I've just turned 51 now, but was diagnosed with rectal cancer in March 2013 when I was 48. I completed 5 weeks of radio and chemo therapy in June '13 and had surgery in September '13 during which the tumour was successfully removed. Had a few rocky patches with follow-up chemo! (Chemo's not for me it would seem!) Further MRI scans in October '13 showed secondary cancer in my liver and after a period of 'watching and waiting' I had a successful liver resection in June '14. More scans and more hotspots in my lungs and abdomen! (thankfully, abdominal mass was nothing nasty! ) Had lung surgery, (Jan 2015) but follow up scans revealed more bilateral lung nodules and further surgery is no longer an option. Found out in August 2015 that I have a recurrence in my pelvis, bowel, liver and lungs. It's now a case of palliative care, but I'm still smiling and adopting a positive attitude whilst being supported by my wonderful family and friends! x
