Newbie

Morning Papabear and welcome.

Yes, it is quite amazing how many of us here took ages to get a diagnosis. I suppose GPs don't come across AC that often, but in amongst all the piles that is the kind of thing a good GP should be alert about. 

However, now you are safely in the hands of the people who know what they're doing. I suggest when you get back from that lovely holiday you have a read around this forum and you'll get some idea of the things you should have to help you on your way.

You may want to start soon with moisturising your undercarriage as that will take the most damage from the radiotherapy. Something gentle and unscented like E45 or Aveeno seem to be well thought-of amongst us. (Not on the days you have appointments in case they want to scan you). The radiotherapists will give you some proper cream once you start, so don't buy anything specialist or medical until you've seem them.

Enjoy your break in the sun and come back and chat with us when you can. Good luck x

Thank you, I'll bear that in mind, one of the nurses on the colorectal team has suggested using bepanthen (nappy rash ointment) to help relieve soreness caused by the area being constantly moist from the bleeding, not sure if this is just a barrier cream or if its also a moisturiser, more research to begin in earnest.

I think Bepanthen or Sudocrem - another favourite - are great for use when things become a bit sore; they are good but a bit thick to use on normal skin as a moisturiser. I found it was like severe sunburn with some blistering. No bleeding.

Wait and see what others here suggest - you will get some good recommendations. x

Hello Papabear 

A warm welcome to the forum, although I am sorry you had to be here at all.  But you have come to the right place, all of us have been or are going through the treatment and really do know what it is like.  And don't worry at all about ANY sort of rant (not that I would ever describe it as such) we all come on here to tell our stories and that includes frustrations too.  I am relieved that your GP took action quickly and that you have such a responsive hospital.

We have lots of tips and coping strategies we can share, so please come back when you know your exact treatment plan.  We will all be thinking of you when you have your meeting with the oncologist.  

In the meantime go and enjoy your time in the sun and then start making plans for Disney World.  And please don't grow old gracefully, being old is so over-rated anyway!

Big hug

Irene xx

Afternoon Papabear

Good to hear you have your diagnosis and a supportive team at your hospital.

This cancer is very treatable, so plan your holidays and enjoy making new memories. The treatment will 'flyby' and life will return to new normal.

Enjoy your fun in the sun.

Ally xx

Hi there Papabear  & another warm welcome from me to the MacMillan Online Community although I’m really sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.

You sound in a good frame of mind & ready to take the bull by the horns so to speak. 

I’m really pleased to hear also that you’ve got faith in & great support at your hospital, this is really important. 

We all get to know each other quite well quite quickly here, nature of the beast I suppose, so a good introduction is always welcomed & we’re always here if you fancy a chat or a bit of a moan on days when you’re not feeling so great, we’re here to support you however we can. 

Have a lovely break away, enjoy the sun & keep Florida in your sights. 

Nicola

Its been a couple of weeks since my original post so I thought it about time to update with the current situation, the meeting with the oncology team went well although, a tumour in/on my hip was also mentioned, (was I aware of this? To be honest I'm not sure that I was).

I still don't have the full treatment plan as yet but it has been confirmed I will be having Capecitabine in tablet form and Mitomycin along with radiation therapy. My first session will more than likely take place after the easter break, I'll update as and when I find this out. I have had numerous calls from the Macmillan teams in my local hospital offering all kinds of support from counselling to drop in sessions held locally and also through 'talking therapies'. 

I remembered to take my list of questions with me to the oncology appointment, most of them answered before I had opportunity to ask them, including the ones about aftercare... moisturisers, side effects, duration of treatment etc. I am to be prescribed a heap of stuff from creams to anti this and anti that medications as well as being given practical advice on sores and dressings (if required). One question I did forget to ask though, and this applies to ALL the male folk out there, does the radiation therapy cause any issues with skin on the scrotum and elsewhere? Perhaps someone can answer that for me??

I still feel very positive about my treatment and in a funny kind of way I'm looking forward to it, I think that is because I want rid of something I feel doesn't belong to me (the lump in my bum!). I know its going to be rough, no-one has pretended or suggested otherwise for which I'm grateful to have their honesty, but, my mind is focussed on the future and having the chance to have many more holidays in the sun and riding the biggest, wildest, scariest roller coasters I can find. 

As I'm writing this update I'm looking forward to imminent departure to our annual getaway and meet up with our friends from around the globe that meet up every year for a couple of weeks in the Canary Islands for a particular festival/celebration and a sudden realisation has hit me that I haven't packed yet so without further ado I'd better get on with doing just that. 

I'd just like to say a big thanks to those that read and commented on my first original post, your advice and very kind words have meant a lot and it goes without saying those thanks extend to the Macmillan organisation for allowing us all to have the opportunity to tell our stories, offer advice, kind words and support. TH A N K  Y O U .... everyone!

****** Further update ******

Less than an hour after posting this I have had a call from the radiotherapy unit with my pre-treatment scan appointment. This will be done on my return to the UK on 2nd April with the actual treatment starting on the 20th. I will endeavour to keep you all informed of progress. Thanks again everyone. 

Good luck and take care 

Chrissie xx

Hello Papabear

Thank you so much for your update; I am so pleased that you had a good rapport with your treating team and that all your questions were answered, it is so important. 

With regard to your hip, sometimes an MRI will issues that have been present for a long time; I had an MRI a couple of weeks ago to establish the cause of hip pain and the report says "The calcified shadow lateral to the right femur is unchanged from the previous imaging".  I had no idea about that either.

Enjoy your holiday - sounds great fun!  And please keep checking in when your treatment starts.

Irene xx

Hi Papabear & thank you for the update.

It’s good that you now have a start date.  You sound in a great frame of mind to tackle your upcoming treatment which is always good.

Have a fabulous holiday. 

Nicola