Hi everyone,
I'm Rachel, 52 yrs old and diagnosed in 2024 with terminal colorectal cancer. Before I go any further, I have to say I am fine, both physically and mentally. I've had 31 cycles of chemo now, and it (touch wood) hasn't affected me badly at all.
I can't lie, I've been to hell and back - as I'm sure most people on here have, but I'm not letting it affect my life too much.
The reason I'm here now is that I'm going to have a Portacath fitted next Monday, and wondered if anyone has gone through it and what it was like. Were you ok after? Did it take long to get used to it? Etc.
Any info would be great!
Thanks
Hi Ratcliffe and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 25 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
As you see the Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated……..
Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only
…….. support area. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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, benefits and financial guidance 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.
