Hello
My history
. stage three rectal cancer 2019. Low resection and ileostomy surgery. Six months chemo
2020 .. T2 prostate cancer. Twenty sessions of radiotherapy and two years of hormone treatment
2021 . Ileostomy reversal. This was followed by colitis and pr bleeds. This was due to the radiotherapy Another operation to create a new stoma
Latest colonoscopy showed colon has healed. Now awaiting another reversal
The great news . Yearly CT and MRI scans are clear. My PSA is not detectable it is so low.
A long journey and I consider myself to be lucky with the outcome.
BUT... I mourn for the person I was before cancer. I just do not feel as carefree as before
I know this sounds ungrateful but I wonder if anyone else feels the same ?
Hi Stilsmiling and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your journey.
I have been on my rare incurable blood cancer journey for over 24+ years and although there were some tough times I will be eternally thankful to still be here living as good a life as any other 68 year old can be living.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so do have a look through THIS LIST and indeed this OTHER LIST where you will find all our many dedicated 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 may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
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.
