Rectal cancer

Hi Ruth that has explained a lot thank you I just want to start my treatment now 

Hi @TraceyJane

Yes I can imagine - I felt exactly the same but I think we have to appreciate that a lot of planning goes on behind the scenes. It is very targeted treatment. Hence the few weeks delay. It'll go more quickly than you think and give you time to get together all the bits to help you get through as smoothly as possible. Have you got a shopping list yet? 

Hi ,

Ruth has explained your diagnosis well. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common of anal cancers & strangely I was quite relieved when I was told this was what my diagnosis was as I didn’t want anything any rarer than this already was! Surgery is generally only an option if you’re diagnosed very early like myself (T1N0M0) my surgeon told me that this is usually only possible in roughly 1/600 cases. In the US surgery is much more common than here in the UK & the treatment regime differs slightly. Your affected lymph node will be mapped into your radiotherapy plan & get zapped at the same time as your tumour. The chemoradiotherapy is usually very effective. Ruth (Bottom56) I do hope your scans go well & you receive excellent results, I’ve got everything crossed for you, hope you’re doing well. 

Nicola 

Thanks Nicola. I am a bit anxious  but used to the waiting game now. Can’t say it gets any easier though

Ruth

Sorry to explain. Housie was my first sign up name but for some reason list it! I just used my laptop rather than my phone and clearly it’s found again!!! I am the same person

Ruth you’re right there, almost 3 years down the line & my history I’m told my chances of any recurrence is low but the scanxiety is still very real! 

Nicola 

What do you mean a shopping list 

Just things that might help you get through it all more comfortably. For example some things that helped me are:

Dead Sea salts for bathing

Portable bidet - bottle with spray spout on end

Long nighty - you can put your feet up and air the affected area with dignity

V pillow for comfort

Andrex washlets or similar

Tena pads

Soft sponge for sensitive washing and mild soap 

Cushion to sit on- doughnut or pressure cushion

Metal free trousers with elasticated waist - so you can just them down for your radio therapy treatment 

You might have some of these already. I’m sure others will have more suggestions. 

Hope this is of help. Others might have further suggestions. 

Ruth

Thank you for the suggestion ️ that has been a big help I didn't even think of anything like that