Hello David

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had surgery for bowel cancer. I hope that you're recovering well from the operation and not dealing with too many problems. 

I know that we've had a number of members post here on the forum who have found themselves in a similar position to you of being offered a "belts and braces" chemotherapy treatment following surgery. It's often difficult for the person involved to know what to do for the best. I always say that not everyone who has treatment will experience side effects and most that do will have different personal experiences. It's one of those situations where you just don't know until you're in the midst of it. 

One thing that may help ahead of making your decision is to chat things through with someone and if you've not already done that you're welcome to call our team of nurses. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice, information, and support that they can. If you'd like to speak with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Whatever you decide David, I wish you well for your continued recovery. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi Jenn,

Thank you so much for your response, I will give the nurses a call today.

Many thanks

David

Well, I had the  tumour in my colon removed in October 2021 and I'm still here, finished chemo at the end of May 2022, I had to have the dose reduced from 5 Capecitabine chemo tablets down to 4 after my hands and feet started to 'play up' (ugh). I had my first post-surgery, post-chemo CT scan last Monday, 25th July, and just got the result today, showing no reoccurence at the original site and no sign of mestatases at all. So that's good.

Next up, a CEA test, and then, in October, 2022, another colonoscopy.

Walking 45 mins every day (when possible, anyway) and still haven't had a single alcoholic drink since 31/08/21. Eating well and weight still down almost 3 stone compared to a year ago. Diabetes in remission (down from 50 (June 2021), to 39 (Jan 2022) and now 33 (June 2022) and cholestrol 3.3. 

So far, so good. Not getting complacent, but just thought I should spread the word and stay positive! :-)

So, I had my colonoscopy and all is well, apparently. So, clear scan and clear colonoscopy. However, still worried and making big mistake of reading lots of internet sites about it and how secondary liver cancer is quite comon in colon cancer cases. A friend of mine passed away in January this year from this very condition. 

Got my final CEA test of the year today then no further tests until April 2023. Hopefully!

I've put weight on - not good, really, as gone from 13st 12lb post-op to 14st 12 lbs in 12 months. Becoming a bit reckless with the diet and although I've found the non-smoking (since 2018) and no alcohol approach (since August 2021) pretty easy, giving up cakes, chocolates and biscuits is a problem! :mischief:

Hi I am so glad you are ok. I had a colonoscopy 3 weeks ago and they found a large tumour. Everything moved so quickly scans and bloods clear and met with surgeon today. They will remove quite a lot of colon and should be in hospital within the next 2 weeks. Now im worried because other people I know waited weeks for their op. Dont get me wrong I am extremely greatful but just wondering why so quickly. 

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis but as far as I'm concerned the quicker the better, really! The scan is used to assess the stage, I believe, so perhaps others you heard about had smaller tumours? Mine was so large the camera was unable to pass by it in the colon, so I was relieved to find it clear last week. I lost quite a lot of colon, too (this is apparently common). I was in and out in 5 days, Friday to Tuesday, as it was done via keyhole surgery!

Best wishes for your operation and speedy recovery! 

My CEA test came back at 2.8. Some websites say less than 2.5 is normal, some say less than 3 is normal, so let's go with the latter and say it's normal! Well, it's better than the prevous tests at 3.0, 3.1 and 3.4 (I think). My Colorectal Specialist nurse said it would vary, and so it does. 

Onwards and upwards. Next is further CEA blood tests next April '23.

Best wishes to everyone at Cancer Research and the NHS for Xmas and the New Year, and to anyone just starting out on this journey, or at the end of it, wherever that may be.  

So, now I have Covid. Knocked me off my feet for three straight days. Just staring to recover, and my wife has tested positive this morning. 

Thank you for the positive reply. Getting anxious now but want it out. Had phone pre op today and will have pre op Thursday. The nurse told me I am first down and will be very busy from the minute i walk through the door x its great news to hear people are doing so well following their ops and getting good scan results. X

Hi Gilly,

Sorry, I missed your reply! Got covid, took me 10 days to get over it, then it was Xmas! 

I was first in, too! 9am I think, woke up at 3pm. I hope you're doing well and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Best wishes

Dave x