Tomorrows the day I’m so scared

Hi Jackban and a warm welcome to the board. Once you’ve been to the meeting then you’ll come away with a plan of action and an idea of what treatment lies ahead. Rectal tumours are often treated with chemo radiotherapy initially which can be very successful at shrinking the tumour.
I was told at my meeting that they were treating me with ‘a view to cure’ so that was something reassuring that I could tell my family and friends. This was back in 2016 and I’m still ‘no evidence of disease’ as are many people who have been through treatment and are now getting on with their lives. 

The treatment can be tough but it’s doable so break it into stages and try not to get too far ahead of yourself. Stay away from google - it can be scary and out of date - stay on here and the bowel cancer uk board and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this.

Take care and let us know how the meeting goes?

Karen x

Thank you so much x 

Hi Jackban. Sorry to hear you're going through this - it's a lot and it makes sense that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm about to start radiotherapy for my rectal cancer, having had a stoma put in place ahead of time. I've tried to take it one step at a time - scans, meetings, stoma, radiotherapy - breaking it down into steps makes it easier for me to deal with rather than staring at the big picture. Chemo and surgery will be coming but that's for another day :)  Hopefully you have friends and family near that you can talk to?  I was nervous about telling my son too, but he took it well and wants to be involved as much as possible. We told him in the earlier stages so that it wasn't too much of shock when it turned into a lengthy treatment plan.    People on here are wonderful and full of help and advice - even if you simply need somewhere to voice your worries.

 Jackban 

This is the booklet that I was given at my first meeting which may help?

https://bcuk.adidocdn.dev/Publications/Bowel_Cancer_UK_Your_Pathway_V10.1.pdf

Thank you I think it’s just so hard with him so far.  I have a lovely partner and friends . Thank you, good luck with your treatment x 

Hi Jackban

Sorry to hear what you going through. My direct family are in OZ & SA...it was tricky telling them, and knowing what to tell them when. I didn't want to worry them unduly so would wait until final decisions were made...ie surgery date set etc. My very wise GP however said to me one day - you don't have to protect them, they are stronger than you think. Wise words. That has changed the way I interact. 

On the stoma, my issue was I previous surgery scaring they had to avoid - but seemed they were pretty unphased about it. They just told me not to gain weight. Every situation is different, your surgeon will be able to answer all your 'belly questions' - keep asking him questions until you happy. 

WIshing you all the best. 

Thanks so much. It’s comforting to have people who are in similar positions x  

Hi thought I would update you . I have my op on 16th. LAR scared out of my skin to be honest first surgery . My anxiety is through the roof !! 

Hope things go well stay positive I know it's hard but I am sure you will get the best care x

Hi Jackban, oh I know, thought of surgery can be scary! Try think of the good bit - you've got your date, and in a bit the cancer will be out of you and you can recover and get back to life - maybe a little visit to your son this year ;-) 

If its at all helpful - I've had 7 colon cancer surgeries, all of them abdominal except one minor one on my lung. My last surgery was 20hours long (yip - they started at 8am and ended 4am the next day), was super complicated because of previous surgeries. But...I was absolutely fine. Was taking my dripstand for regular walks after a few days. The surgeons are really amazing. And my pain has always been managed very well - can really say I've never been in pain. The stoma nurses are also lovely and are there to help and make sure you ok with everything. I know it sounds daft - but after my first surgery, I'm remakably chilled going in to hospital, I see the first timers waiting in reception with me and just want to give them a hug and say you'll be fine! 

PS I find a good distraction is planning all the good stuff I'm going to do when I'm better. I've literally booked a walking holiday from my hospital bed. LOL All the best & give us an update when you home. x