Diagnosed with rectum cancer

Hi Songy,

Firstly, welcome. I can understand you being so worried right now, but until the results of the scans are known, you won't know for sure what you're looking at. Whilst that might not be the answer you are hoping for, be assured that your MDT will move pretty quickly now that you'd had your scans, and I would like to think that you'll know within the next couple of weeks exactly what you're dealing with. Until then, all you can do is wait. Try not to dwell on it, hard as that will be. I was diagnosed in 2012 with stage 3 - went through the treatment and went back to life pre-surgery pretty much as before, albeit with a permanent stoma and a different attitude to life!

Linda :-)

Hi Linda, 

Thankyou so much for the reply x Just very scared of what lies ahead of me and the unknown trying to find out as much as possible xx

Alison x

Songy,

I had a colonoscopy on March 28 and was told it was cancer, a shock, was expecting polyps although I think my son was more shocked than I when the Dr. told him while I was in recovery. I returned one week later for the pathologist report which confirmed the tumor in the lower rectum. I ask to be referred to Vanderbilt as I live in a smaller town, a Ct scan, blood work and a chest x-ray was scheduled for the next day, other places were clear. I went to Vanderbilt April 10 and have went through tests for four weeks. The Pet Scan was a key for me as my nerves were shot. No other signs of cancer, the next day a second colonoscopy that determined the size at 6cm - the MRI was showing 14 cm. I start chemo Friday (scared beyond words) and radiation on Monday, both will run for five weeks. I then wait eight weeks for surgery (due to the radiation working for eight more weeks after treatments end) and then four months of chemo two times per month after surgery.

I feel I have a great medical team and they feel good about the end result. I totally understand where you are and I will just say hang in there and they will get a plan. I have been reading for six plus weeks and there are wonderful outcomes with the treatment available today. I have come to realize that I will walk on egg shells after this is over (I am going to fight the cancer and side effects from chemo and radiation) as we will always be tested to see if it shows someplace else. I have been following this forum and one other and have read great stories and some that were facing more than I am. Some are ten years out and are doing great.

I have turned this journey over to God and the medical team I have in place. I have no pain and continue to work everyday as it takes my mind off of the journey ahead. Friday is the day that may change a lot but others have survived and I think you have to be strong and have a good attitude.

Stay strong and trust the Drs. to make a plan, I also feel a strong support team is a big part of the process. My employees are there for whatever and keep me going on a daily basis.

I will keep you in my prayers,

Lana

Hi Alison and a warm welcome to the board from me too.

Youve had some great advice so far. Unfortunately the waiting for scans, results, meetings is very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will start to move pretty quickly.

One of my main pieces of advice is do not google! The information is out of date, misleading and downright scary in places. You can ask anything you want on here - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing!

The size of the tumour is not an indication of how serious things may be. After your scan results come back the MDT (multi disciplinary team which consists of an expert in each field) will meet and set up a treatment plan for you. You will then meet with them and they may give you an initial staging from the scans - the final staging will be determined after surgery when the tumour and surrounding nodes are sent off for testing.

Bowel Cancer is very treatable nowadays and we’re all here to help you through it so please keep posting and let us know how you’re doing.

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen, 

Thankyou so much for replying. The info you have given sounds positive just waiting now x 

Takecare 

Alison x