I'm so depressed

[Chrissy]

I just be diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer and will have a colostomy soon. All so sudden and I don't seem to have any advice or any other help from anyone. I feel so alone and scared. Was told I have bowel cancer on the 7th of January 2014, had scans done on the 8th and was told I need a colostomy on the 9th. Shouldn't there be team meetings to discuss on how to treat me? The worst thing is, my specialist is on holidays for a week from the 10th. Should I get a second opinion?

[kasianne]

Hi Chrissy I am very sorry about your diagnosis and it is always a shock to be given the news that you have cancer. I had stage 1V esophageal cancer and from being diagnosed to having the first rounds of treatment took nearly 6 weeks. The surgeon and oncologist were very thorough with their treatment program and I do believe a lot of meetings take place behind the scenes whilst a treatment program is decided upon to treat your specific diagnosis, not to mention the endless scans and tests. Unfortunately we are just thrown into this unknown world and think the worst. The specialist going away for a week will not make your situation any worse but will give you the chance to process what is happening to you and the journey of operations, numerous tests, the chosen treatment options and the most important your recovery. Once the treatment starts your life will become overtaken by hospital appointments and you will wonder how you ever managed without these trips to focus on. I know people who have completely recovered for bowel cancer so your prognosis is good but that does not make this journey any less scary for you. Good luck with your treatment take this opportunity to come to terms with the changes in your life for the foreseeable future. Kas

[Chrissy]

Thank you so much Kas, I will try my best to trust my current specialist and not let my experience with the previous specialist cloud my trust. It has been decided that it will be a colostomy. I guess I will be defecating into a plastic bag from now on. My emotions are going up and down at the moment, once I stay focused on the good, I should be alright 🙂

[Amelia_Jane]

Hi Chrissy, My husband has non smokers lung cancer that has spread through his body, it is a scary time. You need to stay positive and try and keep a sense of humour it's hard to do at times. When we found out we had so many people telling us they new someone who died from lung cancer, that's all people would tell us it was all negative story's. We know my husband will never get rid of this, they can only control it, hopefully for a long time. Surround yourself with positive people, and always ask questions if you are not sure. Thinking of you Amanda.

[Chrissy]

Thank you Amanda. Sorry to hear about your husband, but good to hear that they can control it. My Dad died of the same cancer as myself. We didn't have much support 11 years ago. We didn't even know that a stage 4 cancer and bone cancer is terminal. Since then, I have been a great supporter of the Cancer Council. I got work involved with Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day as well. It's good to have a network of people here to share they stories and to lend an ear. I have been slowly accepting my fate with Colostomy. It is still scary but I'm concentrating on the positive. We have to accept the good as well as the bad in life. If everything is good, we won't learn much and don't get to appreciate what we have got. I have been slowly letting my family, friends and colleagues know what I will be doing and shouldn't be embarrassed about the Colostomy. I should be thankful that we found the cancer at stage two and they can do something about it. The outcome is a bit shocking but at least I will be here to keep everyone smiling 🙂

[luckyme]

Hey Chrissie I found out back in December and I was just in a blur with only 2 and half weeks between first indications and the resection on 5th Dec. I just put my faith in the specialist. Go for my 6 week follow up tomorrow. I see you had a previous bad experience so sorry but chin up and trust in the current specialist.

[samex]

Hi Chrissy. No matter when the diagnosis comes it is scary. I had to have emergency surgery for Stage 3 as my bowel had completely shut down and I was at risk of it perforating. Fortunately the position of the bowel tumour meant that I didn't need a colostomy, just the surgery and 6 months of chemo. That was August 2007 and I am still here!! The road ahead won't be easy but I believe that being as honest as possible with the people around you who you may need to rely for help is the best idea. people don't know how to react if they don't know your circumstances. good luck with it all. Just keep taking deep breaths. S

[Norma_Perry]

Hi good luck with your chemo. I have stomach cancer and I was given 12 months here I am nearly 2 years and feeling better than I have felt for a long time. Not everyone has side effects and you may not have a bag on. I have learnt to make the most of our time but a death sentence on your head is always scary. Regards Norma