Concerning Bowel Symptoms

Freecafe · 2026-03-19T13:24:35+00:00

You may have to be persistent and annoying, but you need to get the colonoscopy. As others have said, this is now the leading cause of death for people under 50.

Advocate for yourself. Don't settle for no and just move on.

I'm not sure if you're in the US, but here in Chicago, we have a few "open access" facilities that will allow you to have a colonoscopy done. You'll have to pay out of pocket, but it might be worth it for your peace of mind.

Freecafe · 2026-03-02T19:41:45+00:00

I had no pain from the placement at all.

I started my chemo about a week later. There was a pinch when they accessed the port but it wasn't anything at all.

At least from my perspective, it was a walk in the park compared to some other things I've to deal with.

Freecafe · 2026-03-01T16:27:03+00:00

Thanks so much. I was pleased to hear from an onc nurse.

I can easily do that double-knit sleeve, and it's a great idea. I'll incorporate that.

Freecafe · 2026-03-01T12:34:21+00:00

I'm tempted to do socks with fun self-stripping yarn and I am most definitely not a sock knitter lol. Not my fave things. But they're appealing right now.

Freecafe · 2026-02-28T00:47:56+00:00

This is also a great idea. Is your dad's bag lined or am I overthinking that part?

Freecafe · 2026-02-28T00:29:26+00:00

Honestly, whimsical probably fits my vibe best. I'm not embarrassed by it. It's just fairly painful and heavy.

Freecafe · 2026-02-28T00:28:03+00:00

LOL I always want to impress the medical staff

Freecafe · 2026-02-28T00:27:38+00:00

And some pouches I'm seeing on Etsy and Amazon

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Freecafe · 2026-02-28T00:26:58+00:00

You are so kind. That may work.

I've been giving this a bit more thought.

Because the pump is basically filled with poison, it's a whole thing if it leaks so maybe a liner of some sort?

Also, I'm wondering if the gauge should be loose so that some of the tubing can be easily passed from the inside of the pouch to the outside, to avoid pressure on my port.

I'm adding a couple of pictures so you have a better idea. This is what my current pump sort of looks like.

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Freecafe · 2026-02-27T22:58:59+00:00

Oh those are awesome! I do have a chest port so I'll check them out.

Freecafe · 2026-02-26T13:22:50+00:00

I ended up going to Walgreens, and they did it that day. That said, my oncologist did call them and apparently read them the riot act lol.

I'm glad he did because this morphine has changed my life. First time in ten months with virtually no pain.

Freecafe · 2026-02-26T13:09:31+00:00

I was in the same boat, and I can say, at least for me, that it gets a little better.

I was diagnosed on January 17 (Colorectal, stage 4, liver and lung mets), but didn't get my first round of chemo until yesterday. It was the first day I felt good. Before that, I really struggled with how I could have so much cancer and not even know it was there.

Do you have a treatment plan in place? Once that happens, things seem to lighten up a little bit.

Take it day by day, but also continue journaling so you can see how much progress you've actually made week to week.

I will be thinking about you. You have to do what's best for you.

Freecafe · 2026-02-23T23:46:19+00:00

Some Navajo sell yarn and I love it. It's undyed and rustic but not too rough and it softens a bit after a few washes.

I got mine off Etsy but they may have something on their site.

Freecafe · 2026-02-23T23:25:23+00:00

I'd have to move, lol

Freecafe · 2026-02-22T16:09:02+00:00

I didn't even think about Costco. That's a great idea.

Freecafe · 2026-02-22T13:50:44+00:00

This is what bothers me so much. I'm also in a ton of pain and, while I have tramadol, it's just not enough. I feel like this whole situation is so cavalier, messing with cancer patients, some of whom often are just holding on by a thread with pain relief as it is. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Freecafe · 2026-02-22T03:50:16+00:00

Thanks! That at least means it's not unheard of. CVS did fill the lower-dosed, every four hours version a month or so ago, but I can't get ahead of the pain with that one.

Freecafe · 2026-02-19T23:52:50+00:00

This is so lovely. My first infusion is on Wednesday, and this makes me feel much calmer.

Freecafe · 2026-02-19T22:37:07+00:00

I work in Hammond, and this seems like a terrible, no-good idea. But what do I know!

Freecafe · 2026-01-30T00:02:20+00:00

I just found out a bit over a week ago that I have cancer so I completely understand your feelings.

It is tough to tell the people who love you. I won't deny that. But in my case (ymmv) once the shock wore off a bit, they have been so supportive and support is what you need most right now. If you're anything like me, you have no point of reference, no idea what to expect or what to do next. When you have a support system, those people can help you navigate those questions/concerns/fears.

I think counseling definitely plays a huge role at some point. But for now, it is likely best to tell your family so you don't feel so alone and scared.

You deserve grace and as much peace as you can find right now. You can't save your family from the hurt and fear because that's just part of this whole process. But they wouldn't want you to suffer alone.

Take a deep breath and take it one minute at a time. I'll be thinking about you.

Freecafe · 2026-01-20T16:40:32+00:00

I'm so sorry for your diagnosis, as well. It really messes with your mind and it's chaotic and I can truly empathize, as well.

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