13 years NED and a new mass ..... Feeling angry - UPDATED since surgery

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  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    edited December 2016 #22
    Doreen, I'm sorry you had to

    Doreen, I'm sorry you had to have the surgery but I'm glad it went so well. I also enjoy not pooping! I had IBS as long as I can remember and not being ruled by it is very freeing. I hated my illeostomy for a long time but now that I can have it reversed I don't think I will. It's a small price to pay for not having to be close to a bathroom at all times or having the embarassment of having to go in a public bathroom and worrying about sounds and smells. Or the pain of having to go but not being near a bathroom. It would often get so bad I'd feel like I was going to faint.

    Anyway, as for the chemo, I'd be very hesitant, too. The surgery is the best treatment we have. Chemo is way behind. And it does so much damage I'm not sure it's worth it unless there's a situation where it's required. But this mop up, just in case chemo is questionable as to it's value and if it actually is better than the damage it does.

    I wish you the best in your decision. John posted an explanation about chemo not long ago and it was very eye opening.

    Jan 

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    edited December 2016 #23
    Iliostomy

    Since I had Chemo & Radiation prior to resection, Surgeon vetoed any more Chemo. Received iliostomy at time of resection.  Six weeks later Ileo reversed. Developed fistula at stoma site.  More time with bag!  Fistula healed itself from inside out.  Been NED ever since, over 6 years.Smile

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #24
    My thoughts re chemo

    It took 13 years to come back - it sounds like your tumor type is very slow growing (as is mine.)  Chemo isn't as effective on slow-growing cancers.  Plus there are quality of life issues.  And who knows what new options may be available if it comes back in 10+ years.  My dr knew I wouldn't consider more systemic chemo.  We discussed possible brachytherapy because we know where the rogue cells are, but decided against that as well.  Again, quality of life, with no certainty that it would be helpful.  (Plus if it didn't work, my next surgery would be even MORE difficult, if not impossible.)

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