Diagnosed Rectal Cancer 9th October

Hi lank,

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

The first few weeks after diagnoses but before you have a treatment plan is place is a horrible, stressful, scary time. 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.

Please keep us updated and 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. If you click on the icon next to a person’s name you can read their story.

Best Wishes for Tuesday
Net77xx

Thank you for your kind words Net77xx. 

Hi @lank and a warm welcome from me too. As Net77 says this waiting for results and staging is very stressful but once you have a plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better.

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable and there are lots of success stories on here so please carry on looking forward to your retirement. The next few months will be tough both mentally and physically but they are doable. You’ll find out more on Tuesday about what your treatment will be the take a deep breath and take it one stage at a time. Everyone on here will be happy to share advice and experience and we will help and support you through this. If you click on people’s names then their profile page may show their treatment so far.

Personally I am hopefully going to get the 5 years all clear at the end of November as will the 2 ladies that I went through my treatment with - it’s tough at times but it can be done

Take care and let us know how you get on on tuesday

Karen x

Thank you so much Karen, and a massive well done with your progress so far!. I've read the rollercoaster you have been through and it's so encouraging seeing your positive progress. I think a day at a time is the only way to negotiate this nightmare, and googling isn't good! X

No! googling can be scary! I’ve attached a booklet below that I was given at my first appointment - it gives you a heads up with some of the terminology and also has page with questions that you might want to ask? x

bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/.../YourPathway_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Wow that is such a helpful guide and is just what I need before my appointment tomorrow. Thankyou so much x

Hi Iank.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in June 2019 when I was 63. Am pleased to say after my treatment my last scans have been  clear and I am now back enjoying life again. I am sure you are feeling very apprehensive now but hopefully stories like mine will give you encouragement. Good luck with it all

Sean

Thanks for encouraging words Sean and a massive well done to you with your progress. Much appreciate your message and good luck wishes 

Hi lank I agree once you have a plan honestly like Net77 said you will feel loads better x

Hi Iank,

im new here too and dealing with a recent bowel cancer diagnosis. Like you I’m waiting for for staging and a treatment plan. 

just wanted you to know you’re not on your own. 

m