Rectal Tumour

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board from me. This first few weeks waiting for scans, results, meetings etc. is very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will feel a little better. 
My first piece of advice is always to stay away from google - it is out of date and downright scary in places. There are lots of people on here at various stages of treatment so you can read previous posts or click on their user name to see a summary on their profile page.

A) Hopefully your scans will be done quickly although times probably vary between hospitals. I was diagnosed in 2016 and every scan, meeting etc. was done within 2 weeks of the last one if that makes sense?

B) Stomas are quite often done for rectal Cancer to give the bowel a rest and time to heal. My tumour was 9cm in and I had a temporary Ileostomy which was later reversed. After your scans your surgeon may be able to give you a better idea. If you need to have one to ensure the complete and successful removal of the tumour then needs must - it’s doable and a small price to pay but cross that bridge if and when you get to it.

C) You cannot be sacked for having cancer or needing time off for treatment - it is covered under the Disability Act. I’ve attached a link to the Macmillan page about cancer and employment and the number for the Macmillan Team is also on there so please ring them for a chat if you’re worried?

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

It does come as a shock but bowel cancer is very treatable nowadays and everyone on here will be happy to help and support you through it. Please keep posting and let us know how you’re getting on and ask anything you like - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing

Take care

Karen x

Thanx Karen much appreciated