Bowel cancer any tips?

[Carlos J]

Not a pity post.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer today and have been admitted to hospital for a full body CT scan in the morning.

Anyone gone through this and has any good tips for dealing with the whole process?

My father died of bowel cancer. Actually, that's not accurate. The pain was so bad he ended-up downing a bottle of whiskey and then slitting his wrists in a Peugeot 205 on Southwold seafront.[/quote]I'm not that weak.

Not quoting studies, but from personal opinion. The old positive mental attitude is so true. some people get a diagnosis, and then that's it and die soon. Some will fight it and will overcome. A lot is in your thoughts and attitude.

[antdad]

I appreciate that wasn't a wholey positive contribution to this thread but who knows when his father was diagnosed. It could've been late stage and very little that could be done and once pain is that crippling it really has little to do with mental strength but how the pain can be managed and possibly relieved.

It's not unusual for the amount of morphine required for relief would end life prematurely anyway and for the better in most terminal cases. I think if I were ever in that sort of situation I'd snort a few crushed fentanyl and be done rather than attempt to prolong my suffering. Actually I'd argue the opposite, you have to be fairly determined and strong-willed to end your life in a physical way as men tend to do.

[Vespa]

I appreciate that wasn't a wholey positive contribution to this thread but who knows when his father was diagnosed. It could've been late stage and very little that could be done and once pain is that crippling it really has little to do with mental strength but how the pain can be managed and possibly relieved.

It's not unusual for the amount of morphine required for relief would end life prematurely anyway and for the better in most terminal cases. I think if I were ever in that sort of situation I'd snort a few crushed fentanyl and be done rather than attempt to prolong my suffering. Actually I'd argue the opposite, you have to be fairly determined and strong-willed to end your life in a physical way as men tend to do.

There is a difference between making a point about mental health and a post about a weird suicide fantasy.

[antdad]

I don't read many if any of his contributions and if that's the case then it's in particularly poor taste, Godspeed to you.

[blues4ever]

Vespa, all the best and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

[lambrini]

Vespa! My heart goes out to you!
You can beat this.

[Darkyboy]

Sorry to hear that Vespa. You have to stay positive through the ordeal. There will be some real lows, that's inevitable, but you have to tell yourself that they will pass, because they will. I'm sure that family and friends will do all they can to help you through it. Also, the success rate with bowel cancer has increased over recent years and there are a number of ways it can be treated.

I was diagnosed with a T3 tumour six years ago. So I can imagine how shellshocked the diagnosis has left you. Feel free to PM me.

[Vespa]

Sorry to hear that Vespa. You have to stay positive through the ordeal. There will be some real lows, that's inevitable, but you have to tell yourself that they will pass, because they will. I'm sure that family and friends will do all they can to help you through it. Also, the success rate with bowel cancer has increased over recent years and there are a number of ways it can be treated.

I was diagnosed with a T3 tumour six years ago. So I can imagine how shellshocked the diagnosis has left you. Feel free to PM me.

Will do, thanks.

[warmleatherette]

All the best Vespa, I’m 56 and have seen this sort of thing far too much in my circle of friends and far too close to home but on the bright side as has been said it’s pretty amazing how easily and well it can be treated providing it’s caught early, even if caught fairly late there is now treatment where not so long ago there wasn’t.

As for Roy’s post, at 50 I was literally dragged into my local GP’s by my other half as I just don’t go unless I can’t self diagnose (arm chair scientists are stupid really) had the “MOT” and all was good, about 6 months ago I self diagnosed as type 2 (been asking for it all my life) when I lost 2 1/2 stone in 6 weeks along with all the other classic symptoms and now they won’t stop sending me for tests for this that and the other, it drives me mad but to say the NHS don’t “screen” people for stuff isn’t the case unless you purposely avoid it once they’ve got you “on the system”.

Hope your treatment is quick and easy and the best of luck to you.

[Salem]

Fingers crossed everything goes as well as it can and you make a full recovery , Vespa

[Steve Hunt]

Vespa, feel free to ignore my question if you want. No problem at all. I will fully understand.

But what were the signs?
Did/do you feel unwell at all?
Has it been detected via a routine check up?

[Vespa]

Vespa, feel free to ignore my question if you want. No problem at all. I will fully understand.

But what were the signs?
Did/do you feel unwell at all?
Has it been detected via a routine check up?

I had painful stomach cramps, that resulted in a colonoscopy. Six weeks or so from seeing a doctor to finding out.

[Vespa]

Today I met my Macmillan cancer nurses, beautiful people. The hospital is having a world cancer day event so had good chats with people who've had this.

Likely I'll lose 23cm of bowel. That's my abs fucked

Guy in the bed next to me heard about my cancer and proceeded to tell me about all the people he knew who had died from it. Because I'm a massive bitch I've decided my stock response to these people is 'thanks that was inspirational'

[shabbado]

It's like a morbid game of Top Trump's

23 cm of your bowel? Oh well I know someone who lost 50cm of their bowel.

Oh your father's died? I remember when my father died it was a horrible experience but you know what makes it better? Time...give it time.

Eh....fuck off?

[Steve Hunt]

Today I met my Macmillan cancer nurses, beautiful people. The hospital is having a world cancer day event so had good chats with people who've had this.

Likely I'll lose 23cm of bowel. That's my abs fucked

Guy in the bed next to me heard about my cancer and proceeded to tell me about all the people he knew who had died from it. Because I'm a massive bitch I've decided my stock response to these people is 'thanks that was inspirational'

Some people are just arseholes, Vespa.

Ignore them.

Have you heard any more about your likely treatment and how long it will take?