Bowel cancer

[Slitheringheights]

Three weeks ago I discovered I had a tumour on my bowel. It had blocked part of my bowel making me extremely sick, constipated and unable to pass wind.
operation was a success. Got my results yesterday and they got all the tumour out which was cancer. But there is a few cells left.
I have been offered chemo, which I will take. I don’t need to, I can just be monitored. My hair won’t fall out with it. The nurse said it’s just in case as I’m only 50. I’m so scared. I have young kids. I know I’m lucky as it could have been worse. But today I feel so down. Got the oncologist next week.

I understand how you feel (I had a breast lump removed last year, followed by radiotherapy and now five years of letrazole) but I tried to turn it round in my head by telling myself how lucky I was that it was diagnosed early, operated on quickly and follow up treatment offered. It was pure fluke that I found my lump and it could have been so much worse.
I really hope your follow up treatment goes well.

I’m so sorry. This sounds very scary, no wonder you feel down. It seems the best tactic with cancer, which can vary so much, is not to panic until the doctors give you a reason to panic. Considerably easier said than done. Try and ask the oncologist as many questions as you can possibly think of, so if you’re going to do some googling make sure it’s to get ideas for questions and not looking for answers.

Thank you. It was a big bowel operation, I’m still recovering nearly four weeks on. They removed the tumour and put the bowel back together. No stoma bag needed. I’m starting to feel more mobile now. It was just a huge shock. i was hoping there wouldn’t be any cells left but suppose I’m lucky they got the tumour out. The nurse was very positive on the phone yesterday.
I keep blaming myself as my lifestyle was awful before. Painkiller addiction, overweight, diet very fatty, no fruit or exercise. It’s gave me a kick up the backside to change.

My sister was diagnosed with bowel cancer around 7 years ago. She had part of her bowel removed and a temporary stoma. This was reversed about 8 months later. She had no chemo. She still has regular check ups, but so far she is in the clear and the cancer hasn't returned.

Good luck with your recovery @Slitheringheights

Thank you Londonnight

I would also take the chemo without doubt. My mother went through the same a few months ago although didn't need chemo. It's very curable these days, but I'm sure you will be asked for repeat colonoscopies going forward.