Still Recovering in 2008

Faith4Cure
Faith4Cure Member Posts: 405 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Happy New Year to all of you! May your new year be filled with all good things!

My husband was diagnosed with stage IIIb in September 06, had rads, chemo, surgery, followed by another surgery to reverses his ileostomy in June 07.He has done well, but is still having some problems after having his reversal. He still passes blood 1-2 times a week. We have mentioned it to our doctors. In September they did a scope to look at the area where the original resection was done. Everything looked good at that time. We are not sure if this is a "normal" thing after 6 months or if we should be pushing for more answers. He is not scheduled for a colonoscopy until February, but when doing the reversal in June, they said everything looked clear. His bloodwork all looks good too. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge with this?

Thanks!
Faith

Comments

  • valley
    valley Member Posts: 94
    #2
    Faith

    My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer 01-30-06. Had radiation,chemo and lower resection 05-06. Operation went very well no colostomy and no sign of any spread unfortunately 10 out of 28 lymph nodes were positive so 4 more months of chemo. He has had two colonoscopies pet scan every 3 months and blood work all look good no evidence of any disease. The pet scan did however light up in the rectal area they have determined after 4 biopsies all negitive that he has inflammation from radiation which they call radiation colitis. He has no symptoms from this no pain or bleeding frequent bowel movements at times depends on his diet. The first few months after surgery and chemo he did have some bleeding but that all stopped after a few months. He will have a sigmoidoscopy this month to check the inflammation again. So stressful but they are keeping a close eye on him. I hope the tests can slow down a little soon like maybe every 6 months instead of 3. Has anyone mentioned inflammation to your husband I'm sure this is why my husband was bleeding after treatment. He should ask his doctor about radiation and chemo causing his bleeding.

    Good luck!
  • Faith4Cure
    Faith4Cure Member Posts: 405 Member
    #3
    valley said:

    Faith

    My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer 01-30-06. Had radiation,chemo and lower resection 05-06. Operation went very well no colostomy and no sign of any spread unfortunately 10 out of 28 lymph nodes were positive so 4 more months of chemo. He has had two colonoscopies pet scan every 3 months and blood work all look good no evidence of any disease. The pet scan did however light up in the rectal area they have determined after 4 biopsies all negitive that he has inflammation from radiation which they call radiation colitis. He has no symptoms from this no pain or bleeding frequent bowel movements at times depends on his diet. The first few months after surgery and chemo he did have some bleeding but that all stopped after a few months. He will have a sigmoidoscopy this month to check the inflammation again. So stressful but they are keeping a close eye on him. I hope the tests can slow down a little soon like maybe every 6 months instead of 3. Has anyone mentioned inflammation to your husband I'm sure this is why my husband was bleeding after treatment. He should ask his doctor about radiation and chemo causing his bleeding.

    Good luck!

    Thanks for your input! I am glad they are keeping a close eye on your husband! It is stressful watching every symptom and hoping that it doesn't come back. Better safe than sorry, so I'm glad we are keeping a watchful eye. Good Luck to you both and Happy New Year.

    Faith
  • libris
    libris Member Posts: 23
    #4
    I had my ileostomy reversal in September '06. Over a year later I still have frequent bleeding. Colonoscopies and tissue biopsies show no problem - wish I could say the same about my lungs.

    Radiation weakens the colon tissue and bleeding can be a result. If tests continue clear you shouldn't worry.

    Best of luck and a healthy 2008!
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #5
    Faith, sending positive thoughts your way. No personal experience with this, but by reading the other posts, doesn't look uncommon. I'd still want to discuss it further if he has an appointment before Feb or maybe they can move the appointment up for the colonoscopy so you can put your mind at ease. Keep the faith! All will be ok .
    Happy New Year to you also.
    God Bless,
    Diane

Discussion Boards