Sprinkler
Posts 145

Sorry to hear about your husband rhubarb, it's a horrid disease, so very easily confused with other minor ailments until it's too late.

Lil Bubbly
Posts 353

Hi Laura,
Good luck today. We're thinking of you.
LB x

Muesli Bar
Posts 739

Good to see you L.
Keep your chin up!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present – B. Olatunji

Laura104
Posts 19

Thank you picklejuice- i will definitelt read her blog.
I heard back from Newcastle this week and the small spot on my liver is too small to see what it is- it could be mets or it could be benign. The plan is to continue with the rest of my chemo and then be re-scanned 4 weeks after my last chemo.If the spot has changed or grown then i will require surgery. So still a waiting game but at least the doctors are more positive about chemo helping now.
Running out of inspirational quotes for my blog soplease keep the suggestions coming.

picklejuice
Posts 29

Laura, I sent your blog to my friend in the states who is battling back from Stage 4 colon cancer. I'm sure you understand what that meant for her. She is *this close* to remission after some major surgery and chemo (something she dubbed "pick it out, pour it in") , turning vegan, and increasing her exercise. I think she can offer you a lot of advice and support. She started a non profit back in the states just for this purpose.

I think she would really like to "meet" you online. She's incredibly positive, supportive, and inspiration...best of all she knows EXACTLY what you are going through. I hope you two can get to know each other.

Here is her blog: http://www.wunderglo.com/blog/2010/10/12/about-my-cancer-and-my-plan-to-beat-it.html

For everyone else:
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in the US.
Things to remember about this disease (I'm sure you read some of this on her blog, too)
1) #2 and #3 most common cancers in women and men respectively (in the US, not sure WW)
2) One of the most avoidable forms of cancer by adjusting your diet (cut down on red meats and eliminate processed meats completely) and increasing exercise
3) This disease kills thousands because it's often caught in very late stages (like my friend). SCREENING for it can save your life! Don't be afraid of having the poo talk with your doctor!

This is obviously a passionate topic for me as well because of my friend. I'm glad that Laura has brought this topic to the attention of so many on this forum. In this region where red meat is heavily consumed, it's important to remember the negative effects it can have on your body.

Good luck Laura, I hope you and my friend can get to know each other well as you both kick cancer's @ss!

Muesli Bar
Posts 739

Laura, how did it go last week?
x

Alismum
Posts 963

Good Luck Laura, let us know how you get on. Sending positive vibes your way.

What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

glenfiddich
Posts 777

Muesli Bar
Posts 739

let's get the EW vibes going for Laura!

Laura I like "Gotta have a little rain before you get a rainbow" - take care xx

Laura104
Posts 19

Thanks everyone. The UK surgeon is reviewing the scans on his computer system with his liver radiologist tomorrow. Should hopefully have final conclusion by mid week. Had chemo as normal today. If you have any inspiring quotes for the blog let me know x

spongemonkey
Posts 20943

Have just seen this and have read some of your blog.Puts problems in perspective. Just wanted to wish you well.

mayabkk
Posts 178

I'm keeping everything crossed for you Laura, hoping you hear some positive news from the liver specialist, take care.xx

Millyleo
Posts 32

Just read your recent blogg entry hard to imagine what you are going through right now. We are wishing you well and sending love and prayers, anything at all we can do please ask xxx

Appletiser
Posts 7136

Muesli Bar
Posts 739

Laura everyone on EW is rooting for you and sending you positive vibes. Please check in regularly! Sending you lots of love and prayers xx

Lil Bubbly
Posts 353

Laura I've just read your blog from start to the most recent post. everything crossed for good results this week. LB xx

Laura104
Posts 19

Thank you so much everyone. We have had a horrible week. They found a large growth on my liver that had appeared since chemo so I was told the cancer had spread and it was very aggressive and chemo resistant. I had further tests later in the week that have come back clear. Everything is very much up in the air and we are waiting for a specilaist liver surgeon in the UK to give us his opinion. I will be writing my blog again this weekend- just couldn't face it this week, too many tears.
In terms of screening I can personally recommend Dr Rolef at Health Bay on Al Wasl Road or Dr Regina Will at the American Hospital. Both excellent. Nobody should be worried about the colonoscopy. It takes 15 minutes and you are sedated for the whole thing. You do not feel anything and there is no pain. This is different from the Uk where they only sedate you mildly. Best thing about Dubai is they don't mind spending money on the drugs to make the experience better for you!
In terms of my symptoms I had severe abdominal pain on the right hand side with spasms/contractions of the gut in this area. The last few weeks my bowel activity was changing day to day and I often felt like I needed a poo but couldn't go. This would happen a few times in a day. Looking back I also had fatigue but I have an underactive thyroid gland so just put it down to that. I lost over a stone in 6 weeks also but I thought I was just doing good on the diet!
If anyone has any concerns just go for a colonoscopy. Those 15 minutes could save your life. x

highland lass
Posts 750

Laura, I wanted to thank. I was laughing so much this morning when I read about you waking up stroking your mums leg that both my Kids and Hubby were desperate for an explanation. If you hadn't posted here we would all have remained ignorant of colon cancer. I can only imagine how many people you will save by sharing your story. You really are an inspiration to us all.
I wish you the very very best, Stay positive and kick ass!
xxx

casper1
Posts 36

Such an emotional blog to read, thinking of you & your family, Laura; and everyone fighting or who knows someone fighting this disease.
My mum was diagnosed with colon cancer in 09 and was very lucky to catch it early and so far she's still clear.

Saharagypsyrose, I, too would like to know where is recommended to have a screening if anyone knows? Not only for me, for my husband & freinds...

redleaf
Posts 278

I was hoping that wasn't the case

mayabkk
Posts 178

I am so sad to hear this. I follow her blog daily, having been diagnosed two years ago with colorectal cancer I can relate to everything she is going through. This must be a very tough time for Laura and her family, I'm thinking of them all and sending them all my positive thoughts, it's very important to remain positive throughout these difficult times. Take care x

KateK
Posts 42

Hi all,
I'm sure Laura won't mind me sharing- she has had a tough week this week with scans showing that the cancer may have spread to her liver. Obviously this news has knocked for six but I'm sure she'll be blogging again soon.
Let's send her lots of love and positivity to get through this battle.

Chocs01
Posts 4776

Such a good job writing your blog Laura. Very inspiring and well done for helping to raise awareness. I hope you get much better soon.

redleaf
Posts 278

Hi Laura

Thanks for posting the link to your blog. I have been totally absorbed by it and am now caught up to present day. Sending nothing but positive energy your way.

My Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer way back in the late 80s, when I was too young to appreciate his daily struggles with the treatments.

All the best to you and your family and roll on June!

Saharagypsyrose
Posts 433

Laura, thank you for your blog. I had enjoyed reading it and learning from it (haven't caught up to the present time yet). Where is the best facility/doctor that you would recommend to have screening colonoscopy in Dubai? I have been procrastinating and would prefer to do the wireless capsule or camera in a pill colonoscopy. Do you know if they offer that type of technology here? TIA!

glenfiddich
Posts 777

glenfiddich
Posts 777

glenfiddich
Posts 777

Hi Laura, this is one of those diseases that I always wonder - how would I know? I've looked through your blog and it's great, but I haven't gotten to the point where you found out yet ... could you please tell us what your symptoms were and what made you go to the doctor in the first place?

Laura104
Posts 19

Thank you for your support. Forgot all about expat woman forums for a few months! Mayabkk and Millyleo's husband I hope you are both well. So far my friends, family and colleagues have managed to raise over 20,000 AED for Beating Bowel cancer and I am in talks with American hospital to produce more patient booklets on the disease. Constantly trying to find ways to increase awareness, especially in the young so people don't need to go through the horrible chemotherapy and surgery. Think I am now obsessed with poo talk and screening colonoscopies! x

mayabkk
Posts 178

Hi Laura sending you all my positive energy for a speedy recovery. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in Jan 10. If you need someone to talk to at any time please get in touch. Take care.