new member

Aud
Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I am a new member here. diagnosed with rectal cancer about 2 months ago. I've been through the range of emotions, went through a lovely state of denial (which didn't prevent me of taking care of business, though), and am currently feeling low again. I am currently sick with the flu (or something like it), and am due to start radiation/chemo on Monday, November 2.
I've read quite a few comments here, and recently decided to join.
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Comments

  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    #2
    Welcome aboard. Let us know
    Welcome aboard. Let us know how it's going, okay? I had rectal cancer, too.

    --Greg
  • Kathryn_in_MN
    Kathryn_in_MN Member Posts: 1,252 Member
    #3
    Welcome. Sorry you need to
    Welcome. Sorry you need to join us, but you've found a great place for information and support.
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #4
    hello and welcome
    Hello Aud,

    (I knew someone with that name a few years back- you aren't possibly a retired teacher from Vista School district, are you?)

    Anyhow, I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to this board. People are very supportive here, as well as they share a wealth of information. It's been very helpful to me to hear about other people's experiences, what their doctors say about certain treatments, etc. Differernt oncologists and surgeons often have differing opinions, so it's nice to hear them here and be able to try to weigh them against each other, ask about them, search out new options, etc.

    As tough as it is, you will get through this. People are living longer and better with this recently.

    You take care and God bless-
    Lisa
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #5
    Well
    hello friend. Welcome to the most supportive family you will ever find on the internet. We call our family, the Semi-Colons.

    Join in anytime you wish. Ask any question, vent, cry, laugh, smile, whatever you want to do. We do not judge or pass judgement. We provide guidance, humor, stories, and best of all SUPPORT.

    Keep your new family updated on this new journey in your life.
  • tiny one
    tiny one Member Posts: 465 Member
    #6
    Welcome
    Welcome. As they say, we're all in this together. I have been cancer free for 2 years. I went thru chemo with very mild side effects. What stage did they diagnose you? I was stage 3. My cancerous polyp was pretty low. We're all here to support you and answer any questions you might have.
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #7
    tiny one said:

    Welcome
    Welcome. As they say, we're all in this together. I have been cancer free for 2 years. I went thru chemo with very mild side effects. What stage did they diagnose you? I was stage 3. My cancerous polyp was pretty low. We're all here to support you and answer any questions you might have.

    Hi There!
    Welcome to our family! I am Stage 4 CC with mets to the liver...and yes, we are ALL in this together, and are here for you if you ever need to talk, vent, laught, whatever!! Just post away, you can ask us all anything, and we'll try an hrlp you through this! you're not alone.

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • amyboston
    amyboston Member Posts: 91
    #8
    Welcome
    Welcome,
    You will find not only words of encouragement but also very good information
    concerning treatment.

    I felt so alone before I found this place here. The others have
    given me support and encouragement and prayers as I have gone through
    the process of treatment, (And I am very early in the process, DX Colon Cancer Oct 6, 2009; Stage IIB, impending surgery Nov 13th.)

    So, welcome, and blessings to you,
    Amy
  • Muzzy
    Muzzy Member Posts: 175 Member
    #9
    welcome to the fight
    Welcome to the board. i glad you decided to join.
    The board is filled with wonderful caring people and there is always room for more.

    Jeff
    Just happy to be here!
  • Muzzy
    Muzzy Member Posts: 175 Member
    #10
    welcome to the fight
    Welcome to the board. i glad you decided to join.
    The board is filled with wonderful caring people and there is always room for more.

    Jeff
    Just happy to be here!
  • Muzzy
    Muzzy Member Posts: 175 Member
    #11
    welcome to the fight
    Welcome to the board. i glad you decided to join.
    The board is filled with wonderful caring people and there is always room for more.

    Jeff
    Just happy to be here!
  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    #12
    Welcome Aud
    So sorry you have to deal with this. As you said in your profile... "Cancer Sucks"!

    I recently completed 15 rounds of Radiation for a recurrence in my sacrum/rectum. You may have more treatments. I handled it fairly well. The fatigue hit pretty hard in the 3rd week and diarhea is still a problem. Otherwise, not too bad. Your radiation clinic will give you material to help you cope with side effects.

    You will find a lot of support, experience, knowledge, and wisdom, here, as you can already see.

    BTW... thank you for completing your profile page. It helps anyone to know a little more abouot you circumstances and makes it easier to get to know you.

    Be well... Rob; in Vancouver
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #13
    Welcome
    So sorry that you had to find our board, but you have joined a wonderful, caring family. We will be here to support and encourage you throughout your journey. You will be on a rollercoaster for a bit but just come to the boards and let us know how you are feeling. So glad to have you here. Don't ever be afraid to bring up any topic here either, we have covered almost everything. Good luck in your upcoming treatments.

    Kim
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #14
    robinvan said:

    Welcome Aud
    So sorry you have to deal with this. As you said in your profile... "Cancer Sucks"!

    I recently completed 15 rounds of Radiation for a recurrence in my sacrum/rectum. You may have more treatments. I handled it fairly well. The fatigue hit pretty hard in the 3rd week and diarhea is still a problem. Otherwise, not too bad. Your radiation clinic will give you material to help you cope with side effects.

    You will find a lot of support, experience, knowledge, and wisdom, here, as you can already see.

    BTW... thank you for completing your profile page. It helps anyone to know a little more abouot you circumstances and makes it easier to get to know you.

    Be well... Rob; in Vancouver

    question for Rob re radiation
    Hey Rob,

    You mentioned you just finished of radiation for a recurrence in your pelvis/sacrum. Did you already have radiation in that area prior to this time? I was told I could never have any radiation anymore in my pelvic area as I had a "lifetime maximum radiation dosage" there. I had six weeks (actually 28 sessions) back in Jan-Feb of 2008.
    Just curious if some people can get radiation a 2nd time in the same area.

    Lisa
  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #15
    lisa42 said:

    hello and welcome
    Hello Aud,

    (I knew someone with that name a few years back- you aren't possibly a retired teacher from Vista School district, are you?)

    Anyhow, I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to this board. People are very supportive here, as well as they share a wealth of information. It's been very helpful to me to hear about other people's experiences, what their doctors say about certain treatments, etc. Differernt oncologists and surgeons often have differing opinions, so it's nice to hear them here and be able to try to weigh them against each other, ask about them, search out new options, etc.

    As tough as it is, you will get through this. People are living longer and better with this recently.

    You take care and God bless-
    Lisa

    thanks for the welcome
    hi, Lisa. no, I'm not a teacher. I am an occupational therapist and work in a rehab/nursing home in NJ. I know I shouldn't be, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the initial support here. It makes it much more personal to actually join and maybe I could even be useful.
    Audrey
  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #16
    tiny one said:

    Welcome
    Welcome. As they say, we're all in this together. I have been cancer free for 2 years. I went thru chemo with very mild side effects. What stage did they diagnose you? I was stage 3. My cancerous polyp was pretty low. We're all here to support you and answer any questions you might have.

    Apparently, I was confused
    Apparently, I was confused with stage and T level. My surgeon said it's stage I cancer, T2 tumor, into but not through the rectal wall. Since I had a transanal excision, and lymph nodes cannot be examined that way, there is no way to be certain that cancer cells have not migrated through to the lymph nodes, thus the importance of radiation/chemotherapy. Low rectal tumors also have a higher rate of recurrence.
    Audrey
  • AceSFO
    AceSFO Member Posts: 229
    #17
    Glad you found this group
    Hey Aud,

    Sorry to hear about your dx, but glad you found this group. They're a wonderfully warm, witty and compassionate group of people who will give you all the love and support you can handle. And they'll share everything from tips about treatment to recipes.

    Incidentally, I grew up in NJ. What part of the state are you in? (without invading too much of your privacy).

    Keep us posted,
    Adrian
  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #18
    I would appreciate any tips
    I would appreciate any tips on the best way to post comments/questions on this board. I've never done this before yesterday.
    Thanks, everyone, for your support. (It's a great birthday present!)
    Audrey
  • AceSFO
    AceSFO Member Posts: 229
    #19
    Aud said:

    I would appreciate any tips
    I would appreciate any tips on the best way to post comments/questions on this board. I've never done this before yesterday.
    Thanks, everyone, for your support. (It's a great birthday present!)
    Audrey

    Happy Birthday!
    Happy Birthday Aud!!
  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #20
    AceSFO said:

    Glad you found this group
    Hey Aud,

    Sorry to hear about your dx, but glad you found this group. They're a wonderfully warm, witty and compassionate group of people who will give you all the love and support you can handle. And they'll share everything from tips about treatment to recipes.

    Incidentally, I grew up in NJ. What part of the state are you in? (without invading too much of your privacy).

    Keep us posted,
    Adrian

    thank you, Adrian. I'm from
    thank you, Adrian. I'm from South Jersey, only about 10-15 miles from Philadelphia. I appreciate you reaching out; otherwise, I may have not read your profile, at least not this early. I found it very encouraging.
    Audrey
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #21
    AceSFO said:

    Happy Birthday!
    Happy Birthday Aud!!

    Awww....
    Happy Birthday to you.....
    Happy Birthday to you.....
    Happy Birthday dearest Aud!!!!!!!!
    Happy Birthday tooooo youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

    Have a great Bday, and a great Halloweeny weekend! don't let the ghosts get you!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

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