just diagnosed with bowel cancer.

after having prostate cancer last year i have now been told i have bowel cancer.  doctors say i am unlucky as it is nothing to do with the prostate cancer i had. have to have a big operation on the 22nd for robotic rectal cancer and been informed i will be in the operating theatre for many hours. also i will have a stoma bag permanently. obviously i am anxious about all this and wonder if anyone can tell me of their experience of having this done?.

  • Hello hedders, 

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I am sorry to hear you have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer after having prostate cancer last year. 

    I just wanted to say we are thinking of you as the date of your operation approaches and I hope that it all goes well for you. We have some information on our website on bowel cancer surgery which you can find on this page . You can also find out more about having a colostomy and looking after your stoma here.

    It is normal to be anxious and I hope that it will help you a little to talk to others on our forum who have had surgery for bowel cancer recently. One name that springs to my mind is [@JessieD]‍ who has recently had surgery for bowel cancer and I hope you will get chatting soon to some of our members who have been through this before. It helps to feel less alone and talk to others who really understand how you are feeling at the moment. 

    Keep us updated on how it all goes for you. If you have any questions to prepare yourself ahead of your surgery, you are also welcome to give our nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator