Recent Open APR surgery

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Cap10kos
Cap10kos Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hello,  I am first time poster.

 

On Nov 10,  I had Open APR surgery for my stage 3 rectal cancer.

i am writing this from my phone while laying on my right side.   

I have a lot leakage from my perineal incision which is clear and red (Not infecred).   I also have a fair amount of pain while sitting and leakage increases the more I move/walk.   How long did this last for others in this forum?   Any advice?   

A couple days after surgery,   I was told bt my surgeon that he took out a dozen lymph nodes and a couple were cancerous.   I am very depressed about this since I was staged UT3N0.   This depresses me daily as all of chemorsdiation and surgery might only delay the inevitable.  This makes me scared too.

i am looking for advice on how to speed surgical recovery.    I will not be allowed to proceed to hard chemotherapy till this is healed.     I am worried the cancer is spreading while I recover.

Thanks for your help.

Take care,

Dan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    edited November 2016 #2
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    Welcome to the forum

    You are expereincing all of the normal fears that come with such a devestating diagnosis. Be kind to yourself, and allow the horror of it all to settle.  I beleive their is a time of grieving, after a Cancer diagnoisis, or any life changing diagnosis. 

    I cannot help with the anal discharge, as it is something that I did not expereince. I'm sure there are others who will come along and post thier advice in that area. 

    As far as healing is concerned. My advice is, if you are cleared from your Doctor, WALK WALK WALK. Start with just around the bedroom, if it is bad, then progress to around the house, and then around the block. Walking is such a great way to heal.  But again, I do suggest you talk to your Doctor about the leakage and pain, and make sure that he too thinks walking is the way to go. 

    As for the leakage and walking, I would suggest wearing Depend underwear (or something like that). I lived in them during Radiation, when I could not control my bowel.  They would work well for leakage. 

    Eat as healthy as you can, but don't cut down or out or worry about weight. Build your body up as you prepare for Chemo. 

    And for the fear of Cancer growing while you wait for treatment, I remember feeling that way myself. I had to wait from November 23rd to January 13th and all that while I thought for sure the Cancer was growing. I could even 'feel' it. Of course, it was all in my head. The Oncologist assured me that my particular Cancer had taken years to grown, and a few weeks would see no new growth.  

    The body does need to heal. Chemo is not nice, and you don't want to go into it with any kind of open or unhealed wounds. 

    Back to your emotions. I think, once treatment starts and you are 'doing' something to fight the beast, your emotions will settle down. I did have a problem when I went to bed, such a dark time and I could not get to sleep. Guided imagery worked like a miracle for me, and that led to meditation. I have not looked back. It doesn't work for all, but its definitely worth a try, as it really takes you into a peace that you need to find as you move forward. 

    Be sure and keep lists of things to ask your Oncologist. All concerns and fears. Be sure to check with him before you add exercise, supplements and the like. 

    Listen to your body and your heart. 

    Good luck as you go forward. We are here for you. 

    TRU

  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #3
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    No Colostomy?

     

    (APR Info: http://www.texasoncology.com/types-of-cancer/rectal-cancer/surgery-for-rectal-cancer)
     

    It appears that the most positive results for longevity after diagnosis of rectal cancer is the total removal of rectum and anus, along with any other colon that is involved. It would require either a colostomy or ileostomy for the balance of one's life.

    Rather than radiation/chemical therapy, have they suggested surgery alone, with the ostomy outcome?

    I did not have rectal cancer, I had stage four colon cancer (2006). I've had an Ileostomy since 2006. Hated it at first, and it's been relocated three times (due to blockages/resections) since 2006, but looking back, it was the best change to suit the needs then, and now.

    If I were you, I would seek another opinion from a qualified colorectal surgeon PRIOR to any advancement of any treatment. You have options that may improve your chances for survival. Please take some time to get that advice? And DO NOT fear an ostomy.

    Best hopes for you,

    John

     

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