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Cancer grading - how worried should I be?!

SazzleDazzleabd88d
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Hi everyone,

I got my oncologist report through the post today - he described the cancer grade as 'poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma' - of course I googled this straight away and am now completely freaking out! Has anyone else had experience of this type of cancer? I've got sigmoid colon cancer (T3 N1c M0) with some tumour deposit in the surrounding tissue and due to start 6 cycles of Folfox later this week ...quite worried now that even if we manage to get this tumour under control in the next few months it'll come back! 

  • Dear SazzleDazzleabd88d,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

    I am sorry to read about your diagnosis and I understand your concerns about the report. This must have come as a huge shock to you, and it is good to see you are starting your chemotherapy as part of your treatment later this week.

    It is natural that you may be worried, and it is important that you are able to express your concerns and get answers and support. We would recommend staying away from google search, as the information can sometimes be lacking. If you have not seen this already, you can check out our website, Macmillan.org.uk, Cancer Research UK and Bowel cancer UK, which all have evidenced information available. You can also find information about staging and grading of bowel cancer on our website.

    It is important that you discuss your concerns with your team, your specialist nurse or your consultant, they are best placed to advise as they have access to medical notes and can give advice that’s specific to your situation. You might find the information about  what questions to ask helpful when talking to your team.

    Dealing with cancer can be an emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. You can also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area.

    I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

    Best wishes and take care 

    Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist) 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ AM/ KM

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