Hi, I have never done this sort of thing before as in talked about what has happened to me and my family, but to cut a long story short, nearly 5 years ago I lost my Husband to cancer of the stomach which apparently had started in the colon unbeknown to any of us. He was 59 and had no symptoms apart from an ache in his side which they suspected appendicitis, only to be scanned and told he had terminal cancer, 5 months later we lost him. As a family we went into shock and me being mum pulled my family as well as a brand new first baby granddaughter through our darkest days. We have had our ups and downs and have continued on with life, working, existing and being there for each other. It has been hard but we have survived. Then 6 weeks ago after a brave visit to my GP, with symptoms of bleeding stools, I was diagnosed with rectum cancer and have also been through all the colonoscopy’s, mri, ct etc etc scans and have finally had my consultation with the surgeon this week only to be told it is a major op to remove the whole of the rectum and have a stoma bag fitted for life.
I just don’t know what to do with myself, I’m scared, I have been told it’s a 6 hour op, with a 10 day hospital stay and 4-6 week recovery.
Any kind words or encouragement I would be so grateful.
Hi. Thought I would give an update on my journey. Had ELAP surgery 16th April, oh my gosh was I frightened on that trip to theatre, but was so looked after by the team at RCH Treliske in Cornwall. What a team. Surgery successful, everything removed and stoma bag in place, woke up (thank god) and making a very slow recovery, nobody prepares you for the pain in your bottom, but with a lot of patience and support from family friends etc . I am finally seeing the light. It took 4 weeks for histology to come back and it was good news. Everything was removed . No cancer spread . So for me just a long road of recovery . My advice after being in this hell since diagnosis (February) is one step at a time and keep asking on this forum for advice and support. My cancer journey has taught me to follow your instincts with your body and go get checked.
Don’t think my Husband was quite ready for me to join him just yet. 
Hi Jessamie1
that’s wonderful news. How great to read good news first thing today!
Sending you lots of hugs … yes totally agree with “one day at a time” - hard to remember sometimes but I try to keep reminding myself. And on here there’s such good feeling between us all. x All the best to you x 
