Rectal cancer stage 2

theresa8
theresa8 Member Posts: 61
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi, I'm new on the board, my husband was diagnosed with rectal cancer stage 2A on October 7.
Since then he has received five weeks of chemo radiation to reduce the size of his tumor which is high up the rectum (good, no colostomy the Dr says) He is now resting for his operation scheduled on Feb 1. The chemoradiation went very well except for the last three days where he ran a little fever. He is now in top shape. You'd never know this man has cancer. My question for you today is, what can we expect in the days to come... we see his onco on January 19 and I'm sure he'll answer our questions. The holiday season took our minds off his cancer but we are really anxious of the days to come. I read when I first came on this board of someone who had the exact same cancer and stage I,d love to hear from her.
Our hopes are sky high and I love the positive attitude of people on this board. My husband is 63 years young and in top shape he's an avid sportsman and loves all sports. How come it happened to him ???

Comments

  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #2
    Welcome
    Hi Theresa and welcome to our community.
    I know there are folks on here who can answer your questions better than I can but I just wanted to say hi. My husband's cancer was at the other end so he did not do radiation, he had surgery 3 weeks after he was diagnosed.
    Your question at the end is something we have all asked, "How come it happened to him?" I know we have all tried to figure that out and I don't think any of us have come up with a good answer. However, the fact that your husband is very active can benefit him. I know that **** being very active, jogging, walking, surfing, boating, during this time has helped him physically, mentally and spiritually. Also, studies have shown exercise decreases the chance of the cancer coming back (I think Dana Farber did the study.)
    Best to both of you. I know you will get more specific answers from others with similar experiences.
    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • theresa8
    theresa8 Member Posts: 61
    #4
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    The Invader
    I am sad to hear the invader hit twice at your home. I'm going in for a colonoscopy on Jan 18 since I've always had issues with my colon and I just pray mine id fine since I have to care for my husband in the coming months. I just pray that I'm fine. As for now I feel very healthy and I'really taking this journey one day at a time.
  • beachinmom
    beachinmom Member Posts: 73
    #5
    theresa8 said:

    The Invader
    I am sad to hear the invader hit twice at your home. I'm going in for a colonoscopy on Jan 18 since I've always had issues with my colon and I just pray mine id fine since I have to care for my husband in the coming months. I just pray that I'm fine. As for now I feel very healthy and I'really taking this journey one day at a time.

    I had stage 1 Rectosigmoid
    I don't know if my story is the one you are looking for or not. I don't post real often on this board. But, I did have stage 1, rectosigmoid. Mine was about 15cm from the analverge. I did not have radiation. I had a resection followed by 6 mos of FOLFOX because i had a high grade tumor and lymphovascular invasion.

    I think most people who have had FOLFOX could give you an idea of what that treatment is like. For me, i was tired for a few days each treatment, had problems w/ cold...really hated drinking warm things after a while. But, today, i have no cold or neuropathy, only a few bone aches.

    My biggest challenge w/ folfox was low neutrophils for which i ended up taking neupogen shots up to 8 w/ each treatment. That was a pain and caused headaches and bone aches...but i just wanted to complete the treatment and i did for which i am thankful.

    I am NED today aftr my diagnosis in 5-08. I just had my ct in December.

    My tips....room temp water available, room temp juice, gloves by the freezer, socks and warm pj's., biotene toothpaste and wash, warm hats---i lost a lot of hair, good lotion, A&D for the occasional diahreah, liquid immodium on standby, good reading material, tv in the bedroom, journal for the many introspective thoughts produced during this time, ready to eat food--easy to prepare, prayer from many behind me, people to help w/ my kids, a recliner in the living room to be with family, a camcorder to remembr the things i forgot during treatment, a good oncologist and nurse team.

    Wow that was exhaustive...let me know if you have any more questions. Sorry, i really can't help you w/ the rad's, or how that effects treatment.

    Good luck....
  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    #6
    RC at 63.
    I caught a case of stage 2a rectal cancer at 63, also (67 now). Small world. I can't tell you exactly what to expect, since I had chemoradiation after my surgery (which is unusual). I had open surgery -- LAR (low anterior resection) -- and was 10 days in hospital, but it's typically closer to 5 days, I think. I had no real problem recovering from the surgery; just got bored watching the Food Channel in the hospital. Being active should help. I guess he'll probably get another dose of chemo after the surgery.

    --Greg
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #7
    PGLGreg said:

    RC at 63.
    I caught a case of stage 2a rectal cancer at 63, also (67 now). Small world. I can't tell you exactly what to expect, since I had chemoradiation after my surgery (which is unusual). I had open surgery -- LAR (low anterior resection) -- and was 10 days in hospital, but it's typically closer to 5 days, I think. I had no real problem recovering from the surgery; just got bored watching the Food Channel in the hospital. Being active should help. I guess he'll probably get another dose of chemo after the surgery.

    --Greg

    A friend at our Church had the same surgery......
    and that was 15 years ago. She is doing fine and no, you would never know it......Sounds like hes doing good.......Love and Hope, Buzz

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