Hello ...
So where to begin .. 15th April finally diagnosed with cancer of the rectum .. it's a strange one they say as the skin cancer that I have should be in the anus and not the rectum .. I guess I has to be slightly unusual ! Any way .. due to discomfort going toilet I now have a stoma fitted and I get measured up for radio therapy next week ..to then be followed by 6 weeks intensive radio and chemo therapy ..
... like most I am practical and able to wear a brave face and smile ..but deep inside I am petrified ..
Night times are the worse .. please tell me I am not alone with this ??? 
Hi and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
During my 22 years on my blood cancer journey night times can be challenging, I used to keep a diary next to my bed and park the thoughts then looked for someone to talk with about them. The worst thing to do is try and navigate this on your own.
With this on mind I recommend you join our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service can give lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
It's perfectly normal to be scared when you are told that you have cancer. I think that you would be the odd one out if you weren't but you've come to the right place to talk to others who will understand how you feel.
As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join the bowel (colon and rectal) cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
