Hellooo

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Hi. I am a 45 yr old lady who has just been diagnosed with a stage 3 rectal cancer with lymph nodes visible. The MDT team meet tomorrow to discuss my case and I am going to see the surgeon, also a close colleague of mine in the afternoon to discuss my treatment plan. I am both terrified of tomorrow but also can’t wait to have the day behind me and a plan of action in place. My symptoms seem to have worsened 10 fold in the two weeks since the tumour was discovered and my mind is racing all over the place that it is busy spreading throughout me whilst I sit and wait. I have no idea how quickly treatment can start after the MDT? I feel so upset today on being out and about and seeing people that I run and cycle weekly, am not overweight, do not smoke and drink in moderation and yet it’s happened to me, I feel so let down by my body:( it feels like a new kind of lockdown is about to start and I’m not prepared for it. I’m usually a very happy, positive person, and I’m sorry my first post makes me sound like a real sour puss.

Net77 over 4 years ago

Hi Bali baby.

A warm welcome to the forum, I’ve joined recently the people on here are wonderful.

You’re not being a sour puss at all, it’s a huge shock to the system when you’re first diagnosed and I completely understand your feelings when you are fit and have a healthy lifestyle – life can seem so unfair sometimes. However, bowel cancer is so treatable these days. The waiting part is the hardest and it’s only normal for your mind to be all over the place, I know mine was. I’m sure you’ll feel happier once you’ve got tomorrow over with and a plan in place. You’ll probably be bombarded with information tomorrow so if you can and are allowed to, it might help to take someone with you to take notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Regarding how quickly treatment will start may depend on the Health Authority and/or what your treatment plan is; other people on here will probably be able to advise better. But to give you an idea of my treatment: I was diagnosed on 22nd December 2020 with stage 3 rectal cancer with suspected spread to 1 lymph node. I had my operation on 5/1/21 (low anterior resection with defunctioning ileostomy). I started chemotherapy at the beginning of March. I understand they like to start chemotherapy within 8 weeks of the operation.

Very best wishes for tomorrow and do let us know how you get on.

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Hi i don’t know the answer to your question but sending positive thoughts and hugs for tomorrow - keep strong..... my mom was diagnosed with other stage 4, one week ago and we have too been all over the place with our emotions, she has kept herself fit doesn’t drink doesn’t smoke and really careful about what she eats ...... sending you positive thoughts for tomorrow x

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Hi Bali baby

Welcome to the forum. I was also shocked with my stage 2 diagnosis in December 2020, on Xmas Eve. I have 2 young sons and it was really hard keeping smiling and positive, whilst my mind was in a bit of turmoil and full of 'what if's'. The best thing I found to do was to try to remain positive, even though it is ofcourse, easier said than done. I had my anterior resection operation on 11th Jan and started oral chemo beginning March. My recovery is going fine and the entire process has indeed changed my life outlook, in a positive way.

Hoping your meeting goes okay, remember to ask as many questions as you can. Take care and all the best to you. Keep us posted on your progress.