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?

The initial phase is a blur of fear and information overload. Bring someone with you to appointments if possible - two sets of ears are better than one, especially when you’re in shock.