New diagnosis

Hi AlbaH This is often done before the op to ease any bowel issues and prevent any chance of the tumour instructing the bowel. Rectal cancer patients are often given a stoma during surgery to allow the rejoin time to heal. It can usually be reversed after treatment has finished.

The stoma nurse will make sure you’re happy with dealing with the stoma and there’s loads of help and advice on here too

 Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support

Take care

Karen x

I'm in his position and I'm really struggling to control the fear, there's just so many unknowns.

Sounds like you're a few steps ahead of us and making the first steps, when do you get your procedure done?

Hi AlbaH.

Like Dulac said, lots of us have been in the same position.   February of last year I was in the same position as you.  Had the colonoscopy and also MRI and CT scans to confirm I had rectal/bowel cancer.  Like you I was so overwhelmed with it all, and frightened but knew I had to face it.  I think the waiting is the worse, once I met with the Consultant and he gave me the facts and what treatment I would have to go through I felt better.  I had a course of radio/chemotherapy and then in the October an operation.  Now it is just over a year and I feel fine, so please do not think its the end of the world, its not.  The ward I was in had many people who had the same condition and we all lived to tell the tale.  Liken Karen said, bowel cancer is very slow growing, good job, because I left it and left it before I eventually had to go to A&E, but that was so stupid of me, especially as I was a medical secretary for many years and should have known better.  But, try and stay positive, its great your husband is so supportive, it certainly makes a difference...let us know how you get on next week. x

Wow that must have been scary, what made you have to go to A&E? 

Glad to hear you're feeling better twelve months on, really nice to hear

I went to A&E because I was getting pain and bleeding, and it had got worse, but to be honest I had diarrhoea for several months with blood, but thought it would go away..the trouble was when I went to A&E they said you must get an urgent colonoscopy, but you know what the surgeries are like, the receptionist told me there were no appointments for a fortnight, I said I really need a fast track referral, but no, I still had to wait, but once I got the colonoscopy things started to get moving.  It was all pretty scary, but looking back it was not too bad.

That does sound scary, I'm no expert but I imagine most people think they went sooner than they did... glad it has worked out for you so far

Hi AlbaH.

i was diagnosed with rectal cancer 18 months ago, I wasn’t poorly or suffering any of the symptoms that we are all educated in regarding bowel cancers.

The waiting for information is almost unbearable, but once I knew all the facts from my consultant I coped much better.

Please try to refrain from google as a lot of the information can be outdated and very misleading and can make things worse for you. Place your trust in your cancer team, these are the experts and know what is best for you.

After my diagnosis I underwent radiotherapy to shrink the tumour. I then had lower anterior resection surgery to remove the cancer. Yes, it was quite a tough and challenging time, but I have been given the all clear now. I’ll receive ongoing care for the next 5 years which is very reassuring.

i won’t pretend that my journey was easy, far from it at times and it has been very life changing in many ways. However, being diagnosed with cancer isn’t always doom and gloom, there is so much that can be done now. Try and always be positive and strong. You will find that you are stronger than you feel and braver than you think.

wishing you all the very best. 

Hi Kareno62

I had the stoma op 2 days ago so I’m still in hospital for recovery & to learn how to use it properly. The stoma team have been great but it’s still an huge thing to adapt to.  Everyone thinks I’m being really strong but I’ve had a few tears with the nurses.

Once I’m home then I’ve got the oncology appointment. 

Thanks for your support,

AlbaH

Hi Governor, it’s probably the reverse with us, I’m the worrier and my husband is the one who collects all the facts! 

I’m in hospital recovering from the ileostomy… a lot to get my head round but had to be done. I’ve gone from diagnosis at the colonoscopy to this in 2 weeks! Will see the oncologist once I’m home. I’ve had a lot of tears even though I know it all has to be done.One of the nurses had told me to focus on 1 day at a time to ease the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Thinking of you both,

AlbaH

Thanks for your reply Mamma B, you are right about many things and I appreciate your positive approach! 

I hope you continue to have good health.

AlbaH