Advice/experience for a friend

ksmithj4917
ksmithj4917 CSN Member Posts: 2 *
in Colorectal Cancer #1

My dear friend had a total collecting and rectal pouch created as a result of ulcerative colitis when she was young. She received news earlier this year that she had developed adenocarcinoma of her rectal pouch. She was initially told the plan was for radiation chemo then surgery that would leave her with a permanent ileostomy. She has been through her radiation and chemotherapy and has shown a COMPLETE response to therapy! Here is the dilemma…her doc is now saying she has the option to “wait and watch” which would mean no surgery and follow up every 3-6 months for a scope and MRI. All along the plan has been surgery, she had accepted it and come to peace with having the permanent bag. Now she is very confused as what route to choose. Anyone have similar experience and any advice? I might add she is very young in her 20’s. Still hoping to build a family.

Comments

  • ksmithj4917
    ksmithj4917 CSN Member Posts: 2 *
    #2

    ugh autocorrect! …**total colectomy

  • mak1970
    mak1970 CSN Member Posts: 38 Member
    #3

    You are such a good friend for helping with this, and I am so happy that the chemo/radiation was successful! Methinks that since she is hoping to build a family, she should consult with ob/gyns that can evaluate her situation; this may also require some time to let the radiation damage heal. Unfortunately, this will be challenging since the U.S. health system does not produce doctors that are overly competent (meaning they will take the time to research thoroughly), but they are out there if you keep looking (of course then the challenge is the U.S. health insurance system). The change to a wait and see is really good news because it does buy time, since it is not recommended unless it is a viable (though not guaranteed) option.

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