I've just finished around 18 months of treatment after my shock diagnosis of rectal cancer. Tumour removed, ileostomy reversed, radiotherapy and 5 cycles of chemo all done. "Remission" at last! You kind of forget how much pain all that caused, how your life is nowhere near the same and wonder why you just can't get "well". That's because it's back and it's been on the move in the 4 months since chemo finished and it's now dotted around my lungs. The Drs are rushed in hospital, no privacy to discuss the diagnosis and being told it's back and it's not curable was shocking to say the least and then he's gone and you're left to figure out what that means. Great!
Gearing up for round 2 has been much more difficult, there are no assurances of beating it this time - not that I would ever believe them again after what has happened. I'm shocked, angry and stressed waiting to see how this new treatment will affect me. I have to take the pump pack home this time, portacath fitted and just waiting for the start date.
Just hating cancer a bit today and needed to vent. I've been reading through some of the other stories and it's been a tough read. Good luck to other sufferers, carers, relatives and friends that are on this horrible roller coaster.