So, I've just ...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] So, I've just found out I too have cancer.

295 Posts
161 Users
0 Reactions
1,515 Views
Posts: 1008
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Well what can I say, the last week or so has been a rollercoaster which unfortunately feels as if it only has the downs. I'm 44 fit have a wonderful partner (soon to be wife) and a dynamo of a gorgeous 4 year old girl.
I have had no symptoms until a fortnight ago when my stomach started to become enlarged and steadily got worse. I was referred by my GP to the AMEA ward at hospital on Monday and was discharged on Tuesday with the thought of being constipated. I felt no better on the Thursday so went back to my GP who referred me again to AMEA but this time they did a CT scan and wham out of the blue you have cancer.
I've spent the last couple of days on the oncology ward where they carried out some ultrasound screening to see if they could help identify the pockets of liquid in my stomach but so far with little luck. The discussion with the oncologist doctor yesterday was surreal and still feels so. I have a biopsy on Monday so they can identify what type of cancer it is to help devise a plan but the last bit of news she said shocked me. It had probably originated from my bowel but has indeed spread throughout my stomach and the chemotherapy route would be palliative. My life feels as though it's stopped and when we came home last night (for a weekend at home before the biopsy on Monday) I feel as if I've walked into the wrong house. The house we've lived in happily for years and have lots of great times but now I'm here and it's not the person. I almost feel like an imposter here because I'm not the same anymore.
When I got home at night my gorgeous daughter gave me a huge welcome asking if my tummy is better and when will the doctors make it better. I can hear her now downstairs playing and laughing and teasing her aunty who's come over to help but I'm currently upstairs feeling scared.

Sorry for sharing this but I have always read similar posts and found people to be inspirational. The soon to be Mrs King just read this post so she knows about this thread.

Thanks all.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:14 pm
Posts: 77347
Free Member
 

Ugh. Sorry to hear that dude, hope you get it sorted out.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:16 pm
Posts: 25815
Full Member
 

<gulp>

Wow, that's big news for you to take in.
Best wishes to you (all) for the next few weeks while they work out exactly what's going on with you.

aww, **** it - you can have a manhug, too !!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:19 pm
Posts: 4607
Free Member
 

Jeez. I feel for you. I know it'll sound trite on a forum, but if there is anything anyone of us can do, please ask.

If you're any where near Cardiff and want a sympathetic ear or someone to ride with, my email is in my profile.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:23 pm
Posts: 10315
Full Member
 

oh that's horrible. Wishing all of you strength in working out how to go through this. No-one is every ready for that sort of news 🙁


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:24 pm
Posts: 3073
Full Member
 

Man that's awful news, I'm so sorry. My wife and I were talking about similar things recently and decided that life is so uncertain that we should only plan ahead a year at a time and to focus on our family and generating as many happy memories as possible.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:26 pm
Posts: 1891
Full Member
 

Nothing to add but good luck fella and massive sympathies. Go kick the cancer up the arse.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:30 pm
Posts: 28680
Full Member
 

Eeek. Good luck fella, sadly I'm not sure anything else would be of much use.

Keep strong!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:33 pm
Posts: 39449
Free Member
 

I've written a few versions but I can't say much more than sorry to hear this Juan. No one's ready for news like that.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:42 pm
Posts: 3991
Full Member
 

That's certainly a shitty stick! Not been there myself but have known people who have been. I know it's really difficult, nigh on impossible, but your mind may well race away with worse case scenarios. I can only suggest you try and take each day at a time. You don't know the outcome of the appointment on Monday so I'd say see what comes out of that and take it from there.

Oh and go kick cancer in the slats!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:43 pm
Posts: 6978
Free Member
 

ouch.
the oncologist news will clearly stop you in your tracks, certainly override your weekend, but on the flip side you coulda simply missed the right line into a corner and wipe yourself out on a tree, any ride!
keep as much perspective as you can


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:43 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Very sorry to hear this. I've been worrying this week over things which now seem so trivial compared to what you are going through.
You are fit, young, and cancer treatments are improving rapidly. Good luck and vent all you want on here.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:48 pm
Posts: 13554
Free Member
 

Not much to add, just that my thoughts are with you and your family. Please keep this thread updated with your progress. We can all be dickheads on here at times, but are generally great at offering support when needed. Vent away.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:50 pm
Posts: 2310
Full Member
 

All the best, dude. Fingers crossed for better knews when you get to the bottom of it.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:56 pm
Posts: 293
Free Member
 

Big hugs to you


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:57 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Sorry to hear. **sends good vibes in your general direction!**


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 12:59 pm
 igm
Posts: 11833
Full Member
 

Nothing much to add except this. And it's probably horribly practical.
Video everything. Photograph everything. You and your daughter playing, you and your wife going for walks, you talking about your thoughts about your daughter's future, your hopes and advice for her.
With any luck you get to watch them together, but just in case, it might mean a lot in 10-20 years.
And chose a format / storage method that will last 29 years.
Apart from that, be lucky, get well.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 1:11 pm
Posts: 13164
Full Member
 

Until you are told it's not curable, it's curable. Don't overthink it and Carpe Diem every day, live life like you stole it and the very best of luck.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 1:15 pm
Posts: 130
Free Member
 

Until you are told it's not curable, it's curable. Don't overthink it and Carpe Diem every day, live life like you stole it and the very best of luck

^^^ This ^^^
If you need to speak to anyone we're all here for you.
Like everyone else here, I wish you & your family good luck in getting well again soon.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 1:29 pm
Posts: 6734
Full Member
 

Ooof......

What do I know, but come out swinging and channel your strength and spirit to fighting this. Take all the (professional) advice you can get and use it selectively. Whatever may lie ahead, preparing your loved ones for the fight and whatever the consequences may be should be a focus. We are defined and remembered for our spirit and cancer can't touch that. Rooting for you.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 1:33 pm
Posts: 7121
Free Member
 

The shit news that no one wants to be told.. *Manhugs*
Can't imagine how hard it is but stay strong.. .


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 1:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Like others there's nothing I can say that will be of any use, but stay strong and fight your way through this.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:00 pm
Posts: 8035
Free Member
 

stay positive fella, lifes not over by any stretch. treat it as one of lifes many shitty hurdles and kick its arse


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:02 pm
Posts: 12993
Free Member
 

Lucky it isn't man flu..... 😉


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:03 pm
Posts: 17273
Free Member
 

I don't have the words to tell you how sorry I am. Chin up and keep fighting.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:07 pm
Posts: 94
Full Member
 

Oh mate. Get Monday done, and see what they say then, once the Dr.s know exactly what's what they can't be certain what the plan of attack is.

You're in a terrificly crappy position this weekend with this weighing on you and your little family. I'm really thinking of you and yours buddy, really really am.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:13 pm
Posts: 399
Free Member
 

Feeling for you matey. It's not over until it's over. Enjoy every moment. I'm gonna go and hug my kids now.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:34 pm
 colp
Posts: 3322
Full Member
 

Stay strong fella, fingers crossed


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:52 pm
Posts: 3000
Free Member
 

Juan i m so sorry to read this. Two of my friends are in the same position and it literally stops you in your tracks.

Post up any news theres a load of experts on here, you are certainly not alone.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 2:58 pm
Posts: 1130
Free Member
 

Good luck.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 3:03 pm
Posts: 0
Full Member
 

Good luck mate, be strong.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 3:20 pm
Posts: 1008
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks all. Just been playing with my daughter this afternoon and playing some games which is a much needed distraction. Had my dear old mum on the phone earlier (who has just been discharged from her cancer unit) telling me the Welsh posse are heading up to Aberdeen en masse tomorrow to come and see me and will all be staying a while which is great news.
I'm finding saying it out loud the hardest thing.

Thanks for the responses I really do find them of great comfort.

Cheers all.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 3:35 pm
 jj55
Posts: 41
Full Member
 

Shattering news, it'll take some time to sink in. You are at the bottom of the biggest climb you've ever tackled, looking up is daunting but just like those climbs you thought impossible but conquered on past rides you will put your head down and using your Granny ring you'll climb to the top and one day find yourself looking back down the hill and thinking that despite the doubts you had at the start you did it!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 3:47 pm
Posts: 1014
Free Member
 

Firstly, you have no need to apologise, there are plenty of people on here who have been directly or indirectly touched by cancer. There are quite a few survivors on here. You become another one. #****cancer

As above, you are not alone.

All the best, fight the fight and be strong.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:02 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

We're all on your side. Stay strong.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:11 pm
Posts: 873
Full Member
 

I'm really sorry to hear that. I can't imagine what it's like, but I wish you courage and strength.

...and communication. Don't be afraid to pour it all out to Mrs.King-to-be. Fear is primal and can be overwhelming, and it's only by confronting those fears and expressing them that we can start dealing with them and seeing what's rational and what's not and where we can find hope and what we can do about it, and that's definitely best done together.

Good luck man. Medicine is amazing and can fix a lot of things.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:11 pm
Posts: 1083
Full Member
 

I invariably don't know what to say to these things, but I wish you and your fiance and your daughter all the best. Be one of the ones that beats it.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:11 pm
Posts: 600
Full Member
 

Horrible news to get. I remember well a weekend like that. Anyway there's a good club on here of fighters and survivors and we need more members, so get to it!
Oh and I'd echo what was said above about photos and video, I vetoed any record and regret it now...it's an important part of your life.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:26 pm
Posts: 34376
Full Member
 

Oooff, concentrate on Monday, take someone with you, listen, ask questions, stay strong. My thoughts are with you and yours


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:28 pm
Posts: 32265
Full Member
 

Stay as strong as you can and fight for every day. A mate has been going through this since just before Christmas, also has a youngster.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:36 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

That is the shittiest of shit news and I wish you well however your story unfolds over the next few weeks, months and hopefully years.

Not sure if you want practical advice just yet but based on my own experience:

Start writing questions down as you think of them, it's really hard to remember things you wanted to ask when you're sat in the doctors office and information is coming at you thick and fast.

Make use of the Macmillan nurses, they really are generally excellent and will be a great help to you and your partner.

Share your thoughts and emotions with friends and family, you may want to put on a brave face in front of your daughter but with everyone else just be honest. This is no time for things to go unsaid.

If people offer to help, let them.

If you have any financial loose ends, try and find the time to sort those out. If you're entitled to any benefits during your treatment make sure to claim them. Although the financial side of things might sound largely insignificant under the circumstances I expect you'll want to be spending as much time as possible with your partner, daughter and family and anything you can do to alleviate money worries allows you to concentrate on more important things.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:39 pm
Posts: 8527
Free Member
 

:-(. I don't know what to say.

Thoughts with you and anyone in the same boat.

Goodluck to you and your family.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:39 pm
Posts: 146
Full Member
 

I just read your post and the description of your feelings sucked me straight back in time to around 12 years ago when I went to the hospital with my girlfriend who was hit with news very similar to yours. I'm not a good enough writer to describe all the feelings at the time, but we really needed all the support, love and help from everyone around us that we could get - take every piece of support you can. It's a memory that is still so strong that it is bringing tears back to me now and at the time we didn't have kids, hearing mine downstairs at the moment can only make me imagine how that adds to your feelings.

I'm so happy to say that my girlfriend from that time is now my wife. Somewhat strangely I still don't really believe in luck or miracles, but somehow we got lucky that time, her cancer got caught just in the nick of time and a good surgeon saved her life, with possibly only days in it.

I wish you a happy ending to your story. Good luck and best wishes.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:48 pm
Posts: 2091
Full Member
 

I've nothing to add to what others have already said, and better than I ever could, except to say that we wish you all the very best.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 4:54 pm
 tish
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Gutted for you, hearing this. I've been through similar with my dad and although like you say, the world stops, it does get a little easier once the initial shock of hearing the c word has sunk in. I echo what's been said above about making use of Macmillan Nurses they really are awesome and helpful.
Good luck and hoping for the best outcome.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 5:00 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Cancer is a bitch. I am so sorry to hear what must be devestating news for you. My family has been and is still going through the mill with cancer at present (just lost an uncle and both my mother in law and auntie have it). I'm trying to do my bit by raising money for cancer research uk (doing the NC500 next month). All I can say is stay strong and don't give in to it, make memories with your daughter for as long as you can and maybe do something you've always wanted to do? I wish you the best of luck with the battle that lies ahead. Trevor.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 5:00 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My brother in law is just getting over chemotherapy and is awaiting radiotherapy for a tumor on his lung which was diagnosed while he was on holiday in the canaries. Initially he was terrified, tumor was size of a grapefruit. He's now been given the all clear. As someone has previously suggested make use of Macmillan they are fantastic. I'll pray for your recovery and your family.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 5:04 pm
Posts: 785
Full Member
 

Nothing I can say but healing vibes pal.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 5:04 pm
Posts: 454
Free Member
 

Have occasionally thought how would I react with similar news, you never know. If it helps keep posting on here, even if you to get words out, good advice up there on making notes, my memory is woolly at best of times!
Good luck
C


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 6:02 pm
Posts: 124
Free Member
 

I too wish you courage, strength, with a good dose of peace and laughter.

I would also recommend that you go through the practical motions while trying not to think of them as harbingers of doom or as being morbid. Now really is the time to get things out of the way, so they don't hang over you, and are simply dealt with, ticked boxes. That's things like writing your wills, organising files with pensions, life insurance, power of attorney etc. It's not pleasant, but when it's done, it's there if things turn bad, and it's still there when things don't.

Don't forget the laughter. I really meant it about that.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 6:36 pm
Posts: 7121
Free Member
 

Time to get some socks...

[URL= http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/jenga101/cancer_zpstdna1nq0.jp g" target="_blank">http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/jenga101/cancer_zpstdna1nq0.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 6:48 pm
Posts: 11
Free Member
 

Don't think anything other than it's perfectly ok to wonder how anyone deals with sh1t like this. I understand the appropriate reaction is 'f*ck cancer'. I wish you and everyone close to you all the strength and luck you will need. My experience is that more people have survived it and some very much against the odds. So you'll be one of them. Keep us updated as inspirational blogs are great for you and others to look back on!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 6:51 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

All the very best fella and wishing you the strength required to face and fight this.
Look up David Andrew Smith athlete, you may find some solace and inspiration


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 6:55 pm
Posts: 12072
Full Member
 

Can't add much more than to wish you the best of luck and send healing thoughts from Spain - stay strong!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:10 pm
Posts: 9180
Full Member
 

So much already said. Two things however definitely come to mind: -

1). All strength to you and yours
2). **** CANCER.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:12 pm
Posts: 1014
Free Member
 

Brutal mate. Don't give up. Stay as healthy as possible - it will help with and therapy you get.

Enjoy time with your family. Make sure you see Oc health or whatever at work and get things sorted re Treatment.

My experience is that anyone clinical is absolutely amazing. Unfortunately the underfunding in the NHS means the admin support isn't there. Confirm when results, appointments will be, then follow up that with a phone call. They forgot to book me an appointment to tell me i had cancer, and they forgot to tell me it hadn't spread!

**** cancer.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:27 pm
Posts: 341
Free Member
 

Every so often somebody kindly posts some personel stuff on here that makes us all sit back and think of that person, today youre that person till you make a full recovery, we all sincerely hope you do wel in your treatment and prognosis next week, and do please keep posting updates on here, it helps you and it helps others, going through a similar thing.

Best wishes for the future and a big man hug from me.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:29 pm
Posts: 9763
Full Member
 

Take any help that you can get including any medication or therapy to make life as good as it can be

keep talking to us and real people

Do it in your own way. Some people want to fight every day some people want to go for quality of life. You choose you own path

Make notes before you see the doctors. Make notes when your with the doctor

All the best. Really shocked by how fat life can go from good to bad. I hope you get some swings to good


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:37 pm
Posts: 0
Full Member
 

Sending you slat hoofing vibes.
Good luck.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:37 pm
 DezB
Posts: 54367
Free Member
 

You've got loads to live for, so keep living. I know people who've come through the fight with cancer, keep fighting.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:37 pm
Posts: 28
Free Member
 

Fight the f*cker!

Get a 2nd opinion, find out your options, fight the f*cker.

Did you get put in touch with someone from McMillan ? From experience they are fantastic for practical and emotional support for all sorts of things.

If talking to the family/sharing your thoughts and fears is hard then come on here and distract us all from talking about artisan coffee beans. There is a wealth of experience and caring on this place - make use of it.

Good luck to you and your family.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 7:55 pm
Posts: 1014
Free Member
 

just to add don't forget to look after your family, they will take it as hard, or harder, but in different ways.

I didn't appreciate this as early as i should have.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 8:00 pm
Posts: 21016
Full Member
 

Look after yourself as well.
Thoughts are with you.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 8:02 pm
Posts: 113
Free Member
 

Don't want to be you

Every minute of every day to be the best dad and best partner. What will be is gonna be.
What you get to do is use the time now regardless
Good luck and **** cancer

James


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 8:46 pm
 nonk
Posts: 18
Free Member
 

All the best mate


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 8:51 pm
Posts: 92
Full Member
 

Just adding my best wishes for you too.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:03 pm
Posts: 1
Free Member
 

I know loads of people who beat cancer, you can too.

Beat it then buy them socks.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:15 pm
 Kuco
Posts: 7181
Free Member
 

Thats shit 🙁 best wishes and hope you kick its arse.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:18 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Gutted, stay positive , it can be beaten. fingers crossed!!


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:23 pm
Posts: 3826
Full Member
 

Jesus that's a tough post! Best of luck and fingers crossed that you can get some treatment other than palliative.

I take it that you are waiting for the pathology/genetics test results. Fingers crossed that it's something that you can get treatment for.

Also get a second opinion from a specialist cancer hospital if you can.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:26 pm
Posts: 1317
Free Member
 


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:29 pm
Posts: 227
Free Member
 

Chin up fella been through a similar experience with a young daughter and its so hard with children around, in the 4 weeks up to my Op they seemed to be the longest ever, I made the most of the time with my daughter and even managed to get married 8O. I kept positive and was very proactive in sorting stuff if things were to go the wrong way talk/drink and ride if possible it helped me. #cancersucks

All the best fella
Rich


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:32 pm
Posts: 1317
Free Member
 

Brave to share, stay strong. Nice to see the stw community come together when members face challenges.


 
Posted : 04/03/2017 9:50 pm
Posts: 8318
Full Member
 

There are times in life when you appear to have woken up in someone else's life. Nothing that is happening to you is familiar and none of it makes any sense. Remember that posting on here will help, but you'll not just be helping yourself you'll also be helping all of us as well. Helping us to appreciate all that we have in life and all that we hold dear. Don't ever for one minute think that you should not burden others with your problems, you'll do more for others than you'll ever realise. If just one person reads your posts and then spends just a few more minutes with their children or just tells someone they love them then you'll have made the world a better place.


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 12:55 am
Posts: 12
Free Member
 

It is scary and I can;t do anything other than wish you good luck.

Sometimes, saying things out loud is the hardest part. I haven;t been in your shoes but have certainly found a forum full of people I (mostly) don't know personally can be extremely cathartic. Make use of every avenue of support you have and that includes the lovely STW'ers.

[i]Don't ever for one minute think that you should not burden others with your problems[/i]

This! There are times you need to be supportive but equally times when you need to depend on others. Be a burden and take advantage of those who are rallying around you and want you to lean on them.


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 5:37 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Very sorry to hear your news, get yourself plenty of hugs through such a difficult time


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 9:39 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

KBO


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 9:44 am
Posts: 3265
Full Member
 

That news sucks. Sorry to hear it. That you say

the chemotherapy route would be palliative
means you've got some living to get done. What are your plans? What other options has your oncologist spoken with you about?


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 9:46 am
Posts: 1143
Full Member
 

Keep strong, good Luck and best wishes to you and your family.


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 9:47 am
Posts: 3601
Free Member
 

Best of everything to you...infinitive amounts of karma for you and your family.

x


 
Posted : 05/03/2017 10:28 am
Page 1 / 4

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!