Hi Sue, I have had RA in the past but this I think this is associated with the chemo/radiation. I have found a FaceBook page for bowel cancer suffers and many of these people have had the same thing and some Oncologists have acknowledged that it is a side effect, I can only hope it isn't a permanent fixture in my life. Thank you for your input and suggestions. ... View more

Thanks Greg,I will try some of your suggestions as at the moment I am trying to grin and bear it with Panadol, hope it isn't a permanent thing. ... View more

You are right some things best left out, very glad that you did not need surgery. With regard to the stoma it's something you have to live with not much you can do about it. It is amazing how one copes when faced with these things. I am not sure about being clear of cancer as I have not had follow up scans yet, will get them done in mid November so will know then. All the very best Julie ... View more

I am suffering from rectal cancer, same area and I am guessing you have had surgery and now have a permanent stoma, no need to suffer in silence. We would have had similar surgical procedure. ... View more

Hi Mandy, I am not a young person although I feel I am maybe not so much at the moment. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer stage 3C I had chemo/radiation for five weeks, not a pleasant experience then a six week break before having surgery at the end of April which resulted in a permanent stoma. Six weeks after surgery more chemo but this was ceased due to side effects. I admire your resolve to go down the alternative therapies route. I don't know wether these treatments worked as I have not had scans since being diagnosed these are to be done in mid November. Everything is a waiting game and will be for the next three years with visits to oncology doctor every three months then every 12 months for two years total of five years wondering wether you are to survive. I try to think positively and remember that there are people worst off than me. As for side effects with chemo and radiation, there are many. For me radiation was diarrhoea and radiation burn, chemo was diarrhoea, nausea and fatigue. At present 7 weeks post chemo I am suffering fatigue, severe joint pain and bouts of diarrhoea. Some how in the scheme of things you push through all this and look at the small improvements and try to live as normal a life as you can. Everyone has different side effects and problems. Hope this has helped some what and good luck with everything. ... View more

I can understand how you are feeling and people say just keep a positive attitude which is very hard at times. The fear of the unknown is the worst but I always think of the people that are worse off than me and then I thank God I am not as bad. Keep you mind occupied with other things and do not let other people drag you down emotionally. ... View more