Hi

i can only tell you my story, but it gives you another perspective.  I was diagnosed with bowel cancer and two days later had surgery followed by 6 months adjuvant chemo. I’m now nearing my 5yr all clear.  

All I can say is just stay being there for her.

thinking of your friend and sending positive vibes

JB x

Thanks JB, that's great and gives me hope that the surgery doesn't necessarily mean the worst.

Glad to hear you're doing so well and I wish you a continued happy and healthy life.

We always have to stay hopeful and keep a strong mindset.  Never google just listen to the professionals.  Your friend may not be saying much now because it’s such a daunting thing to process, but I’m sure she might open up in time.

its lovely to know she has a caring friend.  Thanks I wish that for all of us.. continued happy healthy life.

love and hugs I’m keeping your friend her family and you her friend in my positive thought.  Please let’s us know how you all get on xx

I hope you don't mind me asking what tests did you have done? As my mum is having hers done and the consultant wants to do a CT before the camera is this normal I thought it was the other way round 

Thanks 

Hello

i had severe stomach pains which kicked off a series of tests from CT to MRI to colonoscopy, then all those determined the only option was surgery.  I’m not a Dr but think it may be because it might not be possible to pass the colonoscope completely around the bowel.  CT I guess in this case would give a bigger picture.  Good question to ask the consultant.  Not sure this helps or answers you

Hope all goes well for your mum x

Hello

just wanted to check in on how your friend and you are doing?

best wishes 

JBee

Hi

great to hear positive news, sounds like everything is as it should be.  Yes ICU is standard, I actually never left as there were no beds in the wards haha I was there 4 days.  Normally they want you to recover before starting any treatment, so maybe 6 to 8 weeks?  Then they will go onto the next step in the healing process. Having a plan is the only way to go and it helps put everything into perspective so you not too worried.  I’m really happy reading your news.  I’m great thanks.  Please do keep us updated from time to time, look after yourself.

JB x

Hi JBee

i hope you are doing well?

My friend got the results of the biopsy they took during her surgery and she has stage 3 bowel cancer. She had an MRI of her liver last week to see if the cancer has spread and gets the results for that this week. If it has spread does that mean they would categorise as stage 4? I don't want to ask too many questions of her as I know she is struggling to get her own head around this. 

Hey so nice to hear from you and with further news of your friend.  Bowel cancer from what I understand is graded differently to other cancers, maybe a nurse on here can correct me.  Mine was graded 3, but there wasn’t cancer anywhere else, so really unsure.   I’m not sure if the below is helpful in understanding still a little confusing but I think that’s because we don’t have all the details. It’s a complicated process I think.  How is your friend doing though?  Hopefully staying positive.  

Im great thank you

JBee xx

Stage III (stage 3 colorectal cancer): Stage III colorectal cancer is divided into three categories:

Stage IIIA: The cancer has grown into the intestine wall, through the mucosa (the inner lining) and into the submucosa and may have entered the muscle. The cancer has spread to up to three lymph nodes near the site of the primary tumor.

Stage IIIB: The cancer has grown into or through the outermost layer of the colon or rectum and may have spread into nearby organs or tissues. The cancer has spread to up to three lymph nodes near the primary site, but has not spread to distant organs.

Stage IIIC:The cancer has grown into or through the outermost layer of the colon or rectum and may have spread to four or more lymph nodes near the primary site. The cancer has also spread to nearby organs.

Stage IV (stage 4 colorectal cancer): Stage IV is the most advanced stage of colorectal cancer. If you have been diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, it means that the cancer has metastasized to distant sites, such as the liver or lungs. The cancer may or may not have grown through the wall of the colon or rectum, and lymph nodes may or may not have been affected.

Stage IV colorectal cancer is further divided into two categories, depending on whether or not the metastasis has affected more than one organ. The original tumor can be of any size and lymph nodes may or may not be involved, but if the cancer has spread to one different organ it is considered stage IVA, while more than one organ would be defined as stage IVB.

Stage IV colorectal cancer can be defined by any T or N category, with the only difference stemming from whether the M1 or M2 assignment is more appropriate.