Hello

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Hi I’ve just finished 5 1/2 weeks at beatson cancer hospital.Radio therapy and chemo tablets for stage 3 collerectal cancer (squamous cell)Been home 3 weeks to recover and gain strength back.Have lost 21/2 stone.I am awaiting follow up phone consultation and then in 6-8 weeks follow up scan to see results of treatment and possibly need surgery if not all gone.Feel in limbo and awaiting this.How does everyone coupe with day to day life whilst awaiting this.I have signed up for counselling through cancer support but just feel overwhelmed and a bit lost thanks 

  • Hi Vii and well done on finishing the chemoradiotherapy. It sounds like you’ve lost a lot of weight but hopefully you’ll regain some as you recover from the treatment.
    Yes the wait between finishing this stage and the scan is a strange time. I actually went to Cyprus for a week which was a nice relaxing break and then I tried to keep busy by working part-time in an office and getting out and about walking in the fresh air. The whole cancer journey can be overwhelming but try to break it into stages - you’ve just completed stage 1 and this next stage is to build your strength back up (and hopefully put some weight back on) before the op. Some people do have a complete response to chemoradiotherapy but try to view that as a bonus and don’t be disappointed if not. 
    I think there is a Maggies support centre at the Beatson so you could maybe pop in there for a chat?

    Take care

    Karen x

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • Thank you Karen for your reply.Taking it day to day and eating is getting better as taste is starting to come back.I have been short walks also to try get my strength but I will contact Maggie’s centre also. I’m hoping the counselling will help me with this slight anxiety.xx