Rectal cancer

Hi Millymolly1

Welcome to the club none of us wants to be in. I'm sorry about your diagnosis. Feeling lost is perfectly normal. Stay of Dr Google (easier said than done I know). Anal cancer is treatable the majority of us on here have had 5.5 weeks of radiotherapy and a chemo regime which seems to vary between hospitals and countrys. I finished my treatment 6th November 2024 and have had a full response to treatment. Its very early in your journey and I'm sure your feelings and emotions are up and down but once you get your treatment plan you will feel more in control. Everyone here is very supportive and will be here for you in whatever way you need, ask questions or just unload whatever you need. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Millymolly1,

I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and it’s such an awful time when you are waiting to know what happens next while you are knocked sideways by the diagnosis.  It’s a limbo like time where you haven’t yet been linked in to a team or treatment plan and I think we all remember those dark days.

 I’m no expert but I think rectal cancer treatment is different than the treatment for anal cancer, but I know that the MacMillan forums are absolutely the best way to find accurate and helpful information about the treatment pathway and get support. Dr Google is a bit of a minefield and best not go there. 

For most of us here we had a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with lots of good outcomes. Treatment is very effective.

I hope you get a plan very soon. Have they indicated how long you will have to wait? 

We are all here to support you in the meantime.

Big hug to you xx

Welcome  to the group. Its so difficult when first diagnosed and very scary. There is such a lot to process.

Echoing what others have  said avoid Google speak to medical staff at the hospital.

Take care and be kind to yourself.   

Thank you so so much for responding.

Yeah I'm all over the place in my head.

Always thinking the worse. Xx

This is exactly how I was. I was given the diagnosis on 14 April and start treatment on 16 June. This site can be trusted for reliable information, the phone line is a comforting resource to have both for someone to talk to and for advice and information from the nurses. I will be thinking of you. There is hope. Sending you a hug and hoping you make your way through this as I have. 

Hello Millymolly1

A warm welcome here to join others who have all heard the same words and been in the same confusion, denial, fear - that you are going through at the moment.  I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but you have come to the right place for commiseration, help, comfort and guidance.

The first few weeks are a rollercoaster of scans and tests but in the background they are getting all the information together and putting together a plan of treatment tailored specifically for you.

Please let us know how your next meeting with the doctors go - we have lots of information to share to help you on the way, and also are here to support you however we can.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Millymolly1 

Welcome to the forum .. im so sorry re your diagnosis..

The first few weeks after hearing those words are a Rollercoaster of emotions.. sadness.. anger.. fear.. even guilt.. then you start to read Google and the confusion just rises..

This forum has gotten me through some very dark days so please keep posting and we will answer any questions you have.. nothing is off limits on here..believe me we have all been through every emotion you are currently feeling..

You will start to feel acceptance in yourself and diagnosis once you have had your scans and you have a treatment start date..

This forum will help you every step of the way 

Big hugs

X