Hi new to the group, diagnosed with rectal cancer 2 weeks ago.

Hi Chelmarsh and a warm welcome to the board from me. These first few weeks waiting for scan results, meetings etc. are very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better. Once the scans are back then the Multi Disciplinary Team (which consists of specialists from all the different fields like radiotherapy, chemo, surgery etc.) will meet and decided on a treatment for you. 
Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable nowadays especially if caught early. I had an MRI on my liver as the CT scan had shown something up but it turned out to be a harmless cyst called a haemangioma which are very common and most people go through life not realising that they had one.

I shall give you my usual advice which is to stay away from google - it can be misleading and scary - stay on here and ask anything you like. I’ve attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first appointment and will give you an idea of what treatment might lie ahead.

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourPathway_BowelCancerUK.pdf

I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer 5 years ago. If you click on my name then you can see the treatment that I had. I became friends with another 2 ladies on the board who were at the same stage and we are all still cancer free.

There will be tough times ahead both mentally and physically but it is doable and everyone on the board will be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen thank you so much for your response, just feel so alone at the moment despite a wonderful husband and close family. Your message has really made a difference, hopefully my treatment pathway will soon be established and I will be able to put all my energy into fighting. . 

You’re welcome Chelmarsh. I didn’t know anyone else who’d had bowel cancer when I was diagnosed and that’s why boards like this are such a support. You can get through this - just 1 step at a time, 1 treatment at a time and post here whenever you need to x

Thank you just  knowing  there  are  people  in reach who know how I'm feeling  is a massive  support.  I have read your profile,  you have gone through  so much but I am hopeful  if my journey  is like yours  I will be as strong as  you are.x

Hi Chelmarsh,

A warm welcome to the board from me too, but so sorry you find yourself here.

I can’t really add anything to what Kareno62 has said other than seconding it. I think we’d all agree that the first few weeks after diagnoses but before you have a treatment plan is place is horrible, stressful lonely time and your mind runs away thinking all sorts of things. It’s difficult to try and keep yourself in the present but you’ll feel much better once you know what the plan is – honestly.

Ask anything you want, there’s lots of people on here at different stages of their journey and we’re all willing to help you through this.

Best Wishes
Net77xx

Thank you for the response and support so good to know there are others out there who have been through the same experience and journey. Already I feel that I'm not so alone which is a massive help.. Really need to hear my prognosis and treatment plan but at the same time so scared as it seems such a difficult journey. I have so much to live for so intend to fight all the way but though I want to know my results  I am scared of what the journey will bring not just for me but for my family too. . If you have any advice on how to manage this it would be appreciated. 

Hello again Chelmarsh,

It’s difficult isn’t it. All I can say is try and stay in the present and not think about the future until you know the results and treatment plan (no news is good news) – I know it’s so much easier to say than do.
Bowel cancer tends to be slow growing and there are many different treatments out there. There’s likely to be some tough times ahead but it’s doable and with your positive attitude, your family behind you and the help of people on here you will manage. Take one step at a time.

Sending you a big hug
Net77

Dear Chelmarsh,

I had symptoms over Christmas 2020 just before my 60th birthday and had a rectal polyp which was attached to the rectal wall.

After a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy they said I needed surgery, MRI and CT. I wasn't formally told I had cancer until after the scans and before the surgery.

Due to Covid I went on my own for everything but for my consultation after my scans they requested I bring someone with me. I knew right then I must have cancer.

Since then I have had surgery and chemo.

It is hard to come to terms with it, I have imposter syndrome where I don't really believe it's happening to me.

There is so much help and support on this site. The waiting is hard. You just have to stay positive

During this waiting time try and get as fit and healthy as possible to help you cope with your treatment. Vitamin D is really useful and large doses !!

Get your flu, covid and pneumonia vaccines if possible.

Best wishes, Carog

Thank you for your support and advice 

Many thanks Carog

So sorry to hear you had to go for your tests alone, I was at least able to have my husband with me even if sometimes he had to wait in the car.. I am struggling to accept it like you and when it comes back to me it is all consuming so I am struggling emotionally at the moment. 

I am hoping  it may be easier when I have had my consultant appt and at least have a treatment plan but again I don't know what to expect. I'm just so glad I have a fantastic family and  the support of this community now. Thanks again to all for your comments and advice.