I got the news on September 14th, 2006. Immediately after the diagnosis, and I mean, the very next week, I had an oncology team and met with each member to learn about my condition and the game plan. My team consisted of a colorectal surgeon, a radiology oncologist and a medical (chemo) oncologist. I was also fortunate that the assistant to my gastroenterologist, having been the one to tell me of my diagnosis and upon discovering other difficult life circumstances I had, volunteered to be my companion through these initial meetings and to assist me in any way I needed as the plan progressed. She was invaluable and I am ever so grateful to her for the time she devoted to me and for her additional expertise.
I highly recommend that anyone going through this sort of thing should have such a companion, someone who can go with you to appointments and be a second set of ears, someone who can be available at nearly anytime for anything, even just for venting about the situation. Whether or not you make full use of such a person, it is a great comfort to know they are there. I actually found it helpful that my companion was not a previous friend or family member. She could retain her perspective and help me keep a handle on mine.
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