Anyone had an APR after reoccurrence

My surgery was APR for rectal cancer. Have any questions?

Laz

pializ said:

Thanks Laz

how long did it take you to recover from surgery? I know we are all different. It's 50/50 it's come back. Awaiting scans and EUA. Very scared

The surgery was in October of 2013. I had some complication with the wound so they had to do a repair in December. I started chemo  and that kind of dominated the way I felt and recovering from the surgery was secondary. for me it was a big surgery because they took one of my abdominal muscles and folded it into the space where the rectum used to be to prevent the intestines sinking into the pelvis and help to close the wound on the bottom.

in 4 months I felt ok and by last September perfect.

i hope this helps and good luck.

Laz

pializ said:

Thanks

Laz, that is helpful thanks

 

OOO

i live in the UK

 

As long as it's a local reoccurence, & not spread further, I will handle the APR, but this not knowing time is just the pits........

 

thanks again

NOW I remember that you are a Brit. "Chemo-brain" is real and lives!

pializ said:

Tracey, when I saw my oncologist this week she did DRE procedure and could feel a growth at the original tumour site. Awaiting examination under anaesthetic on 20th, plus ct and mri scans to know exact situation. I finished treatment 25th January 2013. I am not scared of APR, but if it's gone further than original site, only chemo then in Wales. Treated as palliative care and considered terminal. Scared??? More than a little. Can't eat, sleep, & working is a trial. Thank goodness I have a few days off over Easter

I am so sorry that you are going through this waiting and worrying.  I think I'd be jumping out of my skin if I were in your shoes.  I am going to keep you in my thoughts through this month.  I wish you didn't have to wait so long for the EUA.

Janet

pializ said:

Tracey, when I saw my oncologist this week she did DRE procedure and could feel a growth at the original tumour site. Awaiting examination under anaesthetic on 20th, plus ct and mri scans to know exact situation. I finished treatment 25th January 2013. I am not scared of APR, but if it's gone further than original site, only chemo then in Wales. Treated as palliative care and considered terminal. Scared??? More than a little. Can't eat, sleep, & working is a trial. Thank goodness I have a few days off over Easter

You are not far ahead of me, I finished treatments March 14, 2013.  In January I had all my 2 year exams including a EUA with high resolution scope.  I thought it'd be a routine have a look and tell you all is ok exam.  Instead when I woke up I was told they did a biopsy.  I was totally freaked out and feared the worst.  After worrying the weekend and most of Monday, I got the results, which thankfully, turned out to be nothing more than inflammation.  I'm sorry you have to wait so long for the tests.  I hope that it turns out to be nothing more than scar tissue and inflammation.  You will remain in my thoughts & prayers. 

pializ said:

The waiting game

thank you for your kind words. It's not easy trying to keep it all together is it whilst we wait? I try to practice mindfulness & sometimes that helps. Also keeping myself busy with tasks to achieve. A 'to do' list helps with that. But other times I just go down that dark route. & boy does that get dark. 

I want you to know that I am thinking of you as you tread water, waiting for answers.  It is so difficult to play the waiting game.  You are definitey in my prayers.

Martha