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No surgery for rectal cancer

cjohnson
Posts: 1
Joined: Oct 2001
Oct 15, 2001 - 3:09 pm

I am wondering why you have not had surgery for your rectal tumor. You indicated you have had 3 weeks of chemo and 38 days of radiation. I also have rectal cancer and have had radiation (which totally eradicated my tumor -- however, my tumor had broken through the rectum and is now butting up against the uterus so the surgeons say surgery is imperative). I had 2 weeks of chemo as well. I am still struggling with when to have the surgical resection done. My tumor was in the mid-rectal area and they believe they can reconnect to the colon and I should have "good" functioning. Right now, I am feeling terrific with great functioning and don't want to have the surgery unless as a last resort. I have tried hooking up with cancer survivors who have experienced rectal cancer with a low anterior resection to see what possible results I am facing. However, most people have had to have a permanent colostomy. Anyone out there who can help me?
peje
Posts: 6
 Joined: May 2001
Oct 15, 2001 - 4:00 pm
RE: No surgery for rectal cancer

I had surgery for my rectal cancer following two 4day sessions of chemo and 6weeks of radiation. This was to enable the surgon to have enough bowel that was free of cancer to hook up to the anus. I have about 10 stools a day now and sometimes flatus at the wrong time. However, after 1 year and 4 months, I am cancer free. I am following my own alternative diet based on what I have researched, I exercise every day and feel good most days. Let me know what you decide. I am interested.

s.w.johnson
Posts: 13
 Joined: Aug 2000
Oct 19, 2001 - 8:08 pm
RE: No surgery for rectal cancer

I am an 18 month survivor of rectal cancer and I had a low anterior resection with complete removal of my rectum. My tumor was high enough so they could spare my spincther muscles. I was reconnected. First, you must insist they try to spare your spincther and do a reconnection. They can and they do this for many who have no cancer involvement in those muscles. You must go through with this surgery to be sure the cancer is completely removed. My tumor was also eradicated with preoperative chemo and radiation,but my team of doctors insisted that I go through with this seemingly radical surgery. It is the best decision I ever made because 18 months later I re