Local Excision vs Surgery

Netgent
Netgent Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello, everyone. I am new to this group but need some information and support. Has anyone had the local excision? I am 62 and in good health except for my rectal cancer. It was discovered in October, went through chemo/radiation. Radiation has almost destroyed the tumor, just a spot now. The surgeon initially thought surgery would not be necessary (local excison instead), but now is afraid of spread to lymph nodes and wants to do the full surgery with temporary bag. All CT scans and PET came back clear. I am afraid of the surgery, never been in a hospital, cannot remember being sick even with a cold. Oncologists told me I was one of the healthiest patients they ever had. Took Xeloda with few side effects. Radiation went well. Am I being a wimp? Enough said, thanks up front.

Comments

  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #2
    Surgery
    Why don't you go for a second opinion on surgery..If for nothing else but a peace of mind..Then if the other doc says its best then consider it and weigh the pros and cons and then decide..Good luck to you and let us know how you make out.....JULIE
  • Netgent
    Netgent Member Posts: 4
    #3
    Julie 44 said:

    Surgery
    Why don't you go for a second opinion on surgery..If for nothing else but a peace of mind..Then if the other doc says its best then consider it and weigh the pros and cons and then decide..Good luck to you and let us know how you make out.....JULIE

    second opinion
    Jullie 44, This is the secocnd opinion. The first surgeon said that there seemed to be no spread of cancer beyond the wall, but she still wanted to do the surgery with no chem/rad. The ultrasound she performed was questionable in one spot. It really did not seem to be a very clear picture of things. I asked about a less intrusive surgery and she sent me to a well regarded surgeon. That surgeon looked at the tumor and confirmed that local excision could be done, but he sent me to an associate of his who did another very strange ultrasound, machine malfunctioned, I was left in an inverted position for a long time while they repaired the machine, oh well. The surgeon completed the ultrasound, but his picture of things suggested my tumor was more advanced and could have lymph nodes too close. No local excision, but surgery. He sent me back for chemo/radiation. That really went well for me, no trouble at all. Tumor is all but gone from radiation treatment.
    My insurance limits my ability to go other places, but the second opinion surgeons are well regarded. The strange ultrasound, where they went off and left me upside down for a long time has hurt my trust. Not that it hurt me all that much, it just put a question mark in my mind. I am scared of burning bridges as this may be as good as it gets for me. It has been a bit of a ride for me that I do not want to take time to discuss here. Thanks
  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #4
    Netgent said:

    second opinion
    Jullie 44, This is the secocnd opinion. The first surgeon said that there seemed to be no spread of cancer beyond the wall, but she still wanted to do the surgery with no chem/rad. The ultrasound she performed was questionable in one spot. It really did not seem to be a very clear picture of things. I asked about a less intrusive surgery and she sent me to a well regarded surgeon. That surgeon looked at the tumor and confirmed that local excision could be done, but he sent me to an associate of his who did another very strange ultrasound, machine malfunctioned, I was left in an inverted position for a long time while they repaired the machine, oh well. The surgeon completed the ultrasound, but his picture of things suggested my tumor was more advanced and could have lymph nodes too close. No local excision, but surgery. He sent me back for chemo/radiation. That really went well for me, no trouble at all. Tumor is all but gone from radiation treatment.
    My insurance limits my ability to go other places, but the second opinion surgeons are well regarded. The strange ultrasound, where they went off and left me upside down for a long time has hurt my trust. Not that it hurt me all that much, it just put a question mark in my mind. I am scared of burning bridges as this may be as good as it gets for me. It has been a bit of a ride for me that I do not want to take time to discuss here. Thanks

    Surgery
    Well the only other thing I can think of to tell you is if you have family around to discuss it with them than decide as a family on what to do next...Everything seems always to be so difficult to do anymore doesn't it??? Good luck to you....JULIE
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #5
    To cut or not to cut
    2 of 3 surgeons said surgery. Better safe than sorry. Tina
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #6
    geotina said:

    To cut or not to cut
    2 of 3 surgeons said surgery. Better safe than sorry. Tina

    Well, you asked.....
    Im 55 and I hate surgeries also, but during the surgery they did find through testing that I had no lymphnode involvement . 22 were removed and some were burnt to a crisp from radiation but the ones that were sent to pathology came back all clear. If I were you, and Im not but if I were, I would opt for the surgery, unless your a gambler. If your not then 62 is certainly not old, if you did the surgery and found that there are no lymphnodes involved then your road will be a good one. If you don't do the surgery are they going to biopsy the nodes and have them tested ? You can't tell by just looking...enlargement still doesn't tell you anything , cat scratch fever (as they called it) will enlarge the nodes as will most all infections. The only way to tell if its in the nodes is through biopsy or surgery and have pathology test them...I think surgery would give you the "for sure" answer you are looking for. They will remove nodes surrounding the tumor (or lack there of) for clear margins and will send them off for testing. It all depends on the choice you make. Good luck with your decisions and we're here if and when you need anything at all.....Love and Hope, Buzzard
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #7
    Welcome
    It sounds like you've done pretty great so far. If I were you, I wouldn't risk the good health by not doing everything you can to be sure of no more cancer. I'd do the surgery.

    It's your call, of course, but let us know what you decide and how it goes. And welcome to the board!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Netgent
    Netgent Member Posts: 4
    #8
    tootsie1 said:

    Welcome
    It sounds like you've done pretty great so far. If I were you, I wouldn't risk the good health by not doing everything you can to be sure of no more cancer. I'd do the surgery.

    It's your call, of course, but let us know what you decide and how it goes. And welcome to the board!

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Avoiding the obvious
    I think I am just trying to avoid the obvious decision by making excuses, blaming minor, meaningless issues, etc. I do not hate my surgeons, it is just hard to imagine such a life change. My sister died a little over a year ago from liver cancer and when I got home last week from visiting my surgeon, I got a call that my brother, who has fought cancer for years had taken a turn for the worse and was not expected to survive much longer. It was tough week. I am the youngest of the family and have an older sister who seems to have avoided cancer so far. I am having the surgery for my family, especially my wife of 40 years. I just want to get it over and move on with life, just like everyone else. Thank you all soooooo much for your replys. It has meant a lot to me. Netgent
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #9
    Netgent said:

    Avoiding the obvious
    I think I am just trying to avoid the obvious decision by making excuses, blaming minor, meaningless issues, etc. I do not hate my surgeons, it is just hard to imagine such a life change. My sister died a little over a year ago from liver cancer and when I got home last week from visiting my surgeon, I got a call that my brother, who has fought cancer for years had taken a turn for the worse and was not expected to survive much longer. It was tough week. I am the youngest of the family and have an older sister who seems to have avoided cancer so far. I am having the surgery for my family, especially my wife of 40 years. I just want to get it over and move on with life, just like everyone else. Thank you all soooooo much for your replys. It has meant a lot to me. Netgent

    Netgent
    a few people don't take advice as well as you do, and in my post I may have seemed a little "harsh" but it was well intended. In this forum people that post become family so we treat them as such. We only wish the best for you.....I have an ostomy and wear a bag permanently...It is something that I have gotten use to and now its simply another thing to do during the day. The surgery is easily done and may even be done laproscopically, which means less healing time....and we all understand about bad weeks.......usually from diagnosis to completely done with all but followup blood draws every three months you look at 1 year ...chemo and radiation/ surgery/ post op chemo if needed...if not then your looking at possible 6 months...then resection and getting back to "the new norm"....but the knowing "for sure" is worth it all..........Buzz.....
  • maryjane
    maryjane Member Posts: 71
    #10
    It's your call--after you've gathered lots of information!
    I could really relate to your posting. I, like you, have been in perfect health and getting diagnosed with rectal cancer was a real shocker. I took a month to GATHER INFORMATION and got 4 opinions before I decided to GO WITH THE LEAST INVASIVE SURGERY and no chemo or radiation...yet! I'm relieved that I found a surgeon willing to remove my cancer without having bags, 2nd surgeries, etc. My physical Recovery has been very quick. My emotional recovery is taking longer. And..I have not made any decisions yet about chemo. But..I am in a cancer research group at a local university which is providing me with enzymes and supplements to build up my immune system. Make sure you gather lots of info prior to your decision! WE ARE THE ONLY ONES IN CHARGE OF OUR BODIES!
    maryjane
  • 1survivor010
    1survivor010 Member Posts: 8
    #11
    Second Opinion
    I am new to the group but i can relate to your concerns and a need for a second opinion.I ended up getting a second opinion from a doctor in Toronto who was an Oncologist Surgeon.It means having to get copies of your scans and medical history for a small cost, however it was the best thing I ever did to put my mind at ease. The doctor confirmed the same avenue of treatment as my team of doctors in Winnipeg and so i went ahead with a liver resection after chemo and then seven months later after 28 days of more chemo and radiation i had the rectal surgery and a ileostomy[ which is going to be reversed in March}Getting yourself well informed is the best way to make good decisions.
    Good luck
    Dave

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