Rectal cancer

Hi Everyone,

a very close friend of mines dad has just been diagnosed with rectal cancer - only in his 50s.

she came to be for advise as a fellow breast cancer survivor but with treatment areas being different its hard for me to recommend.

so far he is awaiting a firm plan but they're hoping 5 weeks of chemo & radiotherapy at the same time (hes had a stoma bag fitted already) then they're hoping he wont need surgery - this however depends on whether his PET scan shows any progression anywhere else.

can anyone who has been through this/going through this please give me any helpful pointers for him to be able to get through the gruelling treatment - anything that helped. He is currently quite tired & in quite a bit of discomfort.

thanking you in advance - big love to you all xxxx

  • I don't know of anyone and am currently going through breast cancer myself but I would suggest they contact his colorectal team and oncology they will be able to offer help and support. 

  • Hello Countrygirl,

                                  there are no easy get outs with this treatment,by its very nature it will take you to the edge of your physical limits,and there is a little you can do to change that.

    The big thing is your mental approach to your circumstances,since iin reality it is the only thing you can bring to the party.If you allow yourself to rail against the treatment all you do is increase stress and deflect from yor bodies ability to focus 100% on dealing with all the issues arising from treatment.After a 5 year struggle with bowel cancer that went on holiday in my liver,l turned the corner after my reconnected bowel decided to rejoin society,and l am now 8 years on from the original diagnosis.l carry the damage the treatment inflicted but live with it to lead a very active life.l hope your friends father joins me in doing the same,

                                                                        David