Yes I definitely experience some of that, but it's OK. I've got used to having more wind and more bms. They've settled down a bit and I think my mind-gut is learning that I don't actually need a bm all the time.
I'm not doing too great today. Picked the worst day to forget my meds before going to work. I know the MDT is meeting about me again today and a nurse should call me later. My anxiety is increasing. I know it means a plan is about to be proposed and treatment soon, and that's one step closer to treatment and cure, but I'm really scared about what it'll entail and what kind of final outcome they think ill have.
I am very fortunate in having an option for a 2nd opinion. But it all involves time, phone calls, paperwork etc that can be mentally and emotionally draining - the sort of things I completely take in my stride in other aspects of life are daunting for me in this case.
Really hoping for encouraging news from MDT today and an appointment with a consultant soon. Wish me luck
Thinking of you James4000 and tangoPotter ... hope you get a call re the MDT meeting with an appointment to see the Consultant soon... it's very difficult not to 'think ahead' but it causes so much stress and the treatment/plan/ outcome is unknown at this stage... further stress impacts our mental and physical health...
James4000 hi James I do know what you mean about feeling anxiety about every thing I’m in the same boat so to speak I have an appointment on Tuesday morning with a consultant and I’m really getting nervous about the meeting I guess he will tell me things about my tumour I do know they want to start with chemo to shrink it before they operate I’m worried about chemo and the down side effects it’s bad enough coping with the tumour as well as side affects from chemo but I know I need to get better so I will have to have what ever they say I have to have. I was hoping I could just go and have a operation to get rid of it even though I’m scared about that but I was told they don’t like doing that Wishing you all the best James my thoughts are with you keep us informed lots of love xxx
I have, to an extent, a different situation. I am worried, from.what I've heard so far, that in my case, if they go straight to surgery, I'd have a higher chance of needing to have a stoma (due to location and size of the tumour etc), so I wonder if some oncology first to shrink it would be better for my longer term recovery and healing.
A high % of cancers are initially treated with chemotherapy, this is to hopefully reduce the size, therefore enabling a better removal of the tumour..
Every body, every cancer is unique and therefore I think we have to trust the medical profession to use their knowledge and experience to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient...
Listening to the experience of other's is neither helpful or informative for any of us..
Just had a call from the nurse. It's going to be chemo. I'm not so bothered about that per se. But am very worried that the location of things is making it look trickier for surgery and they seem to be looking at a stoma outcome. Really really want to get through this without a stoma if there's any chance.
Feeling very down. There's still a chance, I guess, but I am guessing. I definitely need detailed discussions with both surgeon and oncologist. I should be called in for a meeting in the next fortnight. And I'll need to collate a load of records and send them off for 2nd opinion.
I am grateful there should be treatment and cure, but am feeling very low about next steps and the prospect of a stoma.
Hi James4000 I'm sending you a gentle hope that's OK...
I would like to share a couple of things that may or may not be useful but I'm hoping they are..
In regards to a [ possible] stoma...this can only be decided by the surgeon, very often at the time of surgery, some things are difficult to predict beforehand. I gave a friend/neighbour who has been thru this process, beginning a decade ago..
Chemo, surgery and a stoma.. not the outcome as a fit/healthy/ active man.. he had envisioned.. but his willpower and strength to not be determined by the stoma were incredible ..
He cycles daily, swims, plays bowls, takes regular holidays, keen gardener... everything he did prior to surgery.. his adaptation and acceptance of his new way of life has been inspiring and humbling to all who know him..
In respect to obtaining a 2nd opinion...
Sadly a young cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer last autumn.. she underwent the chemo in preparation for her surgery and further treatment post op..
She was given a date for her surgery and then decided to have a 2nd opinion..
Unfortunately the 2nd consultant confirmed the diagnosis and treatment plan set out by the original investigations, which were very complex and thorough. The outcome of this is that she has missed the original date for surgery and is now back on the list.. she is told she will be fast-tracked without any definitive time for her surgery...
Mentally I'm not ready to consider a stoma possibility, but at some point i may have to. I'm a pretty tough cookie generally but (and to your wise point about being kind to oneself), my mental and emotional reserves get drained and right now I'm at a very low ebb. Not sure what else I was expecting really but I guess I hoped for some better news.
Will try to get home and take my meds and then try to get out and do some exercise in this torrential rain, which may help a bit.
Sorry to be a downer at the end of the week. I'll read your post again when feeling stronger, as the example of your neighbour is inspiring. If it comes to that for me, I like to think I could follow.thay example and be determined to bith beat this and not let the possible.l stoma hold me back. I just don't have it in me today right now to feel it.
James4000 hi James I’m sorry your feeling so down with what you have been told hope when your feeling a bit better and on reflection things won’t look too bad everything we are told takes some sinking in My thoughts are with you James we are here if you need to talk x
