Let the Radiation Begin.

lisa42 said:

Wishing you the best
Hi Mike,

When I had my radiation last spring, I would spend my time on the radiation table to pray and concentrate on the treatment. I would pray each time for "minimum side effects and maximum effects on the tumor". I did have some side effects, but they really were not nearly as bad as I thought they'd be. I didn't get any burned skin until the last treatment or two. I had some diarrhea, but not nearly as much as I was warned about (although keep the immodium on hand in your car and with you at all times). That didn't hit me until more than halfway through. I found when the diarrhea did hit, using diaper rash ointment for the skin burn around the anus helped the most (sorry to be so graphic, but we're being real here).
Yes, as you said, it's all part of the cure- so you'll get through it!!

Blessings to you as you begin this next phase-
Lisa

tumor disappeared
I forgot to mention in my above post that my rectal tumor had what they called a "complete response"- it completely disappeared from the radiation/chemo combo!!
I remember asking my radiation oncologist towards the beginning, "if my tumor disappears from the radiation, will I still need the surgery?" She looked at me kind of funny and told me that she wasn't expecting the tumor to disappear and just reminded me that the radiation is to "shrink and soften the tumor to prepare it for surgery". Well, she was sure surprised when the endoscopic ultrasound six weeks after I finished radiation DID show that it disappeared!!
I know it doesn't disappear on everyone, though, so even if it does just "shrink and soften", that's a good thing, too. I just wanted to give you some hope, because I do know one other person who's tumor also disappeared from the radiation.

Take care & best wishes to you!!!
Lisa

menright said:

Disappearing Act
Lisa:

Thanks for the hopeful story and congratulations. What a wonderful story of hope. Did you have surgery? I have wondered the same thing.

Thanks,

Mike

No surgery
Hi Mike,

No, I did not have the rectal resection surgery. I had been told by my surgeon that she always does the surgery, even if the tumor goes away. I read online that's what most doctors do also. Then, after I found out my tumor did shrink away, I was desperate to find out if any doctors decide not to do the surgery if it disappears. I researched online & did find a few. Apparently, more doctors are starting to believe that it isn't always neccessary to remove that part of the colon or rectum if there's no more tumor. I talked to God and said, "Lord, why would you give me this miracle, just so I still have to go through the surgery, have a bag, etc.? Couldn't you get into the head of my surgeon and convince her I don't need it?" Literally, late that night, I got an email from surgeon saying, "Lisa, I've been pondering your case and going over your pathology reports. With no evidence anymore of cancer in the rectum, I see no reason at all to put you through this surgery." Whoah- I screamed to my husband when I saw her email. So, no, I haven't had the surgery, but we're watching me carefully & I know I will need it if I ever have a recurrence there.

I've had a recurrence in my lungs (I'm stage 4), but not in rectum. The one surgery I did have was a liver resection this past May (which I healed from very well).

Again, if this happens to you, wonderful- but again "softening and shrinking the tumor" is still a good thing.
God bless you and protect you from any severe side effects as you go through the radiation.

Lisa