Pathway direction Decision made

[Tina_Basson]

Today was the last of the" ologists" to see,now the cards have been laid on the table and the path has been made.Choice do I accept this path or hide in the corner and await the inevitable.28 sessions of radiotherapy along with 28 days of tablet chemo twice a day for 28 days,this will be with the intent to shrink this tumour that very pleasantly has decided to sit itself in the rectal passage[alias bowel cancer].At the end of these 28 days will meet with the colorectal surgeon who has informed me that everything has to go during surgery outcome a new friend who I shall name Fred for now aka colostomy bag,not temporary now my lifelong friend.After this surgery and 2 weeks of getting to know my new friend I then return to chemo this time via infusion worn on my arm for 6 months [another new friend although not as permanent as Fred].Outcome is still curable at this stage and not to hard a decision to make,frightening,scary,confronting and worrying yes but a path I have to take.So from the 17th of May my journey begins and I will continue to post as many blogs as I can in the hope that it makes even the smallest difference to 1 person. I will continue to draw strength from this community and will never feel alone because of all the wonderful people out there who have already helped so much.Huge hugs and wishes to all X

[SILLY]

I truly hope all goes well. It doesn't sound at all easy . If it is cured at the end it will be worth it all.

[wombat4]

Best wishes to you Tina. It is not an easy journey you have in front of you, but you are a fighter, and you are in there with a chance, so go for it. I am sure you and Fred will become accustomed to each other in time. Wombat4

[Tina_Basson]

Dear Wombat,Thanks for the sound advice again and good wishes I know how difficult it must be to give encouragement and support to someone who is fighting a disease that took your wifes life.Sadly I think I will become accustomed to Fred but if that gives me extra time with my 3 beautiful girls it is a small price to pay hugs and wishes.

[Tina_Basson]

Thanks so much Silly for your kind words it really does make a difference.The journey doesnt sound easy to me either but if it cures or gives me more time with my 3 beautiful girls then I will fight it all the way hugs and wishesX

[samex]

Hi Tina, In August 2007 my bowel telescoped on itself and in doing so saved my life. While I was very close to dieing that weekend, the clear thinking of a clever surgeon led to an emergency hemi-colectomy, three weeks in hospital and then, as you so aptly put it, the new friend attached to your arm. I was very fortunate in that I did not need a colostomy bag - more good luck than good fortune! Nearly 5 years later I am still here. I won't lie, I still think about waht happened to me every day. It was no picnic but I managed it as I am sure you will as well. You mention your kids - mine were 18 and 13 at the time and they were and are definitely a large part of my motivation to just deal with it. You don't have to like it and you don't have to stay cheery and happy all the time but you can manage it. Hang in there, and I cannot recommend this site more highly. Here you can 'talk' to people who get it, while many around just don't through no fault of their own. Good luck with it all, and take a deep breath!

[Tina_Basson]

Hi Samex,What you went through sounds absolutely horrendous and it must have been up their with the most frightening times of your life.I can relate to how much your children help you to find an inner strength and the extra motivation sometimes needed.Thankyou for your kind words and advice,it is nice to know that there are people out there like yourself who do get it and I will continue to use this site as much as I can to not only help myself but also help others.Hugs and wishes.X