Post Radiation/Chemo - Pre surgery consideration? / Post severe foot neuropathy

sailingalong
sailingalong CSN Member Posts: 4

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in Feb-2024 with the cancer extending into a few lymph nodes. Did five weeks (25 sessions) of radiation & oral chemo then 16 weeks of chemo (6 hours in the chair and 2 days connected to at home pump infusions). The tumor shrank 98+%, no longer in the lymph nodes, had a negative biopsy(s) and five Natera negative results to date (now 9 months post chemo) yet the surgeon still wants to do surgery to be on the safe side. I'm 66 and have no issues doing the surgery if absolutely needed, however I am trying to justify surgery (which would involve a permanent ostomy).

We agreed to take a wait and see approach with a recent MRI showing no growth but a suspicious read of the MRI (likely residual scaring) which forces an incomplete total response following the cancer boards "guidelines". My last exam surprised the surgeon in that I showed significant healing of the colon lining of the affected area and ulcerated area which extended the wait and see period, yet he still recommends surgery. I am burned out from trying to research this particular topic, as well as so many other cancer related subjects. The chemo caused severe foot neuropathy and basically am learning how to walk again. I decided to leave a post and see what advice I might receive prior to my next oncology visit.

All thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • Arx001
    Arx001 CSN Member Posts: 48 Member

    Oops, almost the exact same situation with me except my surgeon (actually the conseil) asked me to decide. Another surgeon said I need to do a total mesarectal excision asap.

    If interested we can discuss - some/many don’t respond to my (lengthy) messages and just post once and go away so I wanted to ask if you will post again before I write in detail.