Rectal Cancer

FormerMember over 4 years ago

1 reply
116 subscribers
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I have recently been diagnosed with rectal cancer, after a change in bowel habits during lockdown last year. After a colonoscopy a polyp was found in the rectum, which was removed during day surgery in January, had an infection afterwards that was really serious and spent 4 weeks in hospital with several setbacks. The results of the polyp showed cancer, although small and caught early. I have put it all to the back of my mind until an appt with oncologist. The plan is radiotherapy and then an operation. I have had the planning scan and start radiotherapy on 2nd June for a week, then an 8 week wait. I am overwhelmed with it all at the moment and finding it hard to comprehend that I have cancer. I live on my own, although have some friends that are there for me and help me so much. I am really bothered about the effects of the radiotherapy and being on my own. I have family but they all live further afield and have their own lives. It’s all scary stuff and although I am positive I am still scared.

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Hello,

I had bowel/rectal cancer and had lots of treatment including surgery, chemo and 5 weeks of radiotherapy. I had very little side effects from the radiotherapy except for the last week. What can happen is that the treatment sends a false signal to your brain making you go to the toilet which can be a challenge. I would hope that with just one week of radiotherapy you won't have that problem. They will likely give you some loperamide in the event that your bowels will become very loose, nothing to do with diet or anything else, purely the false signal. If it does become an issue be sure to speak to your cancer nurse specialist.

Good to hear that you have a network of friends that can support you through treatment.

Hopefully they've caught it early and all will be well.

Hope that's helpful

Martin