Had results of biopsy on Tuesday and must admit they could have been better. Diagnosed as stage 4 with no grading, don't know why but will find out. Had the surgery report and that was not brilliant either. Had TAH with all the usual bits removed plus part of the bowel and rectum. Wasn't surprised at the bowel as I had half expected a colostomy but shocked at the rectum being removed. Tumours on diaphragm and bowel.
I have my last chemo on Oct 12th and CT scan arranged for middle of November so hopefully things will be a bit clearer then. I just don't know where we go from here.
On a positive note (and it's hard to find one) I have been so well with very little in the way of side effects only the usual tiredness and constipation that is now under control, and made a good recovery from surgery, that wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.
Every time I think I'm coping with the beast within the goal posts keep moving!!!!
I am so sorry about your news, we all understand on here what you are going through, I do hope the grade is low (slow growing) but there are many on here that things haven't look good in the beginning... but have defied all odds so hang on in there... and you could have a complete turn around...I look worse on paper than what I am in person...sending you my best wishes and love x G x (smiley to cheer you up)
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I forgot to say that Annie (Whippet) is a ROCC (Regional Ovacome Co-Ordinator) and she lives in Cardiff.. not too far from you...so I think you are on her patch for support love x G x
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I've messaged Annie offering to help, think I need something to focus on, the 1st 8wks after diagnosis in May was on my daughters wedding and that put the beast on the back burner for a while. As you all know it's hard having to appear to be positive when you just want to roll over, next day your back up there and fighting fit, I'll be there in a day or two, had chemo yesterday and feel fine, it kicks in tomorrow afternoon for a few days then i'm fine again..Looking forward to going to our caravan in West Wales for the weekend. Thank you for the smiley faces and best wishes,
Chris
PS how do you get the smiley faces??
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Hi Chris,
If you go to the top and see the greeny/ blue bar and press "tag" and then press s for " smileys" I have written a blog on how to do smileys because most people were having trouble you can practice on there if you like as you won't see the smileys untill you press reply but you can always delete them if you want to..or keep having a go ( I have) no one is going to take any notice but I think it's better if you go on there than me explain it all over again besides it's fun haha love x G x
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Hi Chris,
Annie has only just become one.. so she will be glad of the support, I also mentioned you to her...love x G x
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Thanks Gwyn, I'll have a go, they brighten up the page, don't know how I'll fair as I'm not computer literate, my 8yr old granddaughter showed me how do some stuff last night and I must say I was very impressed.
Best wishes
Chris xx
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Hi I've tried to simplify it...but you are not messing any blogs or comments up...this is why I put it up...just to practice... I have tried every combination so i can't do any different ones LOL.. they do make me feel a bit better..love x G x
Gwyn is a marvel - she's top of the blogosphere with her smileys and keeping abreast of the news. Thanks for the mention Gwen. I've only just logged on to read Chris's PM and my replies (two of them) are in your inbox.
This is a funny old site. Nobody actually wants to be here but if that's your destiny then there's not a better place to be. Hope that makes sense. It's going to be good to have some company here in S Wales and I really admire your style thinking about running events for Ovacome when you've got so much on your plate already.
The last few months must've been horrific for you and I remember just what it felt like last year when the news just seemed to get worse and worse. If there is a bit of good news for you it's that you feel well despite all this dreadful stuff going on. My surgeon had to tell me the news wasn't good but she added that my greatest hope was a quick recovery after the surgery and that I don't feel unwell. Each time I go to the Velindre for my 3-months check they ask if I feel well - I say 'marvellous' and they say that's good, see you in another 3 months. Wellness is also your biggest asset.
I really hope you have a good weekend away from it all in West Wales. Such a beautiful place. Let's catch up soon. xxx Annie
Hi Chris
Just got back from holiday and seen your post. I don't post often but read almost every day. I too was diagnosed with stage 4 no grading in April 2010 and know exactly how you are feeling. I am in remission and life is better than it's ever been. Probably because we look at it differently and the little niggly things don't really matter anymore. However, this site gave me hope when I felt there was none. I have found people on here who have survived stage 4 for 10 or more years and that is something worth keeping in mind for the dark days. Take care.
Love Chris x x
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Thank you for your encouraging comments, I saw a post on here last night of a lady who has survived 13yrs with stage 4 so there is hope just sometimes it's hard to find it. Today has been a better day and my mind has been buzzing, but then I had chemo on Friday so that could be the reason for that lolxx
hi,all I can offer is support,you have a chance to fight the demon and take each little step with confidence dont worry about backward steps we dont count them,what will be will be,and in the meantime strive on no matter how hard the struggle seems,the chance of a fight is all some would ask,stay strong and smile as it does help xx
Hi Shaun67, thank you for your kind words, at the end of the day hope is all we have to cling onto after this demon has been diagnosed. Some days will be black but I can only hope that there will be more bright days.
So sorry about your news. Hang on in there - We have our "lows" - but they help us appreciate the "ups", I think.
Sending love and positive vibes, Solange x
Hi Solange, this is true, hopefully there will be more of the good days, I was so sure I'd caught this in the early stages, as it was only a few weeks after noticing a my abdomen had started to swell that I went to my GP who I must admit wasn't much help and asked if I thought it could be gas !!!! anyway the treatment is going well and I feel absolutely fine so onwards and upward.
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(smiley to cheer you up) 
Biopsy yesterday
Best Wishes to All :)
Best Christmas Present Ever!!
Best news under the circumstances
Best wishes to each of us!
