Should I skip the surgery

jomar
jomar Member Posts: 11
I have Rectal cancer stage 3. I had chemo and radiation. The tumor shrank to what they call an ulcer. I am doing great but still scheduled for surgery, any thoughts.

Comments

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Hi Jomar
    If you are having concerns about making a decision on surgery perhaps you should get a second opinion.

    My personal feeling is removal is best.

    Marie who loves kitties
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Surgery
    If it is still there, you should opt for surgery but also get that second opinion. Of course, the decision has to be left up to you and you should be satisfied with whatever decision you decide to make. Good luck on the surgery if you continue to go in that direction.

    Kim
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    jomar -

    If ending up with an ostomy is what's bothering you, don't
    allow that fear to kill you.

    More often than not, surgery is the best way to remove a
    cancer tumor, and very often, that is all that's needed to
    survive cancer for an extended period of time!

    Many of us that have ended up with an ostomy, can tell you
    that it is most definitely, not the end of life. For most of us,
    it might be an inconvenience, and possibly a life-changing
    event, but not one that will cause us to die as the cancer will.

    Rectal cancer is one helluva' dangerous cancer. But in most
    cases, the danger is unduly increased by the physician's attempt
    to improve the "quality of life", by not ordering an ostomy to
    accommodate the removal of what should have been removed
    to insure longevity.

    Take a deep breath; learn the odds....the statistics.... and make
    the decision best for you!

    Best of health,

    John
  • dadoftheboys2004
    dadoftheboys2004 Member Posts: 2
    I would wait
    I had stage IV and my tumor shrunk down to what they called an ulcer too. I had a colon resect, but if I had it to do all over again, I think I would have just had them watch it very close. I regret having that surgery. Since surgery I have developed ulcerative colitis and have had back and leg pain. I would definitely get a second opinion. It is ultimately your decision to make.
  • jomar
    jomar Member Posts: 11

    Hi Jomar
    If you are having concerns about making a decision on surgery perhaps you should get a second opinion.

    My personal feeling is removal is best.

    Marie who loves kitties

    tk
    Thanks for the reply
  • jomar
    jomar Member Posts: 11

    I would wait
    I had stage IV and my tumor shrunk down to what they called an ulcer too. I had a colon resect, but if I had it to do all over again, I think I would have just had them watch it very close. I regret having that surgery. Since surgery I have developed ulcerative colitis and have had back and leg pain. I would definitely get a second opinion. It is ultimately your decision to make.

    they tell me
    Doctors tell me that if it comes back it could spread and then I guess I would have more serious problems.There does not seem to be a test to catch it early or to say I still have it after radiation.
  • jomar
    jomar Member Posts: 11
    John23 said:

    jomar -

    If ending up with an ostomy is what's bothering you, don't
    allow that fear to kill you.

    More often than not, surgery is the best way to remove a
    cancer tumor, and very often, that is all that's needed to
    survive cancer for an extended period of time!

    Many of us that have ended up with an ostomy, can tell you
    that it is most definitely, not the end of life. For most of us,
    it might be an inconvenience, and possibly a life-changing
    event, but not one that will cause us to die as the cancer will.

    Rectal cancer is one helluva' dangerous cancer. But in most
    cases, the danger is unduly increased by the physician's attempt
    to improve the "quality of life", by not ordering an ostomy to
    accommodate the removal of what should have been removed
    to insure longevity.

    Take a deep breath; learn the odds....the statistics.... and make
    the decision best for you!

    Best of health,

    John

    I get the message
    Thanks for sharing your experience.
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    jomar said:

    they tell me
    Doctors tell me that if it comes back it could spread and then I guess I would have more serious problems.There does not seem to be a test to catch it early or to say I still have it after radiation.

    it has to be your decision.
    it has to be your decision. I however would want it out asap. I would kick myself if it came back and spread.

    Kathy
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    It is
    It is up to you,but I had the surgery,and a colostomy,permanant,and I don't regret it one bit.the chances of it coming back are slim,because the doctor got it all by shrinking it.There is no guarantee that it won't come back ever.I have friends,and relatives who didn't get the surgery that are not around anymore.Even if I have a recurance,at least I had the extra years.It is all up to you,but remember farah facett.Good luck in your choice.
  • plh4gail
    plh4gail Member Posts: 1,238 Member
    I was stage 3C before
    I was stage 3C before treatment with a lower rectal mass and had the radiation/chemo and shrunk the tumor also. I had resection and would do the same. I also had the 6 months of chemo. It was all tough. If I could change any of the things I did it would be to gain more knowledge on food, vitamin & supplements, alternative therapies, and anything else healthful to go along with what treatment I did. I was so overwhelmed and worn out most of the time I waited to start letting myself learn.
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    surgery
    My decision would be to have the surgery. Out, damned spot, out!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • rick1964
    rick1964 Member Posts: 5
    tootsie1 said:

    surgery
    My decision would be to have the surgery. Out, damned spot, out!

    *hugs*
    Gail

    This is your life we are
    This is your life we are talking about. I would think you would want to do everything possible for this monster not to come back but at the end is your decision to make and to live with it.