DH diagnosed with cancer

[MyCatLovesMeSometimes]

DH had a colonoscopy last week and we were told immediately it's rectal cancer. He'd had a CT scan earlier in the week and it has spread apparently to one spot in his lung. Now waiting for results of MRI and then the multidisciplinary meeting for a treatment plan.

He's only early 50s and suffers with health anxiety anyway. Im trying to support him but with the lack of information its so hard not to get stressed.

It doesn't help that I got a serious auto immune diagnosis earlier in the month where flare ups are triggered by stress. I cope with things by planning and organising and feel so powerless at the moment.

I'm so sorry for this news - @flowberry has recently found herself in a similar situation to you. although her husband is a bit younger. She has a recent thread on this board.

As far as getting information, don't randomly google, but as someone who has suffered and recovered from bowel cancer myself, I'd recommend both the Macmillan website and the bowel cancer uk websites. They have accurate and up to date information, forums where both you and your husband can communicate with people who have been or are currently going through the same as you, and helplines where you can speak or chat to trained professionals.

Bowel Cancer | Bowel Cancer UK
Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity

Many (including me) will say that this waiting period between the initial diagnosis and getting the treatment plan is the most difficult to get through,. Once you have a plan then it becomes easier to deal with.

My thoughts are with you and your husband - please keep us in touch with how you are getting on

@P00hsticksthank you for all that information - really appreciate that. This period of waiting is just so hard on him, me and our young adult children).

I had seen flowberry thread & said how sorry I was to hear of his diagnosis.

didn't want to read and run, that sucks op.

wishing you and dh all the best for successful treatment.

Thanks @Eliezathat's pretty much what I said but with more swearing involved!

I'm really hoping we get a treatment plan this week.

Been awake since 4 my sleep pattern is just terrible at the moment. Worry and thinking don't help and neither do the steroids that I'm taking.

So sorry to hear that - sending you a virtual hug.

@P00hsticksthank you!

I go to sleep but then wake up at stupid o'clock and can't go back to sleep. I have some sleeping pills from the GP which I will try tonight.

Cancer research- if you Google it with trusted information next to it. That was recommended to me by Macmillan on their telephone helpline which is excellent. If you have a Maggies centre near you too, they're also helpful. Sorry you're going through this. I'm in a similar position. Sending you a hug.

If you are on Facebook, the group bowel cancer support group uk is a good one. I agree with pp that the waiting is the worst. Once treatment starts he will be officially fighting cancer, which is easier to process mentally. Fuck cancer!

Sending you and your family strength, @MyCatLovesMeSometimes You might have noticed my post on Flowberry's thread, I lost my husband to cancer 2 weeks ago. I won't say any more now but I will keep an eye on your thread and I am here if there's anything you need.

Thank you everyone and I'm very sorry for your loss @thornbury

Yesterday's appointment was difficult. He's got a pet scan scheduled now and been referred to lung team (but why wasn't this done earlier!!). It does seem to be moving very slowly but I am impatient and want treatment to start ASAP.

We did speak to mammalian yesterday which helped and his work have been great so that's good too.

I am sorry you are all facing this and hope treatment will start soon.

Bowel Cancer. co.uk is a brilliant site. The forum is excellent and the moderators are on the ball, welcoming and reassuring. A couple of the mods were diagnosed ten years or so ago with stage 4. They always advise not to Google but they are so positive about new treatments and drugs. Do take a look.

@MyCatLovesMeSometimessorry to hear about your DH’s diagnosis.
My DH was diagnosed with 2 prostate cancer mets in his lungs. The right one was treated by radio (heat) ablation in July. The left one is in a tricky location and may be treated with cryotherapy (freezing). Otherwise it’s surgery maybe to remove a lobe of his lung which he’s not happy to do. All being discussed in the next few weeks. Hopefully no other treatment needed (for now at least).
He was originally treated for prostate cancer in 2020-21.

Thanks again for the suggestions and help.

Once again I have been awake since 4 and thinking of everything.

I have planned this weekend to batch cook a load of meals so we have things to grab quickly in the next few weeks and keep busy!

So sorry to hear you are going through this. We were in your position three years ago and I remember the period before knowing the treatment plan was horrific. I found that it helped to live in the moment as much as possible, rather than thinking ahead too much.

My husband had a poor prognosis but he is still here and doing well. Treatments are evolving at a rapid pace. Sending you much strength. Xx