Hi I'm expecting to start both Chemo and Radiotherapy next week and feeling a bit anxious as I was originally expecting to start one earlier. Now worried what the impact of having both start together will have on my body as I was told it can damage tissues.
Hi Subodh and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time. I actually had a lot of chemo and radiotherapy at the same time and on the whole it was ok....... your clinical team will have a clear understanding as to what needs to be done to achieve a satisfactory outcome but the best people to talk this through with are your clinical team...... but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) but you don’t say what type of cancer you have but if you care to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the same journey.
Have a look through the list I have given you above and once you find the group for your cancer type you can join the group by selecting “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
There is lots of support available for you to tap into…… what type of cancer do have?
Hi Mike,
Thanks It's anal. Feeling even more anxious as I read the msg of someone who seems to have undergone the same treatment that I'm going to start. It didn't work for them and the radiotherapy has left them with burns. Now they are going to have to have surgery! It doesn't inspire much confidence or offer much hope in success of the treatment. 
Hi again, coming onto communities like these are going to throw up many stories, some good, some not so good.
I have been volunteering on this community for over 6 years now and I have talked with many people with the same type of cancer as I have and who have been through basically the same treatment journey…… 100 peoples stories will give 100 different results….. you are a static of 1 and your journey will be what it will be……. and most likely nothing like the other stories you read.
Back in late 2013 I was given 2 years on the clock but the ‘Hope’ was that my treatment plan would change this prognosis….. I am coming up to 10 years on and living a great life…… over my 24+ years journey with my incurable cancer our mindset has always been ‘there is always hope until hope runs out’
I see that you have not actually joined the Anal cancer group, joining the group will not only allow you to post in the group but be will also kept you up to date with all the new posts that are put up in the group.
I wish you all the very best in your treatment.
