T2 rectal tumor

  I'm 2b Rectal Cancer And have a Colostomy 

I'd say you will know more after the surgery. If they are saying Stage 2 now there's a good chance for full recovery.

Best of Luck to you, don't stress out over it.

It's a real emotional roller coaster. I was freaked out.

I'm much calmer now.

I think you are on the right track thinking of going into surgery as being in training.  It is best to go in strong, and that helps with a fast recovery and increases your chances of living without a recurrence.

It is a stressful and difficult time for you, I am sure.  Keeping a journal, for some reason, is helpful. Maybe putting your private thoughts into words helps you to categorize and deal with them.  Anyway, I started one presurgery and I still write in it every day.  Meditation can also be helpful.  If are not familiar with it, you might read the short book "You are Here," probably available at your library.  Also, I find exercise and solitude (like long walks alone) to be very helpful.  Also, it is not unusual to feel depressed. It would be unusual if you did not.  Give yourself room to feel what you feel. 

Sorry you are in this circumstance and good luck with your upcoming challenges.

Read my history.  It may be a bumpy ride, but it is doable.  And i'm sure you are much younger than I was when I went through it. Best of luck!!!

I know its easier said than done, but try not to think about it. Like distract yourself, immerse into reading some stuff or marathon watch some series or movies.  The good news is that its at worst stage 2, so there's a very strong likelihood that after the surgery and if your surgeon did a good job, you'll be cancer free by then.  

I had no choice but to undergo surgery.  Just imagine someone being pre-conditioned that the mass was cancerous while lying on the operating table--it was very stressful (not to mention I was already in severe pain and my surgeon was late for 3 hours ).  I can't explain my feeling then.  I had no one to talk too so I just laid there and pray.  Pray that my surgeon finally arrives and that I come out alive after the surgery.  After that, I had reason to rejoice.  At least, one hurdle down.  Next is the chemo.  Take one step at a time.  You're done with the surgery before you know it.

 I was in a similar situation, totally freaked out by diagnosis of rectal cancer following routine colonoscopy with no symptoms.  Had trans-anal surgery to remove tumor, then second surgery to confirm clear margins.  That was four years ago when I was 61.  Had no Chemo or radiation. Biggest issue I had was conflicting recommendations, one major center telling me I had stage 3 due to swollen lymph in area, another major center telling me stage 1. Four years later all follow up tests clear.  It will get easier, I promise! 

My ileostomy was temporary as mine was rectal cancer and it lasted about 9 months and then a reversal.  I'm understanding your being bummed out about it as it is a shock to your dignity and "self" just are compromised.  Dealing with it about 9 months was a struggle but you learn to deal with it and then you become more comfortable with it.  Let me tell you now after my reversal I'm going up to 15 times a day.  I'm limited to where I'm able to go and at what time of day.  I've got to watch how far a bathroom is from me and I'm never EVER able to go eat at a restaurant.  Everything goes right through me or possibly could, but usually does.  I'm bound to being around a bathroom and if anyone occupies it, I'm nervous.  You can get a second opinon if you want which isn't a bad idea.  Don't let this get you down as if you can be cancer free that's all that matters.  Wishing you well and if you ever have any other quetions, please ask.

Hugs!  Kim

Cindy225 said:

In Training

I am a runner too and trained for this journey like a marathon.  Started with T1 rectal tumor that turned into Stage 3B once LAR completed and pathology came back with 7/13 lymph nodes involved. Darn tumor was sitting on a blood vessel so off it travelled through the rectum lymph system. Fortunate to have done the LAR.  That said, have a temporary ileostomy that I am getting reversed July 28. It's been a bit of an arts and craft project but you figure it out and establish a routine. But now it's time to say bye bye Baby Stoma!  I realize it will be a long process but my surgeon made the decision along with my Onc not to do radiation so I am hoping that will improve my bowel functionality.  Doing 100 kegels a day (should be doing more) to strengthen sphincter mussles. Had 12 rounds of Folfox and finished June 9. Scans were NED.

After surgery and while on chemo, I ran the whole time and when I couldn't due to wearing the pump I walked.  I ran a 5K on June 11 and finished.  Running with the ileostomy is OK.  Got a stealth belt but compression pants work fine.  Need to stay hydrated.  Signed up for another 5K in October so hoping the reversal will be under control to complete.

Prior to my dx I ran a marathon, half-marathons, 10 milers, 10Ks.  So starting off with a 5K was humbling.  Couch to 5K great app to get your butt in gear!

This journey requires going the distance. Meditation, positive thinking, exercise, friends and family, CSN make all the difference.  Key is to keep fighing.

Cindy 

Awesome - that is great that you are so active while going through all this.  Inspiration to this board.

Kim