The bag

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Tracy figg
Tracy figg Member Posts: 36
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi every one well does any one no how long the surgery is to have a bag put in and how long well i be in hospital after. My doctor appointment isnt till 20 april but its been a long road seence they found out im allergic to chemo. I just want it over i want a plan in place all i have left is this surgery.

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  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
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    Tracy figg

    I am very sorry to hear that surgery seems to be your only option at this point.  Have you given any thought to seeking a second opinion to find out if there are any other chemo drugs that could be used?  I don't know if that's possible for you, but MD Anderson's Dr. Eng or Dr. Berry at University of California/San Francisco would be my recommendations.  Perhaps your doctor could at least do a phone consult with one of these doctors to make sure any other options are not left on the table.  That's just a suggestion. 

    I cannot answer your questions about APR surgery with colostomy.  I'm sure it varies from case to case as to how long the surgery takes and the length of post-op hospitalization.  If this turns out to be your only option, I hope it will go well and that you can adjust easily.  Please keep us posted and know that I have you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Martha

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #3
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    Tracey figg......

    Hi,

    As mentioned, I am wondering if there might be a different chemo drug that could be tried before surgery? I would at least ask your doctor to call Dr. Eng and if (he) will not you may want to seek what is usually referred to as a patient advocate to assist you with that.

    That being said, sometimes surgery is still necessary. I have had a colostomy bag for over 5 years as treatment for anal cancer. There are several ways to perform this surgery and it depends on each individual case in how it is done. Basically, a healthy part of the colon is brought through an opening that is made in the abdomen where the bag system is attached. The recum and anus are removed in complete resection but in some cases (like me) left intact but not in use. Healing and adjustment is different for all, but do plan on taking some time to get used to things. Hospital time is usually about 5 days (I think) but much longer to heal at home if complete surgery. Over the next couple months you will then need to pay attention to certain foods that digest differently and that you may want to avoid....but in time it all becomes very natural. Know that there are also many different manufacturers of bags so whatever brand they use in the hospital, is not the one you need to stick with. I will forward more info on that if you need it later.

    Ideally, its nice to meet with what is known as a "wound care or stoma nurse" before the surgery to discuss details of this surgery and your options after. Not all areas have this specific training in their nursing though....but do check.

    I can understand your want for this all to be underway and a plan in place.....the emotional part of this whole journey can be exhausting! I do recommend as part of your own plan, to ask once more, about a different chemo, and then you will be set to move forward whatever that may be.

    katheryn

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #4
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    Dear Friend,

    About 2.5 years ago I had APR surgery and colostomy. The surgery would have been about 5 hour long, but I opted for an extra procedure when they took one of my abdominal muscles and folded it into to the s where the rectum  removed from. This added another 4 hours. All together I was in the hospital for 6 days. 

    Wish you all the best,

    Laz

  • Ouch_Ouch_Ouch
    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch Member Posts: 508 Member
    #5
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    Hello, Tracy figg..........

    Another option for cancer treatment or for a second opinion is the Sloane Ketting Cancer Center in Manhattan. They and MD Anderson take turns being the the number one cancer center in the USA. There may also be another major center in your part of the country. Contact your closest American Cancer Society branch for information on that.

    There are more drug options available now than even a few years ago. Even oral drugs instead of IV. If you find you must procede with surgery, though, you really should get a referral to a good stoma nurse as soon as you can. You receive lots of guidance, recommendations, tips, and support that the MD cannot provide.

    All the best!

  • nicotianna
    nicotianna Member Posts: 209
    #6
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    Tracey Figg

    Hi Tracey - I am so glad that you have kept us posted on how you are doing.  I agree with Martha & others about getting another opinion about your care.  I am not an expert but there are other chemo drugs that may not cause an allergic reaction and are recommended for AC.  Did you receive mitomycin & 5 Fu?  You will not get the benefit of radiation therapy either if APR (anal-perineal resection) is done.  I think having a colostomy is tolerable but the better option is chemo/radiation.  Best wishes!

    Nic

  • Tracy figg
    Tracy figg Member Posts: 36
    edited May 2016 #7
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    Yes i did ask about other

    Yes i did ask about other chemo drug i was told its the only. And thats way they are doing surgery thanks eveey one .i well get thought this but my suregy date so far away it to long of a time to think i just want it over. But i welll be here for my gran son first birthday and my fifth in july.

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