Hello my name is Mandy and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on Monday. I had noticed before Christmas that I was constipated then after Christmas that went to loose mucus with traces of blood so went to the doctors who sent me for a colonoscopy. I am absolutely terrified of what is to come and am scared they will tell me it has spread etc, every pain I feel in my body I think is because the cancer has spread!!!! I am trying to be positive but have moments where I feel like I can’t breath for the fear I’m feeling. Any advice on how to cope please would be so appreciated.
Hi Mandy
Im sorry that you find yourself here however it’s a really supportive place to be where you can ask any questions and have advice from lots of us that are a little bit further along the journey
It sounds as if you have acted quickly and have a speedy diagnosis, once your team have decided on your treatment plan you will feel much better about it all. Bowel cancer is very treatable
Feeling anxiety is normal I thought I had cancer everywhere, every pain or twinge that was cancer. It’s horrendous and I needed to calm down. So I download mindfulness type apps that gave my mind a break, I treated myself to things I enjoyed and was able to eat. I banned all stressful TV watching romcoms that my husband didn’t enjoy Listened to music, if you’re working that helps I was retired so I had a lot of thinking time
if you click on peoples names you can read their bios
Sending you a hug
Ann
Of course you can talk you can say anything here. It’s a safe place.
You’re at the worst stage honestly once you have the plan you can focus on getting ready to get that cancer in the bin.
I was all over the place too my mind was in melt down
I didn’t join this group before op I needed support after but I wish I had. There’s lots here that understand and have felt being here for me has saved my family helping quite as much. They were frightened as well so here I could ask anything and there’s always been someone that’s been through it.
I found it’s really helped me.
I found at night the worst that’s when all the worries came to the front. That’s when I practised my sleep hypnosis apps. I also had an over counter sleeping aid. Sometimes I’d just get up it seemed easier but I wasn’t working
Are you working?
Ann
You’re sounding brighter. Works a great place to be I hope you’re colleagues are supportive. You will find people don’t know what to say. That’s what I’ve found anyway.
if you click on my name you can read my back story.
In brief, I thought I had piles for more than ten years dr treated me for it.
August 4th Lower anterior resection and the cancer in the bin. Yippee
I have Ileostomy ( I didn’t know it existed before) anyway her names Whoopi she may be reversed I have to wait for one final check however I’m doing brilliantly. I travel, eat out and I’ve lost the bloating and discomfort I had.
You take care and be kind to yourself, I hope that you have a good day back at work
Ann
