting, which is a nightmare if you are not at home, my clothes are bedding are completely ruined. It’s costing me a fortune to replace them. 

And yet again I have another large hernia,  I’m constantly in severe pain and cannot stand for longer than a couple of minutes, i cannot cook a meal due to the weakness in my left leg. 

I was diagnosed with heart trouble in 2015 and had a stent fitted, I have severe sleep apnea, asthma and COPD. I am also waiting for a hip replacement, 

If anyone can suggest what helps for the pain. 

Thank you

  • Hi Sue

     

    firstly, can I say well done for surviving 5 years of sheer torture, I can’t imagine the mental stress of all you have and are going through!!!!! 

     

    Secondly, with all your different illnesses and the cancer, I’m hoping you should be on slow release morphine daily, e.g. Zomorph or OxyContin or similar.  Plus you should have Oramorph liquid for breakthrough pain.  I would expect no less for you in this situation plus it would be great for you to be referred to a pain clinic, it’s a great place to get to see a pain specialist psychiatrist and pain nurses etc etc.

    The only reason you may not get morphine based meds is because of your COPD and asthma as these meds can reduce lung function, however if you where on a low dose, this can be controlled.

    Keep us updated flower x 

  • Hi surayya, 

     

    what was your symptoms if you do not mind me asking? 
    The reason I ask is because I've had bloods two stool samples done and a ct done is a&e, however I feel like something is being missed. 
     

    Thank you