Stage 4 Rectal Cancer.

Hi 

Big welcome to the forum . Very early days for you finding your feet after a difficult diagnosis. 

I am going to link in a booklet that lets you know the various options the oncologist has at their disposal. Although a very difficult situation it is not without hope . If you click on my user name you will see my mum has had cancer in three different locations .

Do you know yet what your treatment plan is going to be . Immunotherapy has only been used in the U.K. over covid so other avenues are opening up outside chemotherapy dependent on your cell type . When it comes to a spread how you respond to chemotherapy matters and it is very individual. If you look at Macc they have just had chemotherapy with a great outcome . Whilst it brings a lot of uncertainty there is a subgroup of patients that continue to do well despite the prognosis. 

Macmillan has also teamed up with Bupa to offer six free counselling sessions if that is ever something to want to consider . The helpline can give you more information and also cover emotional , financial advice or help understand some of the medical aspects . 0808 808 0000. 

There are people on the boards who are using chemo to gain stability over five and six years . The oncologist are always rescanning and taking peoples cases to MDT meeting to see if other options or approaches can be added in . Sometimes it does not feel like that but they are in the background.

I will post this and add the information.

Take care ,

Court 

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

cdn.macmillan.org.uk/.../physical-activity

You also might like to read this booklet on the benefits of exercise during treatment . My own mum is taking part in a long term survival research study . I notice the  research looks at the role of boosting Cancer fighting T cells . Music therapy , exercise etc seem to come up .

A long and overwhelming reply from me but it’s hard to condense . It’s frequently said a stage 4 diagnosis is a Marathon not a sprint . Getting the balances right , communicating well with your team , staying hydrated through treatment was one of the more challenging aspects my mum confronted .

We are here for you . 
Court 

Hi Mark, firstly we’ll done for reaching out.  Found so much solace from this group and I am in a very similar boat to you.  Just back from the first round of chemo and it’s so scary but I finally have a plan (within 6 weeks of going to the doctor) and I’m attacking it with every bone in my body.  Keep posting, keep asking for support and most of all, look after yourself.  Sleep when you can, and understand how powerful anxiety is on the body.  Take every day as it comes.  Together we will get through this.  Lou x