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Second D-Day! Anyone else on the rectal cancer journey?

Pevans
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Diagnosed with T1-2 rectal cancer nearly a month ago but because of my age (45) they wanted to be sure they were not over treating the problem with chemo/radio then LAR surgery. So I had exam under anaesthetic last week and tomorrow get the re-staging and the treatment plan. 
I just want to get started now, whatever the plan is I want to get going and stop with the waiting. 
Not sure I will be in any fit state to enjoy a Christmas dinner this year but small price to pay for LIFE! 
anyone had the same journey?

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    Hiya.   I was on a similar journey with a T1-2 some 5 years ago, albeit I'm 20 years your senior.   I also had a EUA and that was a really good move because it gave the surgeons a proper heads up of what was really hiding there and what to do ahead of any surgery.  In effect, just popping their heads into the loft to have a look around instead of taking the whole bloody roof off.   I've just clocked 5 years (last week) since the surgery and recovered in time for a full Christmas dinner.  I ended up with a permanent stoma but, as you say, a small price to pay for life.   I also managed to avoid any chemo or radio, which was a bonus.   :happy:

  • Offline in reply to Badger

    Popping their heads into the attic!!! I love it haha

    Yes, I'm grateful they took that extra step. Did you have keyhole surgery? Sounds like there are multiple options with rectal cancer...aren't we lucky LOL

  • Offline in reply to Pevans

    No - I was unzipped like a kipper and now sport a barely visible scar from navel to nuts.  I gave permission for the surgeons to trial a potential new procedure on me (well, I wasn't exactly going to wake up and withdraw consent half way through), which reduced the surgery time from an average 7-8 hours to 4.5 hours.   They only did that because they'd done the EUA.   Keyhole is far less invasive and would very likely be what you'd have anyway, aiding faster recovery.   The techniques are getting better all the time.   Good luck.

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