New to this colo-rectal cancer

I'm sorry you have found yourself in need of a support site because of a cancer diagnosis.  You, like many of us have, are going into the unknown.  It can be scary, indeed.  Just so we are on the same page, is your diagnosis one of anal cancer?  In this group, we are all anal cancer survivors or people who are currently in treatment for anal cancer, which is not the same as colorectal cancer.  I just want to make sure you understand that clearly.  If you have cancer of the colon or rectum, you might find more helpful information in the colon cancer group.  That said, you are welcome here.  The members in this group have lots of knowledge about anal cancer, treatment, side effects, etc.  Let us know how we can help you.  I wish you all the very best.

JHH said:

mp327

I'm in really good health, a runner.  And so this has really taken me by surprise, no one is exempt and had I been more diligent to my 'preventative health care', I might not be where I'm at right now.  I've spent a day or so, bawling my eyes out, but essentially, taking it day by day. Hoping that since it's in an early stage, the prognosis will be a good one.  The surgery and after-surgery sounds scary. So...all that being said, am I in the right forum?

Thanks for letting us know your specific type of cancer.  As has been explained, rectal and anal are two different types of cancer cells.  The people in this group have lots of knowledge about squamous cell anal cancer, but perhaps not so much about adenocarcinoma of the rectum.  However, as I stated above, you are still welcome in this group.  I would suggest also getting into the colorectal group, as you may get a lot more helpful information there. 

I am a runner too and was back in 2008 when I received my diagnosis of anal cancer.  I felt like I was in the best shape of my life and was really blindsided to find out I had cancer.  When I was diagnosed, I continued with my exercise, knowing that being strong and fit would benefit me.  While I had a rough time at the end of my treatment and had to quit running and even walking on my treadmill, I did exercise during the first few weeks of my treatment.  After my treatment ended, I was back on my treadmill 10 days later, albeit at a slow walk.  I kept increasing my speed and time, and soon I was back to running.  It took awhile to get back to where I was pre-cancer, but I did it.  In 2008, I had cancer, and in 2012, I ran a full marathon.  I have run lots of other shorter races as well since having had cancer.  I tell you all of this because I want you to know that cancer doesn't have to mean the end of something you enjoy.  You will be sidelined for awhile, that is a given.  However, you can get back to a previous level of fitness, so do not tell yourself that you can't.  I am 63 years old now and still run, however, only on my treadmill and only while holding on to the handrails.  I now have osteoporosis in my hips and spine and do not want to suffer a fracture, should I fall.  I run 4 miles 3-4 times a week.  I feel that my osteoporosis is due to two things:  1)  I have a very small frame; 2) I had radiation to my pelvic region, which can cause great damage to bones.  It is what it is and I have made the needed compromise to continue running and stay in good shape.  Anything and everything is possible with a few adjustments!

Just keep telling yourself that you are strong and that you will get through this because you will!