Rectal Cancer

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Rikki.Tikki
Rikki.Tikki Member Posts: 1
in Anal Cancer #1

Hello I'm new to all this but I been looking for places or someone to talk to about my situation. I been having really really bad anxiety and not able to sleep. I found out I had Rectal cancer June 2021 and of course I didn't take it well at all but honeslt I been pushing it so far in the back of my mind like I forget I even have cancer. My next step in my journey is getting an MRI to see how far it spread and then from there chemo and radiation. That party of my cancer isn't whst scares me which I think it should But it's the fact that I would more then likely have to get a a pern colostomy bag for

the rest of my life and that part I can't seem to cope with at all. It's keeping me up at night and I'm emotional but I try not to be. I honestly just want to talk to a therepaist to wrap my head around all this. I feel like I'm too young to a have to have a colostomy bag attached to me for the rest of my life. Just need a better outlook on it. 

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  • yetti
    yetti Member Posts: 82 Member
    edited June 2021 #2
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    Rikki Tikki, I’m so sorry,

    Hi Rikki Tikki, I'm so sorry that you got that Dx! I'm a stage 4 endometerial cancer survivor, I had   6 chemo, hysterectomy and 3 more chemo!  I was Dx June 2018. I was also very upset, angery and in denial! i went to get help for my anxiety and depression and issues with sleeping!  I saw a pyhschiaritrist who prescribed an anti depressant, xanax for anxiety  and pill for sleep!  I had a counselor I spoke with and i also attended cancer support group meetings, and met with a oncology social worker! It was very helpful. I ?? you can get the help you need! Sincerely yetti. Ps if you click on my name you can read my story !

  • follyfonda
    follyfonda Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2021 #3
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    It's horrible.

    It's horrible.

  • tanda
    tanda Member Posts: 174 Member
    #4
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    RikkiTikki

    A cancer diagnosis, especially one with a complicated treatment takes one's breath away...kind of like being hit by a truck. The idea of talking to a therapist is a good one.  Many cancer centers and,hospitals have social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists,etc that are used to working with cancer patients.  Often their services are free, or they may be able to help you wiith health insurance or other community resources.

     

    Most people in this forum did not have surgery, although there are a few people who have had a colostomy and are doing very well. Perhaps they will see your post and respond. The colon cancer forum usually has rectal cancer members

    and there are many colon cancer groups...Colon cancer Alliance, etc. I think you would get a lot of information and support from one of the colon/rectal cnacer groups

    Where are you located or where are you being treated?  If possible, I would encourage you to seek a second opinion from a major cancer center or academic medical center.  There are some new procedures that may not require a colostomy, or may have one that can be reversed.

     

    Colorectal Cancer Alliance

    A non-profit organization of colon and rectal cancer survivors, their families, and the medical community. Dedicated to championing prevention, funding cutting-edge research and providing the highest quality patient support services. Toll free Helpline: 877.422.2030

     

     

    Fight Colorectal Cancer

    Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) is a leading national colorectal cancer nonprofit. Through patient education, advocacy, research and awareness, the group demands a cure for the second-leading killer in the United States and envisions victory over colorectal cancer. Fight CRC provides patients with up-to-date, reliable information on how to fight colon and rectal cancer and trains research advocates who get involved in the research process. As the leading colorectal cancer advocacy group, Fight CRC serves as a resource for patients, grassroots advocates, policy makers, medical professionals and health care providers. Learn more at http://www.FightColorectalCancer.org or Facebook.com/FightCRC.

     

    I wish you the very best and am holding you in my thoughts.  Feel free to let us know what is happening 

     

     

  • annie4145
    annie4145 Member Posts: 218 Member
    edited July 2021 #5
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    Hi, I can't say that I know

    Hi, I can't say that I know what that would be like.  I had anal cancer and didn't need surgery.  But I do know what it was like not to be able to sleep and have alot of anxiety and depression. Stanford set me up with a great counselor, and they gave me some medicine for anxiety and depression which really helped.  The main thing is to get through this.  You are going to be a survivor and the bag (if you have to get one) will be a price worth paying, and a lasting momento of the war that you are going to wage and win.  There was someone posted alot on the website, I will see if I can get their name.  They said that adjusting to the bag was alot easier than they expected. Are you married and/or have any kids?  I hope that you have support as you go through this.  I did have support, but my kids were too young (at the time 12 and 10), that I tried to shelter them alot.  Please let us know how the scans turn out!  Are you at a major hospital?

    best wishes,

  • Eileencj
    Eileencj Member Posts: 14
    #6
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    husband

    Hi,

    Are you in the middle of treatment at this point?  My husband has Tonsil Cancer and through the Pet Scans they spotted something going on in the rectal area as well.  They sent him for different tests and they came back normal so they will do a biopsy now.  How did they find your cancer?  What stage is your cancer?  Hope it's going as well as possible for you.  You look too young to be going through this :(

  • steph57
    steph57 Member Posts: 19 Member
    edited September 2021 #7
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    I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer July 2020 went through 8 chemos and then changed oncologists went through folfox and radiation which brought down my tumor from 6.8 to 2.1 cm Had the tumor removed in Aufust of this yeat and my surgeon said that I am cancer free. I have had a great support system with family and my oncology team. I still have nights where my mind is going a mile and minute and not able to sleep as I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around that it is gone and when it may return. I am going to see a therapist,

  • annie4145
    annie4145 Member Posts: 218 Member
    #8
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    steph57 said:

    I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer July 2020 went through 8 chemos and then changed oncologists went through folfox and radiation which brought down my tumor from 6.8 to 2.1 cm Had the tumor removed in Aufust of this yeat and my surgeon said that I am cancer free. I have had a great support system with family and my oncology team. I still have nights where my mind is going a mile and minute and not able to sleep as I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around that it is gone and when it may return. I am going to see a therapist,

    I am happy to hear that you

    I am happy to hear that you are cancer free.   Cancer is a major life stressor.  Best wishes for mental peace and continued good health.

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