Hello Glen32

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been diagnosed with rectal cancer. It's understandable that you've been feeling overwhelmed and are feeling anxious about the possible side effects of radiotherapy. 

It's important to remember that not everyone will experience the same level or kind of side effects. Hopefully treatment will be kind to you and any issues won't be too difficult to manage. Make sure you tell your treatment team about any concerns or problems you do have so that they can support you. 

Hopefully some of our members who have had this treatment will post to share their tips and advice soon, but in the meantime, if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

Keep in touch Glen32 and let us know how you get on. We're here for you. 

Hi Glen  I have terminal rectal cancer, just had a stoma  and will be having radiotherapy,  I had prostrate cancer 13 years ago and had 35 doses,it cured it but left a lot of scaring. It is tiring  but you will get used to it. 

Regards

I’ve gone through tongue and neck Cancer treatment with Radiotherapy and Chemo and to be brutally honest it was just awful and after all that and after a Pet Scan I was diagnosed with Anul rectal/Pelvis Cancer and had to go through Chemo and Radiotherapy for a second time.It was to be fair horrendous as you lose all sense of being a human,your dignity is well and truely gone,but although the second lot of treatment was  as bad as the first,you do what you have to do to get better.

I think if you keep a positive mind and have the support of friends and family,the Cancer Team are amazing.I pray you get to the other end of treatment with great news as I did.

wishing you all the best on this difficult but achievable journey.