Rectal Cancer - Lymph Node Recurrence - Any advice and/or stories to share?

Hello everyone!

I am brand new to the message board.

I am a 37 year old male who lives in Los Angeles.

I was diagnosed with Stage One T2 N0 low rectal cancer in May of 2010.

In July of 2010, I had a lower anterior resection surgery. The da Vinci surgical machine was used to perform my surgery.

I had an ileostomy bag for seven weeks following the surgery. The ilesotomy reversal surgery was performed on September 7, 2010.

My many follow-up appointment with my oncologist went well, as did my CT scans.

At the end of this past October, I had a routine CT scan. It had been a full year since my last scan.

This recent scan showed that the cancer had metastasized. There is a new 2.8 x 2.1 cm left external iliac lymph node that is cancerous. This is, basically, near my left hip area.

I have been told this is technically called a "Stage 1 rectal cancer with a lymph node recurrence". My oncologist said the staging is the same as whatever my original staging was in 2010.

I have been told that this new adenocarcinoma is very, very likely something that metastasized from my original rectal tumor before my surgery in 2010.

They are currently comparing my recent biopsy to my pathology "block" from 2010, to absolutely, positively confirm that it is from my rectal cancer.

My oncologist's purposed plan of treatment is 5.5 weeks of radiation - which would include taking xeloda.

Then after a break from completing the radiation treatment - I would begin 18 weeks of chemo. I would be given xeloda again. And, I would receive oxaliplatin by vein once every three weeks.

He doesn't feel that my new cancer can be cured surgically.

And, he is uncertain that the radiation and chemo can rid my body of the cancer cells 100%.

He says that I am a rare case. Rare, due to the fact that the stage 1 cancer has returned. And, even more rare, is the location on my body where it has metastasized.

This afternoon I have an appointment with the doctor who performed my resection surgery in 2010.

This Friday, I will be seeing the radiation oncologist that my regular oncologist referred.

I plan on getting, at least, 2 or 3 more opinions from other oncologists.

I am posting here today for two reasons.

One is to share my story with my fellow colorectal cancer brothers and sisters.

And, two, is to see if there is any advice that you guys may have to share with me.

I am open to any and all advice and information that you are willing to share.

Please let me know of any Dr's, hospitals, clinical trials, etc that you may be aware of.

Thank you very, very much for your help and time.