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Hello 1st post - rectal cancer, chemo done, surgery next?

Hopper
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Hello, I was diagnosed with a T3 N2 low rectal cancer in February and have just completed 25 sessions of radiotherapy over 5 weeks combined with oral Capecitabine chemotherapy. I was very fortunate to have very minimal side effects during the treatment, mainly tiredness and unpredictable bladder/bowel movement. Since I finished treatment a week ago the side effects have got a bit worse, dry mouth, sore skin, nausea, diarrhea. I'm waiting now to hear when I will have surgery though I have no indication of what to expect ie has the tumour shrunk to make the operation easier, will I need a stoma (temporary or permanent) Is this course of treatment common and what can be expected long term? I'm sure I will get to ask these questions when I meet with the surgical team but that's at least 6 weeks away and the radiologists were only able to tell me I was doing really well at my final appointment. I would be grateful for any input. Many thanks H 

  • Hello Hopper and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm glad that the chemo hasn't been too rough and that you received good feedback from the radiologists at your last appointment. It must have been reassuring to hear this but it's completely understandable that you want to know what happens next.

    We have some information about surgery for rectal cancer just here but hopefully you'll get to hear about some of our member's experiences soon.

    If you'd like to have a chat with one of our cancer nurses about this they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Our community are here for you Hopper and will do all they can to help you through the next 6 weeks.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi

    I was diagnosed this year with T3 N2 rectal cancer and have completed the same treatment. I am meeting my consultant next week to discuss my scans and hopefully will have my surgery soon after. I was just wondering if you have had your surgery and what the outcome was? How are you feeling after it all?

    Thanks 

  • Offline in reply to Libra-84

    Hello Libra-84

    I got my date for surgery yesterday, it is the 8th of October. I found the months between finishing chemo/radiotherapy and finally getting a surgery date to be very tough mentally. I had MRIs and blood tests but not knowing when the operation was going to be just left everything in limbo. 
     

    I met with my surgeon this week and we talked about the possible outcomes of surgery. The treatment had a positive result in shrinking the tumour, though there was still a little concern about the CRM involvement. 
     

    I was told of the possibilities of needing a permanent colostomy after the surgery as the tumour is very low in the rectum which doesn't leave much of one end to work with. However, my surgeon thought the best course was to aim for a full resection giving me a temporary ileostomy whilst the join heals and then doing a reversal at a later date. Until he gets into the surgery he can't guarantee the outcome, the main thing is to remove all the cancer. 
     

    I wish you all the very best with your treatment and surgery. Thank you for getting in touch and if you'd like I will message as soon as I'm able after the surgery to give you an update? Happy to have a go at answering any questions. 
     

    best regards

    H 

  • Offline in reply to Hopper

    Glad you have a date in place for your surgery, I feel the same way in complete limbo. I assumed when I finished my treatment in June that things would move a bit faster, it's hard waiting for scan results and wanting a confirmed date for the operation. Its taking its toll. Hopefully next week I'll get all the information I need and everything will be put in place. 

    Yes an update of how things go for you would be good, and  I hope everything goes well with your surgery and recovery. I'll give an update too when I know more. 

    Thanks for the replying. 

     

     

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