Bowel resection

[Red1959]

Due to radiation 40 yrs ago, I was just recently diagnosed with radiation colitis. I 'm having surgery next month to remove 8 inch section of bowel because it may become cancerous.Any info would be helpful. How long was recovery etc.

[Mariecapp]

Sorry that you have cancer again and that you now need surgery. I'm praying for you. Keep a positive attitude. PRD does so much to our bodies.

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Hello Red

40 years ago radiotherapy was very different to now! You need to ask questions of your surgeon and the team who will care for you, It is a very individual thing and they will be able to advise. It seems rare for bowel resection to be required after radiotherapy. I had mine in 2011 and the descending colon is thickened and contorted but still functions despite the adverse symptoms of colic, diarrhoea and constipation to name but a few! They cured my cancer but left me with considerable disability!

Good wishes for your op. Hope it all goes really well.

Jude

[accidentalcarnivore]

maybe ask the doctors, all of them, about the complications to the surgery. read up on it. Are you having bowel obstructions? Have they found cancerous cells in your colon?