Diagnosed with the wrong cancer 20th May

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Welcome to the forum . I really feel for you . You really have had quite a confusing and isolating set of circumstances to navigate. I would have thought they could have at least phoned and spoken to you about that given it will have a different clinical pathway . You could easily email the consultants secretary to ensure it is accurate . 

We have many people here who have gone through treatment for rectal cancer and it can be very successful . It would be normal for this type of cancer to have a staging ct / mri before surgery or treatment starting . 

My mum’s tumour was higher up and had actually spread but she is doing well 11 years later .

I would only imagine it will take a while for this new information to sink in but I am hopeful that we can help you , encourage and reassure you as you move forward with this new bump on your road to wellness . 
Take care ,

Court 

Hi Court,

 Many thanks for your reply it has helped to put my fears at rest a bit.. I'm guessing that I'll have a different consultant now it's a different cancer? But it is good to hear that it can be survivable!!. I don't feel like it has spread as I don't have any aches or pains or lumps for that matter, I don't even feel ill. But who knows?

I'll just have to wait for the results of the scans on the 3rd July....

Thanks again for your help

 Steve

Hi Steve (Saintsfan)

I would also like to say Welcome to the Forum, I can understand how shocked you must have been when  your surgery couldn't go ahead as planned, and that you now have another diagnosis from that originally given.  A cancer diagnosis is so stressful and having to cope with that as well as the Covid-19 crisis must be so hard.

I live in Devon and was treated for Colon Cancer back in 2011.  I don't have any experience that I can share, but I hope that someone will be in touch soon who has had a similar diagnosis.

In the South West we have three main cancer hospitals, RD&E in Exeter, Derriford in Plymouth and The Royal Cornwall in Truro.  All three offer good cancer care and support.  The RD&E and Derriford work closely,  with  certain surgeries being  carried out in either Exeter or Plymouth  and patients seeing their consultants in their local hospital.  This is said to be better practice and offers a better service to the patient and I know that sometimes patients from Cornwall or Somerset are referred to and  treated in both of these hospitals.

You may still be under the same consultant, but if they do refer you to someone else they will do that with your best interests in mind.

All three hospitals have excellent on site support centres, The Cove Macmillan Centre in Truro, The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre in Plymouth and the  Force Centre at Exeter.

If you need clarification of the terminology in your letter, you could contact your Cancer Specialist Nurse or Key Worker.  You should have been given their details on your first hospital appointment with the consultant.  They are there to support you throughout your cancer treatment and to answer any questions you might have regarding that treatment.

Macmillan also have an excellent telephone help and support line. It is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and there is always a friendly voice at the end of the line.  You can speak to someone for support or any cancer related matter, and they also offer advice on any benefits you might be entitled to.

Waiting for scans and tests is always very stressful and it is often easier to deal with once you know exactly what you are facing.

Please keep in touch as it is often easier to put your thoughts down in writing, and remember that there is usually someone on line 24/7 and when I was first diagnosed and had trouble sleeping I was in touch with cancer patients in Australia and New Zealand.

Take care,

VickiLynne 

Dear Steve, 

I am sorry about the diagnosis, but god is there . 
I wish you all the best and hope it will be a good result. 

warm regards, 

Maya