Help please!!!!!!!!!!

1 minute read time.

Hi I have just had a polyp removed from my anus, it came back as showing signs of invasive cancer. I had my appointment yesterday with the consultant, I was told that luckily the cancer has not travelled to any other parts of my body which I know is incredible, but and there always seems to be a but, he told me that I now had a decision to make.

In 90% of people with the same as myself the cancer is all gone when the polyp is removed but in 10% of people microscopic cancer cells have gone into the glands behind the anus. So I have to decide whether I am in the 10% or the 90%. I can either trust that I am in that 90% and do nothing or have my anus and glands and surrounding area removed which will leave me with a colostomy bag for life.

I am so confused at the moment as I see it this is such a colosal decision on a small chance that I have microscopic cancer, but can I afford to take the risk? I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences or indeed anyone that knows of an alternative to having the surgery that would erradicate the chance of possible cancer cells spreading!!!!!  

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi fairykat, I am just wondering if you have been offered chemo. All cancers are treated differently. It may be worth while asking. Sorry I can't be of more help, but you need to talk to your medical team and see all the options that are available to you. I am sure someone who has gone through this will get back to you soon....love Carol x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Fairykat - whilst we travel along our cancer journey we have many difficult and though provoking decisions to make.  It can be vary scary and take over every waking thought.  But you can get on top of this and time is a wonderful thing.  I have recently had to make a big decision and I took the time to listen to the views of all the people around me, took all their thoughts on board and then sat down and made the decision that was right for me.   It may not be the correct decision but we are all different and I know it was the absolute right decision for me! So there are no right or wrongs in this journey, no doubt there are good days and bad but give yourself a bit of time talk it through and you will come to a decision that is right for you.  I have recently had surgery as it is the only treatment for my cancer and its been tough I wont lie but more emotionally than physically but I am out the other side smiling and looking forward to whatever life throws at me - feel free to private message me if you want to chat more - good luck take your time we are all here if you want us

    Tabitha xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    hi fairykat, i wish i had some words of wisdom to help you, but unfortunately its one of those decisions you have to make yourself, you have to do what is right for you,im sure with the help of your doctors and family you will come to the right decision for you

    good luck

    xoxoxxo

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi fairykat,

    That's a big decision they have landed you with, no mistaking that. Have they explained what might happen if you don't and you are in the 10%? As in how far it could spread and what you might be in store for in that instance?

    Have they done a PET scan? it doesn't show up absolutely everything but is the best scan they can do to see if there is anything left behind. Ask loads of questions as not every doctor volunteers up info, sometimes you have to do your own research and probing too.

    Fingers crossed for you. Hope they make things a little clearer for you.

    Michelle xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Fairykat,

    This is a decision probably the biggest descision of your life. If I where you I would read up on everything there is to know about Cancer of the anus

    and the possibilities that lie ahead.

    Grab your Consultant and ask him to be honest with you what he would do if he where in your position. Good Luck.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xxx