Stage IV rectal cancer

Bumnomore

I was diagnosed officially in Aug 2024. But my PCP felt the mass during a digital exam she preformed and due to pain 4 days after my 50th birthday. I have had 12 rounds of chemo and 28 rounds of radiation. I also had surgery in Nov 2025 due to pain and other unpleasant symptoms. It’s daunting having stage iv. The tumor was 2.4 cm from the outside world and the size of a lemon. There were several nodules in my lungs and a spot on my liver. I have an excellent oncologist. She has done this for many many years. I know she’s trying to manage my expectations but it’s depressing hearing how treatment is for palliative care; that surgery isn’t usually done for stage iv because it will not be curative. My surgery was done for QOL. Idk. I’m just venting I guess. It’s difficult contemplating my own mortality. I try to be positive Polly but there are days and nights, like tonight, where negative Nancy takes over.