If you just heard the terrible news, “you have rectal cancer,” you are more than likely stuck in a whirlpool of emotions right now. Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we know that this isn’t an easy diagnosis. However, you have lots of options when it comes to treatment, and you can fight this.
In this blog, we’re going to share some tips with you that might help you ground yourself after hearing this news. This will include knowing more about your condition, like what causes rectal cancer, and what are the rectal cancer symptoms? So, how do you deal with rectal cancer?
7 Tips for Coping With Rectal Cancer:
#1: Understand Your Diagnosis
Many people receive this diagnosis in-office and walk out stunned, not having had all of their questions answered. Furthermore, every person’s cancer might be a little bit different. Depending on the stage of your cancer, you may have different treatment options.
If you aren’t ready to discuss your diagnosis when the bomb is dropped on you, that’s fine. However, make sure you have an appointment to return and discuss everything with your doctor so that you fully understand what you’re dealing with. Some patients also like to know what caused their cancer. The symptoms you might experience during this time are:
Trouble controlling your bowel movements
Bowel obstruction
Diarrhea and/or constipation
Bloody stools
Abdominal pain
Weight loss and anemia
Appetite loss
Fatigue
Oddly shaped and sized stools
Stomach cramping or bloating
#2: Understand Your Treatment Plan
Once you’ve discussed what your diagnosis means with your doctor, they will ask you what kind of treatment you’d like to pursue. They’ll give you their recommendation based on your specific tumor, but you can ask any question you’d like during this time. It can help to prepare a list of questions before this appointment so that you don’t forget anything. Your doctor should also discuss life expectancy with you at this appointment.
#3: Know What to Expect
Part of coping with rectal cancer involves knowing where you stand. Keep in mind that any numbers your doctor gives you are averages and estimates. However, they can help to cement your expectations and help you choose what type of (or no) treatment to pursue. If you have any questions at all, ask them. Get as much knowledge as you can so that you can make educated decisions about your own care. Here are some numbers that you might hear from your doctor:
5-year survival rate for localized cancer: 90-91%
5-year survival rate for regional cancer: 72-74%
5-year survival rate for distant cancer: 13-17%
If your cancer has already spread to many different body systems, 5-year survivability is lower.
#4: Join a Support Group
There’s a good reason why support groups are so popular. If you don’t have a support network within family or friends, you may want to find support with people who are in the same boat as you. Speaking with these people can help you find new ways to cope with your condition – they may even have ideas you haven’t thought of yet! Support groups can even be helpful for people who do have a good support network already.
#5: Decide What’s Right For You
At the end of the day, this is your body and you get to decide how you want to fight this thing. Spend some time thinking about how you want to live the rest of your life with cancer. Fighting as hard as possible isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay, too. Don’t let other people guilt you into treatments you don’t want.
#6: Live Your Best Life
Your cancer diagnosis isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of a fight. This is a fight that you alone can take on (with a little help from modern medicine). However, don’t forget that there’s still life between treatments. Even if you have a great prognosis, get out and do things that you love. Visit with family members you haven’t seen in a while. Make all those little moments count!
#7: Find a Provider You Love
If your treatment is going to be involved, you’re going to be seeing a lot of your care team. Make sure you resonate with those people and you enjoy their company! Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, our team is sensitive and understanding with each patient. You can either contact our office directly or ask for a referral from your doctor.