Hi, i have been diagnosed with rectal cancer. I am scared. I have met 2 surgeons and i am now waiting to meet another who is goin to do my surgery. I am waiting for pre op before surgery. I feel very guilty for bringing this into my family hime.
Hi
Welcome to the forum . I am a carer so can’t answer directly your questions but others have been through the surgery and will hopefully be along soon to put your mind at rest .
My mum’s tumour was right side ascending so a different surgical procedure and recovery . However she has had very few issues and most people return to a very full life .
The pre op is pretty straightforward and let’s you get a bit more familiar with the events of the day with regards to surgery . It can be very reassuring.
I think there is a wide range of emotions associated with a diagnosis and I can only reassure you that all I ever wanted for my mum was to successfully get through treatment and only thought of the best way to support her throughout . Unfortunately we can’t prevent pain like this entering our lives or homes but we can love each other in spite of it .
Ask anything you like here . I will tag others in if they are not along shortly to give you more insight Into the operation and recovery .
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Hi Rowan,
Welcome to the group. I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and can understand you being scared. This must all seem so surreal for you, but you are being looked after by a fabulous team who are going to get you through this. Please don't feel guilty - this is not your fault. Cancer knows no boundaries. If you have any questions please ask.. there's loads of folks hear who have gone through what you are going through. And if you just want to rant, then just do it! I had my diagnosis in 2012, and was Stage 3, so I hope you can take some hope from that.
Take care,
Linda :-)
Hi, , I was diagnosed with rectal cancer Feb last year, and the month between diagnosis and the operation was totally surreal. But the operation was a success, and because there was vascular invasion I went on to have chemo. But the colonoscopy in Feb this year was clear! So yes it is scary, but very treatable. Please ask any questions you might have, if I can't answer someone is sure to. Take a deep breath, and look after yourself. (((Hugs)))
Hello again, im only now able to reply as i have now a date for surgery 3rd november. I am very nervous as i have been waiting since september. I am worried about pain after surgery. Im usually the one giving family and friends support so i hope i can cope.
Thankyou for your support and replying so quickly. It really does help to talk to others who have had same diagnosis.
, you will probably get a spinal , as well as the general, for pain relief for after. It works! Or did for me. Hopefully you will get a laparoscopy rather than open, and the pain will be less and recovery quicker. Very good luck on the 3rd.
Hi Rowan
I’m glad to hear that you have a date for your surgery and it’s not too long to wait, but, waiting is such a stressful time.
I had a tumour in my colon but when I came back from theatre I was hooked up to a morphine pump that I was able to press when I was experiencing pain. I also had an epidural and this was in place for about three days, throughout the day I was offered oral pain relief and was offered an injection at night if I needed it.
They do their best to keep you as pain free as possible, but always let them know if or when you are in pain.
I really hope that your surgery goes well.
Take care,
VickiLynne
Hi Rowan, I had surgery last May...a Left hemicolectomy, to remove a tumour in my descending bowel. I had just a month to wait from diagnosis to surgery, & thought I was in a surreal place all that time. Yes, it's all very scary....& obviously, we all worry about possible pain following the procedure. But everything will be in place to control any pain - when you wake from the anaesthetic.In my case, I had fluids & Fentanyl drips for two days.All I experienced was a soreness when walking the following day, but not bad enough to stop me walking. I was on paracetamol only by the third day. I was in hospital for 4 days & didn't need any painkillers after leaving. Don't be afraid.....the hospital staff will never allow you to be in pain.
Very best wishes to you.
Marianne
Hi . I totally understand your feelings of fear and guilt. It crushed me to see my husband and daughter’s fear. I also have been diagnosed with cancer of the rectum. Wishing you lol the best for 4th. My surgery is 11th. It is very scary but take consolation from the support offered here. It’s been invaluable to me. Take care. X
, best wishes for the 11th, hope all goes to plan.
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