Radiation Therapy advice desired

SCduracell
SCduracell Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I had a stage 1 rectal tumor removed and the surgeon is letting the decision on radiation therapy up to me. The surgeon told me today the reoccurrence rate for my particular cancer is 37% and the average time is 18 months. I have a pacemaker, a 100% blockage of my left internal carotid artery, 40% coronary blockage, prior stroke and have had over 50 skin cancers removed in the past few years. I want to enjoy the rest of my life and would appreciate any suggestions or comments on the pros and cons of radiation therapy. Thank you.

Comments

  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #2
    Hi,

    I'm sorry, but I did not have to have radiation so I can't offer any information. However, I send you well wishes for a complete recovery.

    Kay
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #3
    Hi there. I can only tell you what I went thru. My advice would be to speak with the radiation oncologist and weigh the pro's and con's.

    I am a healthy active 42 yr. old woman diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. I went thru 6 weeks (Monday thru Friday) of Radiation along with 24hour a day / 7 days a week 5Fu chemo therapy. I did very well minus the diarreha the last two weeks. ( both the radiation and chemo can cause that). Immodium solved that problem. Radiation does not hurt. You don't feel anything. There is a possibility of some skin irritation. I didn't have any. I think the biggest pain in the butt ( excuse the pun) was traveling to the hospital every day for 6 weeks. Of course, I had no choice and looking back on the whole experience, I realize it was one of the easier parts of this whole mess.

    You do sound like you have other health issues, so again, my advice would be to speak with a Radiation Oncologist.

    Best of luck with your decision.

    Sincerely,

    Barb
  • SCduracell
    SCduracell Member Posts: 3
    #4
    tkd3g said:

    Hi there. I can only tell you what I went thru. My advice would be to speak with the radiation oncologist and weigh the pro's and con's.

    I am a healthy active 42 yr. old woman diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. I went thru 6 weeks (Monday thru Friday) of Radiation along with 24hour a day / 7 days a week 5Fu chemo therapy. I did very well minus the diarreha the last two weeks. ( both the radiation and chemo can cause that). Immodium solved that problem. Radiation does not hurt. You don't feel anything. There is a possibility of some skin irritation. I didn't have any. I think the biggest pain in the butt ( excuse the pun) was traveling to the hospital every day for 6 weeks. Of course, I had no choice and looking back on the whole experience, I realize it was one of the easier parts of this whole mess.

    You do sound like you have other health issues, so again, my advice would be to speak with a Radiation Oncologist.

    Best of luck with your decision.

    Sincerely,

    Barb

    Thank you for your advice and sharing your personal experience. It is a great comfort.

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