Rectal cancer

Hi, , sorry you have to join us. Sounds like you've had the tests and got a plan. Can't help with the job/finances but others will be along who can. Look at my profile, and if you've any questions re the way forward please ask. This is very curable and treatable, but yes it plays with your brain. You are in the right place, no question too silly!  (((Hugs)))

Hi Helen and a warm welcome to the board from me. Yes it messes with your head but please focus on there being no spread and that Bowel Cancer is very treatable nowadays. Stay away from google - it is scary and out of date. As @Gemmary says you can ask anything you like on here - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing. If you need a stoma then so be it but we’ll cross that bridge if and when we get to it - I’m saying ‘we’ because everyone on the board will be happy to help and support you through this. 

I’ve attached a link to a page about finances but I’m sure if you give the nurses a ring on

0808 808 00 00

then they will be able to help you

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support

And lastly size does not matter! What may sound to be a large tumour does not mean it is more serious!

Take care

Karen x

Thank you huni xx

Hi, 

Re PIP both my late husband and I had terrible trouble applying for PIP. he had his turned down initially because his inoperable cancer had lasted more than three years and despite a new  DS1500 (I think that is what it is) from his consultant they turned it down. MacMillan advisers linked to CAB helped with our applications and they are marvellous and helpful. Sadly, he only go it back in September, and died in November, but without their help we would probably not have had a chance.

Good luck with your treatment and stay positive even though it is hard. I'm about to go for my first visit to the hospital on my own and it is good to feel that the support is there. 

Hi Helen, sorry you are going through this, I just tried to post something on the site about being diognoised and treated during Covid, but it does not seem to come up. Have they told you it is curative? I don’t as much as the others on this site. I do know that it messes with your head and the waiting is the worst.  Sending love & hugs to youx

hi hun when I spoke to MDT they said they are going to do a resection hopefully their is enough of the rectum to stitch back together they are going to give me a temporary stoma so the bowel rests but if their isn’t enough to sew back together then it will be a permanent stoma I’m shielding now and have had my covid jab 

just the waiting around now hopefully it will be soon and not the 6/12 wks we got told xx

At least you know the plan now, so can relax a little. Fingers crossed they can reattach the rectum. Don't be alarmed if they mark you for the stoma before the op, this is standard practice and you get some say in where it will be. All the very best.

Hi Gizmoo000

We are in an identical position. I got diagnosed last month, with a low rectal tumour. I had MRI and CT scans which thankfully showed no spread. After a meeting with my consultant I’m also on the waiting list for LAR surgery. I have my covid vaccine tomorrow. It’s just waiting now for a call for the surgery xx

Hi Helen, 

My situation is very similar to yours - the only symptom I had was very small amounts of blood in stool and, following colonoscopy late Dec, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on 5th January. Mine is very low down too and thankfully it hasn’t spread anywhere. 

I am starting 5.5 weeks of chemo/radiotherapy on Monday. Good luck with your procedure, so hope it’s done soon for you. Please keep us posted. 

Xx

Hi hun ye will do and good luck with yoursxxx