Bowel cancer spread to lymph node and blood cells

Hello.  I was rushed into hospital on 27 December with a blockage, emergency surgery followed and a large chunk of colon was removed, a stoma put in which I am really struggling with, they removed a large t4 cancerous tumour that had spread to a lymph node and I found out onTuesday to blood cells. The oncologist said if it comes back it will be within 2 years maximum and there will be nothing that can be done. He also said that my mortality was 5 years or less.  I started chemo and have been so ill, seems I had a bad reaction, so back to it next week in a reduced dose. It’s over 2 weeks since the first infusion and I still have pins and needles in my hands and face.  I am 53 on Thursday.  I feel like I am going mad it’s like an ear worm ... I feel panicked into sorting everything out but also wanting to live and do all the stuff we’d talked about when we retired.  Feel angry that none of this was picked up despite me going backwards and forwards to the gp with infections from July last year, a scan booked in July wasn’t arranged until November by which time there was a blockage and they couldn’t do it.  My heads a shed as they say ....

  • Hi Kariba,

    Firstly welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm very sorry to hear of what you're going through at the moment - I can only imagine the mix of emotions you must be feeling. It sounds as if there are a few unknowns, and initially at least I hope the next step of treatment goes better for you.

    It is a bit of a cliche but it may help to simply focus on taking things a step - a day, an hour - at a time. And keep reaching out to others for support wherever possible, including us here on the forum - we're always here if you need it, and there are plenty of people who are here to listen and who understand.

    Hopefully you'll receive some further replies soon, otherwise do feel free to have a browse around other discussions on the forum.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator