Beginning this (unwelcome) journey

Lululeo 1 day ago

5 replies
68 subscribers
80 views

Hi there,

I'm a 65 year old woman here in the US who found this forum following a biopsy and diagnosis of AC. So far I've met with the oncologist and will be having a Pet Scan in a few days to help with staging. Assuming all goes as expected, the plan is for six weeks of chemoradiation to start in early August.

Like most of you, AC wasn't on my bingo card! What I thought was hemorrhoids turned out to be more serious, even though I've felt pretty good other than some bleeding, itching and a mass I can feel impacting my bathroom habits.

I've been reading some of the posts on this forum, and find them encouraging. But honestly, I am scared and distracted. Wondering how I'll make it through, although I know I will. Cancer is especially scary for me because I've lost a mother and a sister to the disease -- both had different types of.cancer (cervical, breast) and both died in their 40s from mets. On the other hand, I have other familly members and friends who've made it through treatment and are doing great. So I try to focus on those stories and stay positive. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be back on this forum periodically as I begin this journey (that no one asks for). Thanks for listening!

Bungle1 1 day ago

Hi Lululeo Welcome to the club no one wants to join. You have come to the right place everyone here is either going through it or out the otherside. We will support you how ever you need, ask questions or just off load. Once you get your plan and dates and get started you will feel more in control. The treatment for AC as a general rule is highly successful. Feeling scared is totally normal. Sending hugs. Xxx

Irene75359 20 hours ago

Hello Lululeo

Of course you are scared - we all remember hearing the words it is cancer and the fear and the rollercoaster that diagnosis brought with it. I am really sorry that you have heard this too, but you have come to the right place for empathy and support - we have all been through it and really do know what it is like.

Losing two very close family members must have been shocking for you. But please remember that this is mostly a very treatable cancer and hopefully in a few months time you will be cancer-free. The treatment is tough but doable and thankfully doesn't last long, just make sure you have support and time to recover.

Keeping everything crossed that you have good scan results and treatment goes ahead as planned.

And Bungle is so right, once all the tests are done and chemo/radiotherapy starts you will start to feel more positive.

Big hug

Irene xx

Lululeo 16 hours ago in reply to Bungle1

Thank you! I appreciate the support here from you all!

Lululeo 15 hours ago in reply to Irene75359

Thanks Irene. I think you and Bungle are right that I'll feel better when the tests are done and treatment is underway. The waiting and not knowing is very hard. I think I'd even rather deal with the discomfort of the treatment that feeling like there's nothing to do. : )

Nikki65 10 hours ago

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

It’s completely understandable that you’re scared having lost your mum & sister to this awful disease. Although not something we’d wish for anal cancer is very treatable & even though it’s no walk in the park the treatment is usually very effective.

I completely agree with what the ladies that have replied to you already have said, once you start treatment you begin to feel you’ve regained a little control again something that I felt I’d lost completely at diagnosis.

Please know we’re here to support you however we can.

Nicola

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