I am so sorry to hear that you got a cancer diagnosis. Do you know what type and stage it is? It is not unusual to be in total shock, anger, or even denial at this stage - it will get a little easier to handle once you know more about treatment and what lies ahead.
I went through treatment for 2 bouts of cancer and 1 of pre-cancer, all within a year of diagnosis. I found treatment a challenge, but it was all perfectly "doable". That was all 16 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. I hope that you will too.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on. We are always here for you.
Hi it's bowel cancer only had the colonoscopy yesterday but he was completely certain they took biopsies and I need to have a ct scan to see if it's spread so I don't.know much more yet x
I'm sorry to hear this. Do you have a date for the CT scan yet? I hope that you don't have too long to wait for it. Mine was breast cancer and my surgeon was sure that it was cancer at my first appointment too. It is scary to be told this so soon, but the benefit of knowing immediately is that you have a little time to come to terms with the diagnosis, before you're hit with a treatment schedule.
I sincerely hope that these tests show that the cancer hasn't spread. Do please let us know how your results turn out and remember that we are always here for you.
If you ask one of the moderators to change the title of your original post to Bowel Cancer, you will probably get more replies from people who have gone through, or are undergoing, treatment for bowel cancer. You should benefit from their experiences as you travel your cancer journey.
I don't have a date as yet me and my husband are on our way to Devon for a week which was planned months ago because my biopsy results won’t be available for 10-14 days as long as I have them scan when I’m back the results will be available for the MDT meeting so it’s not delaying anything and we really wanted to try and enjoy our break xx
Like you I was also shocked to be given a diagnosis of T3 colon cancer earlier this year - not to mention scared of the operation and especially the post op ‘recovery’ as I’m in my mid 70’s and feared both the physical impact on my body, as well as the emotional toll on myself and also my family.
I'm pleased to say that the operation carried out within a fortnight and - even more fortuitous-, my local hospital had very recently started using robotic surgery - all of which was just amazing. Unbelievably I was in hospital for only 2 nights. I went home with a few paracetamol which I didn’t need to use as I was in no pain or even mild discomfort !!!
Four months later I can honestly say that my life is more or less back to normal - yes, I’ve had a couple of minor “accidents” but by focussing on good carbs and limiting flow much fruit and veg I eat ( not easy as I’m vegan!) … I now feel in control - and am largely focussed on being as healthy as possible. My six month check up is already in my diary but on a day to day basis I rarely even think about having been diagnosed with cancer only four months ago.
So I really do hope that you have a similarly positive experience - hopefully with robotic surgery if at all possible - I‘d even suggest it may be worthwhile actively seeking this as your preference …even if that means travelling outside of your local area. Above all try your best to be as positive as you can be … and allow family, friends and workmates to spoil you with love and kindness and positivity.
Obviously, much depends on your own health status and circumstances - but I hope my experience is reassuring. Good luck with everything… and do post an update once you’re back home ️
