Hello, I was telephoned by a nurse this morning to say i have cancer in the lower part of rectum and i have appointment next friday to talk to dr about surgery. what if i refuse surgery? anyone else thinking this
I have a different type of cancer but I have a colostomy (and a urostomy!). I was delighted to get the surgery for stomas because it saved my life. Do you have particular concerns around having a stoma?
l would think everyone that has been in your position first reaction would be to think exactly the same about refusing surgery,since they will be going to a place they would much rather not visit..Subsequently they will need to decide if they wish to continue with life,since cancer without treatment will be unremitting in its forward march.
From experience the surgery was a short term pain but a cakewalk in comparison to chemo/radiotherapy,but then without this you are faced with no treatment whatsoever and continued spread leading to the inevietable conclusion.With surgery you are on an upward path of recovery from the moment you regain conciousness,with chemo you are going in the opposite direction for a while until you plateau at the end of your treatment and then you can begin the climb back to fitness
l think you have to keep an open mind this early in the process,and yes there will be fear and plenty of challenges ahead,but you will find plenty of support from the health professionals.No one will pretend its an easy treatment journey,but lookingi back 7 years on from from my bowel and liver cancer diagnosis,its one l am glad l made to go ahead with treatment
l hope your appointment goes well and gives you the information and confidence to make the decision that is right for you,
