New Member

JudyFreudenberger
JudyFreudenberger Member Posts: 2
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hello Everyone,

My name is Judy, and I live in Canberra Australia.  I am an Australian/American who is 58.  I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the end of 2011, and had surgery in December followed by 6mos of chemo (Stage 3). I finished chemo about 20 months ago (August 2012).  I've joined and am posting because I can see that it is a very supportive community, and that's what I need.

My biggest problem at present is fatigue.  And loneliness, as I'm home on my own a lot.

I have developed colitis (inflamation) in what's left of my colon, and have a lot of difficulties with food going through my system.  About 7 months ago I spent a week in hospital due to a blockage of the bowel, which came on very suddenly and which was unbelievably painful.

 

Comments

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #2
    G'day Judy

      Welcome to csn. Sorry that you are here because of cancer. I spent over a decade in Canberra working in the Dept of Defence computer rooms at Russell Hill. I'm back in queensland now ,I too am a stage 3 survivor. I am now into year sixteen and still cancer free. Cancer is a lonely disease. Many do not get out much since ca whilst some continue life as usual. I was in that group but long term side effects of the cancer and chemo have slowed me down a lot. My wife left me due my constant illness and I have been living alone for some time now. It can get a bit scary being unwell or in pain when you are alone. I think that I am a lot tougher now than prior to ca. Trouble is that none of us want to be tough 24/7. it would be so nice just one day to get out of bed and think geez I feel good. You will get some good advice and help here. All the best Ron.

  • JudyFreudenberger
    JudyFreudenberger Member Posts: 2
    #3
    ron50 said:

    G'day Judy

      Welcome to csn. Sorry that you are here because of cancer. I spent over a decade in Canberra working in the Dept of Defence computer rooms at Russell Hill. I'm back in queensland now ,I too am a stage 3 survivor. I am now into year sixteen and still cancer free. Cancer is a lonely disease. Many do not get out much since ca whilst some continue life as usual. I was in that group but long term side effects of the cancer and chemo have slowed me down a lot. My wife left me due my constant illness and I have been living alone for some time now. It can get a bit scary being unwell or in pain when you are alone. I think that I am a lot tougher now than prior to ca. Trouble is that none of us want to be tough 24/7. it would be so nice just one day to get out of bed and think geez I feel good. You will get some good advice and help here. All the best Ron.

    Oh, so nice to have another

    Oh, so nice to have another Australian in the group!  It's great to hear that you are cancer free 16 years after your diagnosis. 

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #4
    I am sorry that you have to

    I am sorry that you have to be here but welcome. You have found a wonderful supportive community that you can turn to for questions, prayer, support or just to rant.

  • Lisa2012
    Lisa2012 Member Posts: 142
    #5
    Welcome Judy!

    You have a virtual family now.   Welcome.   I recently joined the group and I have found that the most caring, supportive people hang out here.   

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #6
    We all live together

    Welcome to the forum. 

    Your post made me realize that even though we live in different parts of the world, we all live together. We are all brought together in this forum. 

    Obviously, the internet can't compensate for physical lonliness, but it can help, and we are all here to help each other. 

    Just last night. a chuch aquaintance asked me how the members of my church community could help more, and I told her how sad it was that at the first part of my cancer journey, people were all over me like a bee on a honey pot, and then when I started treatment, it all dropped away. When I was flat out on the couch, with no energy to move, it would have been so nice to have a visit or two during the long day hours I spent alone. 

    Anyway, I rattle on.  I am glad you have found the forum. Better late than never. You will be a great asset, with your past experience, and you will find comfort and friends to help you along your road. 

    Blessings!

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #7
    Hi Judy and welcome

    Welcome to the family.  As always so sorry that you had the need, but glad you found us.

    You mention you have food difficulties...have you kept a diary of what you eat so that you can identify the ones that are causing you problems?  Are you using any fortified drink?  Here in the USA we have Boost and Ensure type drinks which help you get the nutrients you need when you can't get them otherwise.  The lack of nutrients, particularly iron can cause fatigue.  Just be careful with iron supplements as they can cause constipation.  Should always be taken with a stool softener.

    One of the things many of us suffer from is the reluctance to ask for what we need from others.  I don't know what kind of location you live in (city or rural) but I am sure there must be resources you can call on.  Many folks won't ask what they can do for you, but will gladly help as they can if you just let them know your needs.

    I hope that you find this a good place to be.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #8
    Welcome, Judy!

    We are of course one of those clubs that no one ever wants to join, but now that you're here, I hope we can provide you with some companionship on the road.  Not an easy journey, by any means, but a little easier when the burden is shared.

    Hugs~Ann Alexandria (dx'ed 2009, metastatic carcinosarcoma of the colon NED for past 27 months after multiple surgeries)

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    #9
    Welcome

    Sorry you are here, but this is a great forum for support, help, info and understanding.

    cancer is a lonely disease, even if you are not alone. 

    It is hard to explain to those that do not have it.  Please feel free to vent to us.  We are here for you.

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