Rectal cancer

i have been treated with Capox and then 51/2 weeks chemoradiotherapy ....no surgery...scans and sigmoidoscopy show tumour has shrunk to scar......so I have been asked to be put on watch and wait with regular tests.....I am having an appointment with the team surgeon to discuss this....the nurse said ...if I had an operation...it would be rectum removal...and be a major op.....If I'm given the choice....which it sounds like....what do I do? would it be best to have an op and be rid of any cells that could be lurking...although they say there is no spread.....or do I watch and wait...and worry that it will come back...or even spread to my liver or somewhere.....has anyone else been on this watch and wait...and had good results? I really don't know what to do for the best....I am sixty nine year old female....

  • Hello Davisio

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's good to hear that the treatment you've been having has shrunk the tumour, that certainly sounds like some positive news. 

    It's understandable that you're feeling anxious ahead of your appointment with the Consultant. It's a big decision to make and understandably you want to make the right choice for yourself. I wonder if you'd find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of that appointment. I'm sure they would be happy to give you any information and advice they could along with suggested questions or points that you may want to raise at your appointment. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator