anal cancer

cinderthistle

I just found out that I have cancer in my rectum. Last week, coloscopy; next week, CAT scan & surgeon meeting. I don't have family; my husband died in 2013; friends don't know much about cancer & neither do I. I'm afraid and anxious, trying not to get depressed. I'm looking for conversation to help me thru this process.

mak1970

I am so sorry you are going through this.

Please know that there are a lot of resources available. Your #1 resource is yourself so you will have to be strong even when you don’t want to or can’t. Most important is to find the resources available to you. The American Cancer Society is wonderful, you can also reach out to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. They have a Buddy program so you will be connected with someone who has gone through it and you can talk to them on the phone (if you prefer). Make sure you find out if your insurance has a Nurse Navigator or other programs and talk with your Oncologist’s Social Worker and Nutritionist. Ask lots of questions if you do not understand anything (which is easy to say, but most of the time I did not know what I was supposed to ask).

Be sure you trust your doctors 100% and if you do not, get a second opinion.

cinderthistle

Hello—-I was happy to get your response. Just reading it helped. I went to both the Colorectal Cancer Alliance & American Cancer Society & signed up. Also messaged my primary physician to ask if she's aware of support groups. I'm a veteran & was hoping she could connect me with other veterans with cancer in the VA Hospital where I received my diagnosis.

Your comment about being strong—-I can use it. Especially in the mornings, I feel drained & weak. My strength slowly returns over the day as I do some activity and eat. (I've become anemic & understand that's the way it works.)

I certainly wish you the best.