Newly diagnosed, emergency stoma.

Welcome to our group and I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  However, you have come to the right place for information, commiseration and support.  People on this forum know exactly what you are going through and all can empathise with your feelings of disbelief and shock.  A fair number of them initially thought exactly the same as you, that they had haemorrhoids and it wasn't until some of them pushed hard for further examination that cancer was found.

The treatment is fairly short and sharp; hopefully the fact that you have had a colostomy will spare you some of the discomfort and pain in the back passage that generally accompanies the radiotherapy towards the end of the treatment and for a couple of weeks afterwards.  That said, a few people sail through it and carry on as normal but many (including me) were overwhelmed by exhaustion.  The body is trying to recover from the treatment and this can take every ounce of energy you have so be prepared for plenty of rest.   

You sound very positive, that is such a good frame of mind to be in as you start your treatment.  Any questions you have please ask, and do come back and let us know how you are.

Irene x 

Sorry to hear you have had to join. I’m 2.5 weeks into chemoradio after my diagnosis in January. I had 6 months of chemo first. 
i had not planned anything for the 5 weeks as I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I’m half way and I can’t wait for it to be over. But it’s not been as bad as I thought. I’ve had a few blips, bloods playing up etc. weekends are my saving grace as I feel much better in these days. 
so I’m keeping focused and thinking it will be worth it in 2.5 weeks time when im Finiahed. 

this forum is great for advice so bare that in mind. 

Even after all I’ve been through it still dosnt feel real so don’t get yourself worried about that feeling. 

Best of luck and stay focused, you can do this x

Hi SansG,

It's such a huge thing to wrap your head around, isn't it? But the speed with which they whip you from diagnosis to treatment is actually a good thing. Gets it over with, and you on the road to recovery before your brain catches all the way up with you.

I had get knocked out for the exam too, just couldn't tolerate her rummaging about while I was awake. But that was after 2 years of trying to find a doctor who would help me! Including a hemorrhoid surgery that did nothing to help and put me into the stratosphere with pain.

The colonostomy will almost certainly be a huge relief as you move into treatment. Is yours reversible?

The 50s are an awesome decade. Your will have your treatment behind you by next year and get to spend the rest of the decade with (hopefully) a whole lot fewer butt issues. I'm about 6 months out of treatment and feel better than I have in years!

Glad you're here with us. This is a good, safe, supportive place to share and get good info.

Suz

Hi SansG,

I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's a lot to process all at once. Hearing you have cancer is the scariest thing ever. We are here for you! 

My cancer also spread to the lymph nodes. I was so upset it wasn't caught earlier. I was one of those cases where I didn't have any bleeding or pain at all. It was a miracle the cancer was found and that's what I focus on. Even though, I did recently have a recurrence I am thankful that my doctor's found it and moved quickly. I'm happy you are getting the same care. I also have a permanent colostomy so let me know if you have questions.

This is the time to build your support team. When people ask if they can help, say "yes!" They can help with meals, running errands, house work, driving you to appointment, and so forth. You need to get plenty of rest and focus on your health.

You got this!

Hi SansG & welcome to the Macmillan online community although I’m really sorry that you’ve had the need to find us. 

Hang onto that positive outlook it’ll help carry you through the next few months, treatment, recovery & beyond. We’ve all been in either the same or a very similar boat to the one you’re in now, thankfully I was diagnosed very early & treated without delay, I didn’t require a stoma but here on the online community we have a dedicated group Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support which you may find useful, we also have members here that have gone through chemoradiotherapy with a stoma & have said it’s been a definite plus as believe me it was no fun going to the loo towards the end & just after treatment had finished! so hopefully you’ll find all the support you need between us here & the stoma support group. 

I know what you mean about it not seeming real, I think that’s somewhat to do with the speed things move at once you’ve had your diagnosis, I remember sitting kind of dumbfounded the day of my diagnosis as the specialist nurse that had sat in on my consultation made my diagnostic CT & MRI appointments, it took a while for everything to really sink in! But here I am 4.5 years post treatment & NED (no evidence of disease) to date, if things stay as they are I’ll be due for discharge next June & I’m seeing light at the end of the tunnel. If you’d like to read a little more about my journey just click on my username, you can also document your own journey in your profile if you want to, it often helps when we can read about each other’s experience. 

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions here no matter how personal they may seem, I can guarantee they’ve all been asked before. We’re here to support you wherever we can. 

Nicola