Secondary rectal cancer.

FormerMember over 4 years ago

5 replies
112 subscribers
841 views

Hi all,

I've just had an operation to remove a small secondary rectal cancer tumour from my right lung. I was first diagnosed March 2018 with stage 3 rectal cancer. It had spread to just 3 lymph nodes.

Last September they found a nodule in my right lung growing and after a PET scan it was confirmed it was cancer. I just had it removed in February this year, but I'm left feeling like I am grieving all of the time. I'm convinced another is going to grow and I'm going to die before I get to be an old lady. I cry so much. I'm a shadow if my former self. Now I'm fat and I have very little hope for the future.

court over 4 years ago

You are having a tough time of it and no wonder you feel scared . Have you thought about having a chat with your GP ? Handling a stage 4 diagnosis is harsh on the mind and that’s reflected here over and over again . One thing I would like to say once you get the comfort of a few good scans it does ease a bit . A solitary lung nodule has reasonable statistics . My mum had one back in 2016 . Fear of recurrence is hard to process. Nothing else popped up in my mum’s lung . But it did take time to start to gain confidence again .
But if you need help to get onto a better footing I can only encourage you to speak to your GP . The helpline staff might be able to point you to some useful resources.0808 808 0000.

Going through all that during lockdown is also hard . The input from friends in normal times helps put distance . I always noticed my mum looked so much better when she had a nice holiday or outing with friends .

Hoping this eases for you,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Nelly1955 over 4 years ago

Hi Mbun, I can relate to how you feel. I got a complete response, no residual cancer no spread. I have been like anxious and crying since treatment. Had a ct scan for hernia. First thought I had something on my spleen, it was fatty tissue, then a week later mri scan on my liver, then went for another mri follow up to my pelvic and rectum. So the wait is on again. So I really understand about being a shadow of yourself and the grief. I’m sending love and hugs xx

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to court

Thank you Court,

I'm pleased your mum is ok and free of cancer.

I'm having counselling with Macmillan. It's just so hard to move forward.

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to Nelly1955

Hi Neil,

I'm so sorry you are having to wait for results. I know how frustrating it is. I really hope your results come back clear from cancer.

It is so hard isn't it, trying to move forward and live life again.

Nelly1955 over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Mbun, it is horrible waiting for results. All this and being in lockdown gets a bit much. Really hope you start feeling better, hopefully in a few weeks things might be a bit more normal and start to have some improvement. In life. Take care xx