rectum cancer

Nicksangels
Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello All, My 83 year old Dad has rectum cancer. His tumor is about 5cm. and up in the rectum. He will be starting rad. and chemo within a week or so. He is a very healthy and wonderful 83 year old. The cancer seems to be contained. We are all scared about how he will handle the rad. and chemo. He has to do it for 5 weeks. Any experience with this will help. Thank You. And God Bless anyone dealing with cancer.
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Comments

  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    And then looking forward to
    And then looking forward to surgery after the radiation and chemo? I had radiation and chemo for rectal cancer 2 years ago, when I was 63. It wasn't that bad. I needed Lomotil to control the diarrhea. I wish your dad luck.
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    Thank You for your reply. Yes he will have surgery afterwards. the doctors are hoping the tumor will shrink. How was recoverey after surgery? I hope you are well today. Thanks again.
  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731

    Thank You for your reply. Yes he will have surgery afterwards. the doctors are hoping the tumor will shrink. How was recoverey after surgery? I hope you are well today. Thanks again.

    No problems.
    I had radiation and chemo after surgery, rather than before. After surgery I was in the hospital 10 days, longer than usual, but had no problem recovering. I did acquire an addiction to watching the Food Channel on TV. I'm fine now, thanks.
    -Greg
  • krystiesq
    krystiesq Member Posts: 240 Member
    PGLGreg said:

    No problems.
    I had radiation and chemo after surgery, rather than before. After surgery I was in the hospital 10 days, longer than usual, but had no problem recovering. I did acquire an addiction to watching the Food Channel on TV. I'm fine now, thanks.
    -Greg

    HAHA
    My mom watches the food channel ALL the time!
  • kristasplace
    kristasplace Member Posts: 957 Member
    radiation
    Hello! I'm surprised they are doing radical treatments on your dad, but that's a great sign that they think he's strong enough to handle it. The radiation makes you very tired. If he's doing the rads with the 5FU pump, make sure he knows the 5FU makes you prone to 3rd degree sunburns, so he should stay out of the sun.

    The chemo is a light dose, and just used at this stage to help the radiation shrink the tumor. Mine was 3cm, and this part of the treatment pretty much killed it. I had surgery 12 weeks after that because of complications, and i also spent longer in the hospital than is typical. The surgery recovery was arduous, but with my family's support, i got through it just fine. It's a long road even from that point. He will appreciate you being around to support him, and keep his spirits up.

    One of my girlfriend's Mother's developed colon cancer when she was around your father's age, and she beat it, and lived another fifteen years with a permenant ostomy. It was a heart attack that took her life.

    Let us know how he does!
    Many hugs,
    Krista
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    Thank You for your reply Krista, The team of doctors feel my Dad is not a typical 83 year old He is very active. He drives, cooks, gardens etc. He has no major health promblems and takes no medicine, just vitamins. His chemo is pill form. Its been a very emotional few weeks for the whole family. He has a great support team. There are 4 siblings, and lots of grandkids. Thanks for any support during this time. God Bless
  • 4law
    4law Member Posts: 110
    85 is just a number
    His treatment protocol seems to be fairly standard. He should use imdoium and pain meds (the "patch" worked best for me) for any discomfort -- his rear end will become very tender. Following surgery he may have a long period of chemo. It's a long road and it can be literally a real pain in the ****. However, I bet he is in good shape and mostly has lived an active life and therefore will have the strength to get through this. 85 is just a number -- I bet there are 58's who are not in as good shape as your dad -- so he should be able to beat this crumby disease.
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    My experiences
    Hi. Sorry to learn about your Dad's diagnosis, but a warm welcome to this discussion board. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer almost 6 years ago. I also had chemoradiation (before surgery, then more chemo afterwards -- I had Stage III cancer).

    As I am sure you are learning, everyone's reactions and side effects can differ. But I'll share my own. The side effects from the chemo were pretty mild: some fatigue, some nausea. I was on 5FU drip. You mentioned he is on a pill. That may be Xeloda -- which can cause some hand and foot skin issues....

    The radiation also caused me some fatigue. This kicked in about 2 weeks after the radiation started and lasted about 2 weeks after it ended (the radiation continues to work for a while - yea). Also caused diarrhea. And, in my case, signficant skin "burn" around my bum (excuse). I have very sensitive skin, so I hope your Dad is spared this. If he experiences this, talk to doctors, nurses, about what to do -- they will be able to recommend creams and other remedies.

    I hope your Dad sails through this with minimal side effects. He sounds like a real 'trouper'! Best wishes to you both.

    Tara
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    I had the same cancer and treatment (but iv infusion of the 5-FU instead of the pills). Your father may not notice too much for about the first two weeks. The main side effects come from the radiation. There will be some burning of the bottom that is noticeable after a couple of weeks which eventually feels like your bottom is on fire. That lasts for two to three weeks after finishing radiation. I used something like vaseline to help a bit. They suggested sitting in the tub also but I don't have one. The other main effect from radiation is fatigue. Taking naps helps but also doing some walking for exercise helped me. The main effect of the pills can be some nausea (I didn't have that) and some spots, mainly on the face, may break out or "light up". These are usually precancerous skin spots that then heal when done with the chemo and the skin actually looks better than it did before. After recovering from the chemo/radiation then surgery is usually done. I had an excision just of the area where the cancer was. For some that takes care of it, for me though the cancer recurred in 8 months so then I had a larger surgery and more chemo. If your father has the local excision surgery talk to the surgeon to make sure he/she takes out a large enough area to lessen the chance of it coming back.

    We will include your father and family in our thoughts and prayers, ****
  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    vinny3 said:

    I had the same cancer and treatment (but iv infusion of the 5-FU instead of the pills). Your father may not notice too much for about the first two weeks. The main side effects come from the radiation. There will be some burning of the bottom that is noticeable after a couple of weeks which eventually feels like your bottom is on fire. That lasts for two to three weeks after finishing radiation. I used something like vaseline to help a bit. They suggested sitting in the tub also but I don't have one. The other main effect from radiation is fatigue. Taking naps helps but also doing some walking for exercise helped me. The main effect of the pills can be some nausea (I didn't have that) and some spots, mainly on the face, may break out or "light up". These are usually precancerous skin spots that then heal when done with the chemo and the skin actually looks better than it did before. After recovering from the chemo/radiation then surgery is usually done. I had an excision just of the area where the cancer was. For some that takes care of it, for me though the cancer recurred in 8 months so then I had a larger surgery and more chemo. If your father has the local excision surgery talk to the surgeon to make sure he/she takes out a large enough area to lessen the chance of it coming back.

    We will include your father and family in our thoughts and prayers, ****

    Aquaphor.
    **** says, "I used something like vaseline to help a bit." My radiation oncologist gave me a tube of Aquaphor, though the radiation didn't burn me, as it turned out. I had diarrhea and gas.
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    Weight Loss from cancer
    Thank You for taking the time to reply to my comments. My dad is a small man say 5'6 about 140lbs{he has loss weight from the cancer] He has a good appetite and eats but I guess the weight is coming off because of the disease, The doctor also said it too. Has anyone experience weight loss from rectum cancer? Any ideas to keep the weight on? We are gonna buy the ensure shakes for him to drink. He's a coffee man. We dont want him to lose too much weight. He is very strong, this morning when I talked to him, He was picking the last of tomatoes from his garden and pulling out the plants, so he is still keeping busy. We only know him to be this way so it is very scary for us. Thank You for listening and God Bless
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member

    Weight Loss from cancer
    Thank You for taking the time to reply to my comments. My dad is a small man say 5'6 about 140lbs{he has loss weight from the cancer] He has a good appetite and eats but I guess the weight is coming off because of the disease, The doctor also said it too. Has anyone experience weight loss from rectum cancer? Any ideas to keep the weight on? We are gonna buy the ensure shakes for him to drink. He's a coffee man. We dont want him to lose too much weight. He is very strong, this morning when I talked to him, He was picking the last of tomatoes from his garden and pulling out the plants, so he is still keeping busy. We only know him to be this way so it is very scary for us. Thank You for listening and God Bless

    weight loss
    Ensure shakes are a good idea. I personally couldn't tolerate (sugar? oil?) but there are several types out there and maybe he can experiment. I ended up using a 100% whey protein powder (no added sugar/oils)-- gave me extra protein during chemo but not so effective for weight gain. My advice would be for him to (a) eat frequently -- lots of snacks between meals -- esp if he doesnt do this already (c) eat whatever he can/feels like (c) try to include some high-calorie items (shortbread is my favorite! but may not be his....). He should try to work at it. Hey, I love the thought of him out in the garden picking tomatoes! What a guy! Best wishes to you both.
    Tara
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member

    Weight Loss from cancer
    Thank You for taking the time to reply to my comments. My dad is a small man say 5'6 about 140lbs{he has loss weight from the cancer] He has a good appetite and eats but I guess the weight is coming off because of the disease, The doctor also said it too. Has anyone experience weight loss from rectum cancer? Any ideas to keep the weight on? We are gonna buy the ensure shakes for him to drink. He's a coffee man. We dont want him to lose too much weight. He is very strong, this morning when I talked to him, He was picking the last of tomatoes from his garden and pulling out the plants, so he is still keeping busy. We only know him to be this way so it is very scary for us. Thank You for listening and God Bless

    Weight loss
    I had lost a bunch of weight from my last recurrence and was losing 2 lbs every day when I returned from surgery. i knew i had to stop that so i asked around. A nurse friend suggested the supplement drinks, but NOT as a meal replacement, as a meal addition. Eat your full meals as normal, drink the meal replacements either along with the meal or an hour later, when your tummy empties a bit. It did the trick and I stopped losing. Of course, through subsequent chemo and steroids I put all weight loss AND some back on, but all i have to do is look at the pictures of me when i got home after surgery to not worry so much about the weight. And there are drugs that he can take if he doesn't have an appetite that will help a lot.
    Mary
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    Starting Radiation
    Thanks Tara and Mary for your helpful reply. Dad starts radiation Tuesday, he has 5 weeks of rad. and the chemo pill. We are all taking turns taking him. Any helpful hints would be great. Many have said the first 2 weeks arent too bad. Thank You all for listening its very helpful to me. God Bless and enjoy the weekend!!!
  • ac
    ac Member Posts: 88 Member
    Same treatment
    Hi,

    I'm going through the same treatment as your dad. I just started 5 weeks radiation and Xeloda and I'm approaching the end of the first week. So far so good, though I had some abdominal pain yesterday but it is gone today. As already mentioned by everyone else, my radiation therapist said that radiation effects don't kick in until 2 weeks and it is more likely the chemo effect or something else.

    I actually lost a little weight before my treatment started, probably from despair and worry which affected my appetite.

    Good luck and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your dad.

    Andrew
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    side effects
    Hi Andrew, Thanks for your replay. I hope your weeks ahead go smoothly for you. My dad is 82 so we are nervous for severe side effects, but with the help of all of you we will take each day as it comes. Keep me posted with your treatments. God Bless
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    Xeloda side effects
    Hello Everyone Again, My dad just started rad. and will also be on xeloda also. He has to take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. 500mgs each pill. Is the the norm? Hes 83 with rectum cancer. We are concerned about the side effects. I have been reading everyone has diffrent effects. What is the hand and feet issues? The doctor gave him some cream for the dryness. Thanks for All the support. PS. His petscan came back good, Thank God/ Blessings to All
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member

    Xeloda side effects
    Hello Everyone Again, My dad just started rad. and will also be on xeloda also. He has to take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. 500mgs each pill. Is the the norm? Hes 83 with rectum cancer. We are concerned about the side effects. I have been reading everyone has diffrent effects. What is the hand and feet issues? The doctor gave him some cream for the dryness. Thanks for All the support. PS. His petscan came back good, Thank God/ Blessings to All

    xeloda side effects
    Hi. I'm on Xeloda currently. I take 3 pills in am and 3 in pm. My understanding is that it varies according to (a) body mass and (b) purpose/programme. Your dad's dosage sounds within the range of what I have heard. Hand foot syndrome is the side effect most frequently mentioned with xeloda. My understanding is that it can vary from nothing (let's hope!) to quite severe dryness, fissures, blistering, peeling, hot feeling, etc. Other common side effects of Xeloda I guess would be fatigue, diarrhea. Of course the side effects vary A LOT from person to person. Generally speaking, Xeloda seems to be a relatively 'easy' drug -- compared with some others.

    I just started 2 weeks ago. I'm taking Oxaliplatin at the same time (I'm at a different stage of the game to your dad -- I'm not presurgical), so it is a little hard to sort out what is due to what. But, so far so good. No hand-foot syndrome yet. Fingers crossed. Meanwhile, I'm smothering on cream!

    Best wishes to your dad and to you.

    Tara
  • rae7
    rae7 Member Posts: 4
    Anal Cancer
    I am a 67 year old grandmother. I was diagnosed with anal cancer 12/07. In Jan/Feb 08 I had chemo and radiation, got very sick with radiation enteritis (burned intestines) and was hospitalized for 11 days. Today I am much stronger but still struggle with Proctitis(bleeding and discomfort when passing stool, burning, soreness, sometimes itching and sores) which the doctor says I may have longterm. There is a med - tube of ointment - called Xanaderm which seems to help. This is a prescription. The over-the-counter products don't seem as effective in treating the symptoms. I hope your dad does very well and does not develop this problem.
  • Nicksangels
    Nicksangels Member Posts: 41
    ac said:

    Same treatment
    Hi,

    I'm going through the same treatment as your dad. I just started 5 weeks radiation and Xeloda and I'm approaching the end of the first week. So far so good, though I had some abdominal pain yesterday but it is gone today. As already mentioned by everyone else, my radiation therapist said that radiation effects don't kick in until 2 weeks and it is more likely the chemo effect or something else.

    I actually lost a little weight before my treatment started, probably from despair and worry which affected my appetite.

    Good luck and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your dad.

    Andrew

    Hi Andrew
    Hi Andrew, Just wondering how how are feeling? Thanks for your reply for my Dad. He just had 5 days of Xeloda, 2 pills in the morning 2 at night and only 3 rad. treatment, so far. He says he feels fine. He knows about all the side effects, I guess we drive him crazy waitng for a bad side effect to happen. I know everyone is diffrent. How was your second week of treatment/ Hope you breezed thru it. let us know how you our. Best wishes!!!