Rectal cancer

I just had my first visit with my Oncologist, Surgeon and Radiation therapist on Friday. The Oncologist said I have between stage 2 & 3 rectal cancer. They are very optimistic and think they caught it in time. I will begin chemo and radiation therapy in early October for 5 1/2 weeks 5 days a week using a pill for the chemo called Xeloda. After that they will give my body a rest to recuperate, then schedule surgery sometime in January . The surgeon said I will have a bag for about two months then they will remove it. Can’t wait to get started and get this over with. I hope all goes as planned. They told me I probably wouldn’t lose my hair which made me happy also.

[MartinVB1000]

Dear Jade,

If you get cancer , CRC is one of the most treatable.

Your level is indeed at a level that shou see you cured.

I had stage 3. The main event is a Resection, involving a chopping off a small section of your colon and rejoining the good part. The bag is a temporary issue to allow your surgery to complete and is then removed and you resume your normal life , albeit with a little less colon.

If it’s stage 3 , you may have adjuvant chemotherapy to sweep up any strays. Staging will be determined by a CAT scan .

There is loads of info on line . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Generally CRC is a slow grower and it sounds as if you have caught it early . Good luck,

Martin

[Hidden in reply to MartinVB1000]

Thanks Martin! I am keeping a positive attitude because the doctors are very optimistic about everything. I just wish I could get all of it done a little quicker but I know the doctors know what they are doing so I’ll put it in their hands and God’s of course. Thanks so much for your response. God bless

[BigrippleX]

Hi Jade, don't be too worried as Martin says this is very treatable I had a bowel resection in 2015 got the bag and had it for some 6 months then was re-plumbed back to 'normal' the chemo was ok and you don't loose your hair but I did get planta faceitis (probably spelt this wrong) which is where the drugs escape through the soles of your feet!! which was quite uncomfortable but all's well now.

Keep strong and think positive thoughts are with you.

[Hidden in reply to BigrippleX]

Thanks for the positive words. Little by little my fears are beginning to subside. I have a very excellent team of doctors and nurses on my side. God bless!!

[Mike_NC]

Sounds very similar to my own treatment plan. The chemoradiation wasn't too bad. I stayed at work through that part to save my sick days for post surgery. There is a wait before surgery and the treatment does still do it's thing for a while even though you stop getting zapped. Ileostomy wasn't too problematic and stoma nurses are great. Had the stoma takedown after 6 months am now 2 years in remission.

[Hidden in reply to Mike_NC]

That is great news Mike. I am looking forward to getting this over. Staying positive because the doctors are positive. God Bless you!

[MartinVB1000 in reply to Hidden]

You have every reason to be positive.

Many of us are living normal lives post this horrid issue. The important thing is you have confronted this early and should enjoy many years post this event.

God bless

[Hidden in reply to MartinVB1000]

Thanks Martin for the encouraging comments. God bless you!!

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

What were your symptoms. Ive had rectal itching for two yrs non stop. Always think the worst and worry too much

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

I’m not a doctor but itching was not one of my symptoms. If you are worried though go to a GI doctor and get it checked out! Good luck and God Bless!!

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

I have since had a red stool and grey stool and burning abdoninal could ypu share your symptoms

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

I had diarrhea, bright red blood, bloating and gas. Also I was very tired. Hope that helps.

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

Im terrified. To my core im unwell. Just today i had a red stool no bleeding but have had wind pain gas lower pelcox burning pain for few yers

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

You really need to see a doctor. That is the only way to find out. Don’t let it go. If it is cancer the sooner the diagnose it the better chance they can cure it. Please don’t wait out of fear! God bless!

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

I dint want cancer. Im scared.

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

I know the fear but it is better to know one way or the other. There are other things that could be causing your symptoms.

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

Im sorry you are and ge i am complaining. I have ni bleeding just a red stool itching but I'm afraid of colonoscopy results im a mess

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

I’m not a doctor but your symptoms don’t sound like colon cancer but still get it checked out. God Bless!!

[Contra21 in reply to Hidden]

Really why. A red.stool specs of blood lower burning pelvic pain . I hoe so oh god im thinking about the.most catstrophic shit daily

[Hidden in reply to Contra21]

Please see a doctor and find out what is going on.