Robert Jones

Port placement wasn’t bad - outpatient procedure, bit sore for a few days. Numbing cream (EMLA or LMX) applied an hour before access was ESSENTIAL for me. Made the needle stick painless. Never had major issues, but always careful about keeping the dressing clean and dry after access.

Focusing on what I can control helps me feel less powerless against the ‘what ifs’. Eating healthy, exercising moderately, getting sleep, making it to all my follow-ups. Doesn’t erase the fear, but channels the nervous energy into productive action.

Stage 3C here too, finished treatment last year. It’s a tough diagnosis, but definitely treatable. The plan sounds standard for rectal cancer (TNT - Total Neoadjuvant Therapy). It’s a marathon. Focus on getting through this first leg. We’re here.