Cancer Research UK main site

Bowel cancer

piscesjo
Offline

Hi, I had an op 3 weeks ago today to remove a tumour from my sigmoid colon. The op went well and I am making a good recovery. Now waiting to hear about chemo. 

If you are offered screening for bowel cancer please take the tests which could save your life! I am only 56 and the diagnosis came as a complete shock. It can affect people of all ages but can be treated if caught early enough. I remain positive and hopeful that I can recover. 

Please say hello if you are also living with bowel cancer. 

Jo x

  • Offline in reply to jono691

    Joni61 same happened to me could do full  colonoscopy. Dont worry there is another way they can check rest of bowel with CT scan bit different the normal CT but nothing to worry about.

  • Offline

    Hi Jo,

    Like you I've had recently had a tumour removed from my sigmoid colon and am waiting to start chemo next week. Also came as a shock to me- no major symptoms, no family history and mainly the fact that I'm only 23...doctors can't believe it. Trying to remain positive! Best of wishes for you in your journey :)

    x

  • Offline in reply to rmstiles04

    Hi rmstyles04, 

    23 is very young to be diagnosed. Thank goodness it was detected rather than you being told you are too young. Have you seen the campaign #nevertooyoung? 

    I hope you made a good recovery from the surgery and I wish you all the best with the chemo. What are you going to receive? 

    Jo

  • Offline in reply to piscesjo
    Hi Jo I am just starting my journey. Colonoscopy revealed 5cm high grade glandular dysplasia. I have CT scan booked for Wednesday to see if it's spread. I am so upset and can't seem to find a positive attitude. Telling family and friends has been the worse. Just found this forum this evening and must say it has made me feel slightly better. Thank you xx
  • Offline in reply to JackieJ
    Hi JackieJ, When I went for the sigmoidoscopy I really though they were going to tell me I had internal piles! When they said it was a tumour I felt like I had entered some sort of surreal world and it felt like they weren't even talking about me! My partner was there when I was given the diagnosis so knew straight away but then I had to tell my mum who is 86 and who lives 120 miles away. I ended up just blurting it out on the phone to her and I cried uncontrollably! After that I had to tell my 24 year old son which was equally as painful. I decided to be very open and started posting my journey publically on Facebook where I try to give a balanced account of life with cancer. My page is www.facebook.com/warpywefterjo The CT scan is OK. You have to drink a load of aniseed flavoured liquid and i was also injected during the scan to highlight all my important bits. It felt weird but didn't hurt. The actual scan took 5 mins. I don't know what to advise about positive attitude. I am told I have one. I use humour a lot. I love life and try to make the most of every day. I hope things go well for you. Let me know how things go. Jo
  • Offline in reply to piscesjo

    Well I'd been backpacking in South America and had been in hospital twice in Bolivia- they'd diagnosed me with a parasite. Came back to the UK and they thought the same. It was on a flight to the USA that I got really ill- intense stomach pains and vomiting, resulting in me going to A and E as soon as we touched down. I do believe that this trip saved my life- doctors did multiple tests and were adamant that I stayed until they were 100% sure of what was causing it, got diagnosed and they even carried out the operation. This all happened within a few days. Hate to say it but can't imagine it would have been the same situation here in the UK! Yep I've seen the never too young campaign hope to get more involved once I'm better. I'm receiving FOLFOX fortnightly via central line? How about you?

     

    X

  • Offline in reply to rmstiles04
    I am 4 weeks post op on Thursday and the week after I go back to hear how my cancer has been staged post operatively. They were querying stage 3 prior to the op but need the results of the histology investigations. I suspect I too will then be placed on 6 months of FOLFOX. That's more or less what they told me to expect. How are you responding to it? Any side effects? Jo x
  • Offline in reply to piscesjo

    I was told i was too young for cancer, ive probably had it for years as its stage 4 for me and spread to my lymph nodes and liver. I'm only 28 and was first diagnosed with vitamin D defficiency and a fever after blood tests showed a raised CRP. I only really noticed it due to coughing as my liver was so enlarged and pressing against my diaphragm along with a regular fever. It wasnt until i had another fever and my partner forced me to go to A&E where they then did an ultrasound and CT scan and then a colonoscopy to discover primary bowel with secondary liver. 

    My oncologist said if i had waited another few weeks i wouldnt have been able to start chemo and it would jist be pallative care. No surgery for me as its stage 4 but im still pushing for it. Ive been in hospital a lot which means my chemo has sometimes been delayed by a week quite a few times as i havent been well enough for it.

    I feel terrible most of the time but when my chemo is delayed by a week i have a good week! I have cycle 7 next week out of 12 and then maintenance 5fu for a year. After that a break and then repeat i guess... 

    If you look at the drugs in FOLFOX two were inventrd in thr 50's and 60's whilst oxiplatin was in the 90's. Im surprised a newer better drug hasnt been developed yet...

  • Offline in reply to piscesjo

    Hi Jo, 

    only started the treatment on Tuesday- main side effects seem to be nausea and tiredness, both manageable so far but just take every day as it comes. The treatments apparently easier in the early stages. When do you start your treatment? 

    X

  • Offline in reply to rmstiles04

    Still waiting for the appointment with the oncologist. Expecting to get a letter next week. Also I have now been staged post operatively as stage B or stage 2 so I don't even know if chemo will be an option or not. 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.