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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Diagnosed with bowel cancer today

36 replies

nerfqueen · 23/02/2026 22:25

Got a bowel cancer diagnosis today. Going to need half of my bowel removed. CT scan showed it hasnt spread to other organs.

Dont know why im writing this.

Swinging between feeling numb and absolutely terrified.

OP posts:
NewspaperChips · 23/02/2026 22:28

I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m not wise on this stuff, but I know that the body and spirit is utterly remarkable. Take things one day at a time and try to stay positive. Easier said than done. Sending you love and a tight hand hold.

Tryingagainfor2026 · 23/02/2026 22:29

I am so sorry.
do you have any one supportive to be with you tomorrow?

sellthebigissue · 23/02/2026 22:30

Sorry to hear this OP.

Keep talking on here, we will all offer a hand hold and support x

Legolaslady · 23/02/2026 22:34

My mum was diagnosed 2 years ago.stage 4. She had part of her bowel removed and a stoma bag fitted .
She had chemo and radiotherapy. She's now cancer free and she's getting her stoma reversed very soon.
She's 78. She's so tough!

It doesn't have to mean what you most dread.
Best of luck OP.

Rosiepeta · 23/02/2026 22:46

Ah im so sorry, sending a handhold and strength, take it one step at a time. Lean on those around you both here and irl. X

CleanSkin · 23/02/2026 22:54

Oh that’s rubbish, I’m so sorry you’ve had that diagnosis.
I know nothing about these things @nerfqueenbut am sending you a loving, supportive hand-hold for your appointments, operation & all the other bits & bats that you’ll be doing over the upcoming period of investigation, surgery, treatment & recovery. Please keep us informed, when you have the time & inclination. With you in spirit 💐

andjustlikethat1 · 23/02/2026 23:05

FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers

Fushia123 · 23/02/2026 23:08

Sending you support. Not the same but I was diagnosed with Breast cancer a few months ago. I’ve had 3 ops and now the cancer has gone. Radiotherapy to come.
The very worst stage was the one that you are in now. The mind goes mad with anxiety and fear.
I too was told no spread to lymph nodes - that has been a very positive thread throughout. It is really good news for you too.
It came out of the blue, and now I realise that the shock and anxiety came from not being in control of anything.
You will have an op….the cancer will be gone…..you may need to take a tablet every day…..you may need radiotherapy. But then it will be gone and you will have to live with whatever your body is like afterwards.
But then the cancer will be gone and you can live with reduced fear and anxiety. I hope that my experience has given you a little comfort tonight.

ASadLittleLifeJane · 23/02/2026 23:14

I'm so sorry. It's a huge shock. For me the days between diagnosis and getting a treatment plan were the hardest. Once I'd seen the consultant and was given a plan it got easier. You should be assigned a colorectal nurse who will guide you through everything and even help with issues such as work and can introduce you to macmillan and maggies who are wonderful. I have a colostomy and I get on absolutely fine with it so if you do need one please be assured that you can live absolutely brilliantly with it. Wishing you all the best x

WobblyLondoner · 23/02/2026 23:15

I’m so sorry to hear that - it must feel overwhelming. Do you know what the treatment options are or are you waiting to hear about those?

Obviously everyone is different but my mum had bowel cancer nearly 20 years ago now. She had surgery but no radiotherapy (embarrassed to say I can’t remember if there was chemo too). She’s going strong - 86 this year.

Best of luck with it all - there are some great resources around eg Cancer Research Uk. My husband has a cancer too (not bowel) and the specific charity that focuses on that has been great, as has a Facebook group for patients and carers. That might be worth a look as you are getting your head around things.

Stay strong xxx

Seedlingsparrow · 23/02/2026 23:19

Do post on the Bowel Cancer.co.uk. It is a brilliant forum. The people on there are so knowledgeable and positive. They are so kind. It is the very best type of forum. Bowel Cancer treatment is so effective these days. It is one of the of the cancer success stories. If it hasn’t spread, they remove the affected piece of colon and that is it. Treatment over. Even if you do need post surgery treatment, it really isn’t too bad and there are new drugs and treatments being made available.
Do post there. You will find it so reassuring. Good luck with everything.

wishfulthinking25 · 23/02/2026 23:20

I’m so sorry OP. Glad it hasn’t spread. I hope you have family & friends around you. Wishing you all the best x

Hilllbillbilly · 23/02/2026 23:23

I’m so sorry to read this @nerfqueen . I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10 years ago so I’ve been through it.

You will cope. We find a strength that we didn’t know we had. Take one day at a time. I got sleeping tablets from my GP. I took one when I needed a break from all the noise in my head. Sending love and strength. ❤️💐

Headabovetheparapets · 23/02/2026 23:42

What a rubbish thing to have happen @nerfqueen life can be so unfair sometimes💐💐and you’re currently in that stunned limbo of nothing happening & trying to process all the information. Sending hugs ((()))

P00hsticks · 24/02/2026 09:23

I'm sorry to hear that - but it's good news that it's not spread anywhere else. Eighteen months ago I was in exactly the same position as you. I had surgery (a left hemicolectomy with resection) and am now fully recovered with just the occasional check up.

I second the advice to go over the the bowel cancer uk and/or Macmillan online communities where there are plenty of people who are or have been in the same situation and trained staff online or on the phone that you can ask questions.

nerfqueen · 24/02/2026 16:10

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. Have had a date for my surgery in 2 weeks time. My husband has been so supportive as has everyone else we have told.

Will look at all the options that people mentioned to get info and support.

Taking it one day at a time. My head is just so overwhelmed with everything at the mo.....

OP posts:
OhNoItsAdeno · 24/02/2026 16:27

I was diagnosed last year, and it was similarly a huge shock.

My scans were also clear, and fortunately my lymph nodes found to be clear, so surgery was all I needed. For now. Next colonoscopy is a year after surgery.

Try in the chaos of the next few weeks to get yourself ready with everything you need for your hospital stay and after. I sorted out my wardrobe, labelled which pants, nighties, pjs & clothes I wanted my husband to bring in for me.

I ordered a V shaped big body pillow to make my comfortable sitting up and lying in bed, & later some more comfortable and easier to put on anti embolism socks, as the hospital issue ones are very tricky to do alone.

I was sent home with self administered Fragmin injections, and had to ask my GP to prescribe Emla cream as I found them surprisingly stingy.

Seems ridiculous after the surgery, but it was too much for me. So I’d go ahead and request it now.

The first couple of days after surgery were tricky to get out of bed but of course I had help and good drugs in hospital, but as the surgeon promised, it did get much easier and less painful within about a week.

I was up and about every day walking, even just around the hospital or the block, as that helps greatly with the wind.

And in between getting ready for surgery I watched a lot of crap tv, mostly easy things I’d seen before. Anything to take my mind off it.

Londonnight · 24/02/2026 16:36

Really sorry to hear this. My sister was diagnosed with bowel cancer about 10 years ago. She had surgery and a temporary colostomy bag. She was lucky that she didn't have to have her bowel removed.
She is 10 years down the line and doing really well.

Good luck to you.

HarryVanderspeigle · 24/02/2026 16:47

If you are going to get cancer, bowel is one of the better ones. Waiting is horrible, at least once treatment starts you are doing something about it. There are some good facebook support groups and more if you need a stoma. Good luck.

mindutopia · 24/02/2026 17:13

Sorry to hear you’ve had this news. It’s a lot to take in. But it’s wonderful news that it hasn’t spread anywhere else and that you have a surgery date so soon. It will be so reassuring to get going on dealing with it once the initial shock wears off.

ERthree · 24/02/2026 17:15

So sorry to hear that. Life is rough at times. So glad you have a good support network around you. Just remember you don;t have to be strong, you are allowed to cry and feel sorry for yourself, you are allowed to yell and ask why me and you are absolutely allowed to tell the world to fuck off. You just do what you need to do. 🌺

Reportingfromwherever · 24/02/2026 17:18

I’m sorry to hear this but I hope you can take heart from some of positive stories on this thread. Remember that however awful this feel today, you are in a much better position than yesterday as there is now a plan for action. Sending you lots of good vibes.

fossiltherapist · 24/02/2026 23:02

I'm sorry about your news.

My grandad had bowel cancer in his early 60s and after resection surgery he lived in good health into his 90s. Only lingering effect was that he couldn't eat much chocolate.

I have had the same surgery. I would pack pyjamas or joggers that are a couple of sizes up. My abdomen was so swollen I looked pregnant and the joggers I'd brought were too tight. Family member was dispatched to buy replacements. Shorts are useful when catheterised at first especially if that makes you feel vulnerable. The nurses can help you get dressed.

If you can prepare a little bag of essentials (for comfort, communication , distractions, hygiene, whatever it will help to have close at hand) to have in bed with you on the ward that can also help you feel more in control as it means they're within your reach and you don't have to call someone and wait for them to help you. And slipper socks were easier for me than trying to get into footwear to walk around. Phone charger with extra long cable and earplugs also help. Dressing gown and slip on shoes.

They will have you up out of bed walking the next day. One thing that helped me was to mentally log and celebrate each milestone of every tube or cable was disconnected or I could move or walk or eat as they all mean you're progressing and will be home again soon.

Sending you best wishes 💐

nerfqueen · 26/02/2026 22:07

Again thank you to everyone who has taken the tine to reply. It has been reassuring reading other peoples experiences. And i apreciate all the practical suggestions too.

I feel like im telling people a story when i mention it, i just need yo remind myself thst it isnt a story its my reality.

I went back to work yesterday hoping it would distract me, but i was so wrong. The stress and anxiety comes in waves, still ranging from disbelief to terror. Spoke to my doctor and ive been signed off work.

The 2 week countdown till my op begins.....

OP posts:
Reportingfromwherever · 05/03/2026 22:38

i think you’ll be approaching your op date soon OP so just wanted to say that I hope you’re managing as best as you can and have a good support network around you.