topic Re: To Hell and back in New? Start here!

To Hell and back

Richard1 — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:00:27 GMT

We’re to start. It began in Dec 24 when I had to go to the hospital due to the worst stomach/back pain I’ve ever experienced. Waited almost 7 hours to see a doctor, the wait still haunts me. The seconds ticked by slowly, I’m embarrassed to say that I was crying, howling, throwing up and rolling on the cold floor. When they finally wheeled me through, gave me drugs to settle the pain, I thought great, this can only get better. Wrong. I did not expect the doc to come back after taking blood to say ‘You Have Cancer’. Shock and disbelief WTF. This can’t be happening. Mum was by my side, she was shocked more than me. After that moment everything went by in a whirlwind blur of pain, crying, depression, anger and other emotions I can’t explain. Before the surgery the doc told me I had maybe months left if this went unchecked. What do you do after someone tells you you have less than a year to live??? The surgery was a success, all of it was cut out and so far I’m cancer free. But not out of the woods just yet. Currently going through chemo therapy and working full time. Every day I just want to give up. Feel so emotionally and physically broken all the time. I hate having doctor appointments all the time, I hate having cancer, I hate not being able to play with the kids like I used too, I hate chemotherapy, I hate that I may lose my job and be unemployed because of this f$&6ing sickness, I hate feeling fragile and useless. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel…

Re: To Hell and back

Felicity_CCNSW — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:08:36 GMT

Thank you for sharing your experience with diagnosis. It is such a shock and trauma to receive a cancer diagnosis. It can be helpful to talk about it, and share your experience with others.

Please know that you can call our information and support line and speak to a health professional at Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

Here is also a helpful fact sheet on emotions and cancer.

Perhaps others would like to share their experience with diagnosis?

Warmly,

Felicity

Cancer Council Online Moderator

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Tue, 13 May 2025 20:54:45 GMT

Thank you for your help and support Felicity. It is most welcome.

Re: To Hell and back

Cindi54 — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:53:32 GMT

Hi @Richard1 ,

Wow you've had a hard time, I'm sorry. Also sorry I only just saw your post.

I used to be on this forum a lot more while going through my cancer journey last year, but not so often now.

I see it was some months back, when you were diagnosed, so what's been happening?

Are you coping ok?

I know Chemo sucks but it does work, it does also knock you around , you need to try to eat and drink plenty of water. I used to call the chemo " the good poison" !

Hope you didn't loose your job, if your boss has a heart at all you'd think he'd give you time off.

So sorry for you, but you got to keep pushing on and try to be positive.

Sending you a hug,

Cindi

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:12:02 GMT

Hi Cindi. So far so good. 8 days until I finish chemo. Still working somehow, it’s been a struggle. Gained some weight, doctors are happy with my progress. It’s still difficult to get out of bed, but I just do it. Still can’t do the things I used to do, tired all the time. Im coping okay, just surviving.

Thanks for the love and support, how’s all your stuff going?

PS really scared that it might come back…

Re: To Hell and back

Sumeet — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:08:25 GMT

I appreciate you for being open and revealing such a genuine part of your experience. What you have been through is beyond belief, and it's completely understandable to feel broken, frustrated, and overwhelmed. You have encountered something truly frightening, yet continue to stand strong and engage with life, even as you go through treatment and work. That shows remarkable strength, no matter how you may feel about it at this moment. Remember, you are not alone in this. There is a light ahead, perhaps dim today, but it still exists. Healing requires patience, and feeling tired is perfectly fine. Be kind to yourself. You're doing more than enough just by making it through each day.

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:28:43 GMT

Thank you so much. I finally finished chemo and feel so much better. Wanted to give up everything so many times but I’m glad I sucked it up and got on with life. Dr says I’m all clear, regular test every 3 month and NO MORE CHEMO, yay!!!

Re: To Hell and back

Cindi54 — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:43:36 GMT

Hi @Richard1 ,

I'm so happy for you Richard, yes it's hard I remember wanting to throw the towel in too sometimes, it's very tempting, but you didn't !! good on you ! Now it's all over.😁

Really great. But keep up your appointments, hopefully it doesn't return. Just try to keep yourself healthy & fit , hope you'll be ok.

🤗hugs from Cindi xx

Re: To Hell and back

Sumeet — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:10:54 GMT

This is such incredible news to read. Finishing chemo and hearing that you’re all clear is a massive milestone, especially after everything you described earlier. The fact that you kept going, even on the days you wanted to give up, says so much about your resilience.

Regular follow-ups every three months can still bring mixed emotions, but they’re also a reminder of how far you’ve come. Take this moment to breathe and truly acknowledge your strength.

If at any point you need supportive information or patient-focused guidance along the way, you can also explore resources at www.uhapo.co.in.

So happy to hear this update, onwards and upwards from here.

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:16:55 GMT

Thank you for your support. It’s been a crazy year of just surviving. It would be so easy to give up, leave work and just hide at home. Even though I hate my job I somehow keep working. I guess I’m just stubborn.
The cancer destroyed my confidence and my body. Slowly I’m getting it back.
‘ In order to grow, you must cut a piece of your self of, no matter how much it hurts’

Great quote that I now tell myself every time it gets hard.

Re: To Hell and back

Cindi54 — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:20:00 GMT

Hi @Richard1 ,

Yes great quote!

You'll be right, your strength will come back, it takes time, but you're through the worst now, you should feel proud that you made it 😊

Life will get better, so happy for you

Cindi xx

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:51:26 GMT

Thanks Cindi. I’m exercising regular again, eating healthy, meditating and having cold showers. I want to be stronger than I was before, thats my new goal.

Life keeps ticking by, and I’ll try to make the best of it.

Nothing will stop me…

Re: To Hell and back

Cindi54 — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:58:00 GMT

@Richard1

Good on you Richard! you're a star !!⭐

Re: To Hell and back

Miranda_ccnsw — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:24:43 GMT

Hi @Richard1

Thank you for continuing to share your challenging journey. The roller coaster of emotions is huge when facing a diagnosis and treatment, and you've navigated it with courage, strength and resilience. I'm sure others will find inspiration in your journey and vulnerability sharing the ups and downs. Your strength of mindset in continuing to fight as you face this next stage of survivorship is inspiring.

All the best, and of course if you would like to talk to our team of health professionals at any stage, please reach out on 13 11 20.

Take care

Miranda

Re: To Hell and back

Richard1 — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:24:44 GMT

This little thing called cancer,

So, Friday, my doctors appointment to

tell me good news or bad. Late December 24 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. If you’ve been through it, you know the struggle. Fast forward to now, Monday morning, up early, breakfast, workout, cold shower.
I am cancer free.

I beat cancer.

I am alive.

Thank you to everyone for your support in my darkest hours.

Re: To Hell and back

Miranda_ccnsw — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:40:43 GMT

Hi @Richard1

That's such wonderful news! The strength and resilience you found during your fight carried you through some dark times I'm sure. It must be such a relief to have faced your diagnosis, the treatment and to get that news is amazing. I'm so happy for you, as I'm sure many others are also in your world and here in the community. You've been on a journey that so many understand deeply. Thank you for being such an inspiration and bringing hope to others.

Take care,

Miranda

CCNSW

Re: To Hell and back

Cindi54 — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:31:51 GMT

@Richard1 ,

Hi Richard,

I''m SO HAPPY for you, good on you!!!!

You won the battle! such great news.

Sending hugs,

Cindi xx