I've just been diagnosed with rectal cancer. I've seen a surgeon and am now waiting to see an oncologist to discuss pre surgery treatment. I'm 70 and have long standing problems with my sense of balance and vertigo and also fatigue. I don't know how I would be able to cope with chemo or radiotherapy and am very worried about my balance becoming so bad I would lose my ability to go out. I will discuss this with the oncologist. How sympathetic are they likely to be in understanding my fears?
Hello Kaf3,
I'm very sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with rectal cancer and that you're facing possible chemo or radiotherapy.
To answer your question, in my experience I have always found my oncologists to be very sympathetic and understanding of fears and concerns over treatments and I'd expect your's to act similarly.
I can see you're also a member of the bowel cancer forum and it might be useful to also post your questions on there as someone might have similar experience you can benefit from.
Best wishes with your treatment which I hope is a success.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Hi Kaf3
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of rectal cancer. I see you have joined the bowel group and I am sure that you will find support there also. It can really help to share with others with a similar diagnosis.
I can understand your concerns about dealing with treatment when already having other health issues.
My own cancer was endometrial and I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. Although the treatments were challenging at times I did find that they were doable.
Talking things through with your consultant is a good idea and maybe consider making a list of your worries/questions and going through them one by one. I did this myself and found my consultant to be sympathetic and understanding.
Chemotherapy can be different regimes and drugs and these can have different effects. Some may be tolerated better than others. For me many of the effects could be helped with medication and reductions in doses also helped. Others who are in the bowel group may be able to give you pointers on the specific treatments that may be offered.
Another thing I found is that when treatment is still not decided everything can feel a bit in limbo. Once you know which treatment they are recommending then you can ask specifically about what may be involved and what the effects may be. Also if they do recommend further treatment it can help just to focus on one at a time.
I found my consultants were understanding of my concerns and I was made to feel that my concerns were valid and were listened to. I would think that yours will be the same.
if it would help to talk things through, please do give the Support Line a call. There is someone there from 8am-8pm daily.
I wish you well with your treatment and we are here if you need us.
Jane
