Just been diagnosed with rectal cancer

Hi Kizzy, welcome to the group, yup one non of us expected to join it. 

You are at that moment we all get to where our head has been spun round and round but once you have spoken with the oncologist and an action plan is in place you will find that the spinning stops and you can work through the plan.

At this point ask as many questions of every professional you get time with no matter how insignificant you may think it is ask.

I hope all goes well for you good luck

Peter 

Thank you

Kizzy 

As Peter wisely says ask as many questions from every professional you get time with. I write my questions down before a consultation, and I take notes during the consultation. It can be overwhelming - I find it very helpful to take someone with me too - so we have two sets of ears & two brains.  All the best. x

Hi Kizzy7522cf and a warm welcome to the board from me too. Yes the first few weeks are a whirlwind of tests and scans but it sounds like you have a treatment plan in place now and hopefully things will start to feel a bit better?

I was diagnosed back in 2016 with rectal cancer with suspected nodes affected. The chemo radiotherapy shrank my tumour from 4cm to 1cm and they were able to get it away cleanly with the surgery. There maybe chemo involved at a later date if there is still a node affected but we’ll cross that bridge with you if we get to it.

I am still ‘no evidence of disease’ as are the 2 ladies that I became friends with during my treatment and many others on this board too. It will be tough at times but it’s doable and we’re here to help and support you through it.

Feel free to ask any questions and I’ve attached a link to a post we did a while ago about radiotherapy

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/227598/radiotherapy-care-top-tips

Take care

Karen x

Hi Kizzy, welcome to the club none of us wanted to join. In answer to your question- does the treatment start soon? No easy answer as each patient and trust waiting lists are different. Personally, I was diagnosed following endoscopy on 22 May, followed by the plethora of scans didn’t start Long course chemo radiotherapy until 23 July. Hope this helps best of luck on your journey. 

Thank you. Xx

Thank you xx

Thank you xx

Thank you xx

Hi Kizzy, I only joined a few days ago, ahead of radiotherapy & chemotherapy for rectal cancer. Everyone on here is lovely and so full of helpful advice.  Re how soon treatment starts - I was having scans in September, had my stoma put in at the end of October and am now waiting for first consultation with Christie to - I hope - set dates to the plan they've outlined to me via the colonrectal cancer team. It all seems to take so long when you just want them to get on and treat it! It certainly does make your head spin, and gives some sleepless nights - but it sounds like your team have it hand.