Hey everyone. New here. Got the call today, Stage 3C rectal cancer. Feels like the floor dropped out from under me. Plan is apparently neoadjuvant chemo/radiation, then surgery, then more chemo. Starts in 3 weeks. Honestly just numb and terrified. Don’t even know what questions to ask yet. How did you cope initially?

  • michaeljohnsonEnglish
    2·
    8 months ago

    Hey John. Sorry you’re joining the club, but you found a good place. I was Stage 3B colon, diagnosed over 2 years ago. The initial shock is brutal, like being hit by a train. Take it one breath, one hour, one day at a time. It’s okay to be scared and numb. We’ve all been there. My path was surgery first then chemo, sounds like yours is chemo/rad first (common for rectal). Happy to answer Qs when you have them.

    • John SmithOPEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      Thanks Michael. “One breath at a time” feels about right. Hard to imagine getting through this. Hearing you’re 2 years out gives a tiny bit of hope. Did the shock wear off, or just… change?

      • michaeljohnsonEnglish
        1·
        8 months ago

        It changes. The raw shock fades into waves of anxiety, determination, fear, hope… it’s a rollercoaster. But you learn to ride it. Focus on the very next step: prepping for that first treatment. You’ll get through it.