Lost brother to bowel cancer 1/5/2013 age 43
Started showing signs last week of June 2014 went doctor called to outpatient In hospital August 19th with family history told would be called in by end of September heard nothing middle of October heavy blood in stool phoned hospital what's happening
called in for scope on 3/12/14 told on 23/12/14 have rectal cancer told today 6/1/15 cancer is stage 3 but is still localised hasn't spread but he won't be able to reattach colon I'll have bag rest of my life getting stoma on Thursday
Hi and welcome here = there are several people on here who have experience of BC. My wife had rectal grade 3 and has a bag. They tend to remove the rectum in rectal cancer and this gives the need for the bag . A bag is no big deal - just going to the loo in a different way and it doesn't impede yr life style. Sorry to hear the diagnosis - it was all over my wifes family as well - but we didn't know! The treatments are good if not long winded - she had 6 weeks radio and chemo, then rest and an op followed by 6 months chemo again. About a year in total. We made new friends and good people in the cancer centre. It comes as a terrific blow to have the diagnosis - she still flies off the handle and it has changed her life. Still, you will pull through. So chin up and good luck for thursday - there is alot of info on youtube about stoma care - just type into youtube 'how to care for a stoma'
all the best - we will be thinking of you on Thursday
Hi My husband had rectal cancer in 2010. His was very low down and it was touch and go whether the op would be reversable as I believe it depends on the site of the tumor.His also had not spread at all although was stage 3-4 if I remember correctly. (I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time so a lot to remember) He had a bag for some months - then the reversal. He coped with the bag extremely well and was really quite used to it by the time the reversal was done. Well he had the op and it was not without many problems,in fact he told the consultant that he wished he had kept the bag as he had got used to it and managed it very well . There are obviously pros and cons for either but the bag worked really well for him and did not affect his everyday life in any great way once he got used to the "system"
Its surprising how adaptable us humans are - hope you do well. by the way he is now doing well but still has to watch his diet as recommened by his colorectal nurse who has always been really helpful
Hi Silver71, sorry to read about your diagnosis, but so glad its localised and operable. You have had some reassuring replies from Steven and Jan about life with a stoma. I hope I can add to that reassurance. Following rectal Cancer, I have had a stoma (ileostomy) for the past 16 months. After some adjustments to diet and getting used to a stoma care routine, I find that having the stoma hasn't drastically altered my lifestyle. Steven has suggested YouTube as a source of information which may be helpful. Someone also suggested to me, a closed Facebook group called The Colostomy Assocaition - you have to request to join and none of the comments or posts show on your normal Facebook page or status - all very discreet and private. I have found the site very useful for all sorts of information, from dietary advice to the sorts of products and suppliers available. Not sure whether social media is your thing, but as I said, I've gleaned a lot of day to day info from fellow stomates. There's quite a lot of us out there it would seem! Good luck for tomorrow. When you're a few days down the line, let us know how you're getting on. And feel free to ask any questions and we'll try to answer them. Take care, Jo xx
Good morning, Silver, Not sure if you'll see this before your surgery today, but just wanted to send you a hug and say I'm thinking of you. Take care, Jo xx
Thanks again for words of encouragement have the colostomy bag in 2 weeks operation went good still getting used to the colostomy bag but it's not that bad
another ct scan this Friday radiotherapy starting by end of month 5 weeks 5 days a week surgery all going well in 11 or 12 weeks
Hi, glad to see the operation went well and you're adjusting to your colostomy. In time, I soon found out what foods suited me and I also got speedier and more confident about changing my bags etc. I'm sure you will too! Good luck with your scan on Friday, and let us know how your treatment is going when it starts at the end of the month. Take care, Jo xx
Hi Silver, thanks for the update on your treatment. It sounds very similar to the regime I had (although I had this ahead of my rectal surgery) Look after yourself and post anytime if you think any of us on your thread can help answer any questions you may have. Take care, Jo xx
Hi Silver71 = glad you're doing okay and well done with the bag. The worst thing was getting our hear round it all. The radio and Xeloda Anne had and she slept through most of it - well when we got home.
We both wish you the jolly best and hope things go well
We were at the hospital today and I was pleased to find that there is stacks of research going on into rectal and bowel - so treatments are continuing to improve
