Another Newbie

Jeenie2001 9 hours ago

2 replies
60 subscribers
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Hi all, I've recently been diagnosed with anal cancer, my head is in a spin and it broke my heart having to tell my 2 sons.

I'm waiting for a date for a stoma to be fitted and then I can go for the planning appointment. I will be having radiotherapy and an infusion of chemo on my first and last day, with chemo tablets every day. I've been told it'll be 5 weeks until I start my treatment.

I'm just feeling lost and totally dreading the treatment and wondering how I am going to get through this. Sorry for the pity-fest. My hubby just doesn't want to talk about it and shuts me down anytime I mention it, I know it's because he's scared but really doesn't help me.

Much love to all you brave people xx

Irene75359 6 hours ago

Hello Jeenie2001

A warm welcome to the forum, although I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Hearing the word cancer is terrifying and I am sure each of us remember exactly that moment, I know I did and moved around in this huge bubble of fear and bewilderment. But once I had a treatment plan, things did start to look up a bit, there was an end in sight and I knew getting through this treatment, although tough, was taking me to a much better place health-wise.

I had an elective stoma formed this summer and manage really well with it, and my recovery was really quick. It may well really help you during treatment especially towards the end when opening bowels can be really painful due to the radiotherapy side effects.

You aren't having a pity-fest at all, please don't ever feel the need to apologise for feeling low and full of fear. Absolutely no one will judge you on here, we have all been through or are going through treatment and your feelings are totally understandable. I am really so very sorry that your husband isn't being supportive; a cancer diagnosis often puts people in touch with their own mortality but you need him on board in every way. I think perhaps you need some help here, are you near a Maggie's? I went with my husband in the very early days and it is a lovely calm place staffed by cancer professionals and they could well help your husband too. And there is also the MacMillan help-line who may be able to give you some pointers.

We have lots of tips and coping strategies we can share to help you through this, so please let us know when your chemo/radiotherapy treatment is due to start. And good luck getting a quick date for your op.

And we are always here to offer support should you need it.

Love to you too, brave Jeenie

Irene xx

Bungle1 5 hours ago

Welcome to the club no one wants to join. Everything you are feeling is totally normal and you are allowed to feel sorry for yourself. You will get through it because you have to, try to do things you enjoy to take your mind of Everything. Sending hugs. Xx

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