Big decision pending - any thoughts?

2010-02-18T14:20:45Z

Hi,

In late October 09 I was diagnosed with cancer, with a large tumour in my rectum. The first stage was to go into hospital for a colostomy which, whilst unpleasant, has had a beneficial effect on my health as in the run up to the diagnosis going to the loo was either impossible or extremely uncomfortabe. The next stage was a course of 5 weeks radio therapy and chemotherapy (by tablets) to shrink the tumour. The resulting scans, which were done last week, proved the tumour to have responded less well than hoped and to show that it is in very close proximity to my prostate and bladder; although there seems to be some uncertainty whether what is showing up is actual tumour or scar tissue from the radio/chemotherapy. There is also some swelling of my urethra. This doesn't mean the cancer has spread to those organs (though it might have) but it does mean that in the current scenario both prostate and bladder would need removing to be sure of either eliminating any spead or prohibiting it. As the bladder removal can't be done at my current hospital I am being referred to another. I would appear to have 4 options:

Do nothing and let the body carry out its own healing enhanced by a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Wait a couple of months and have another scan to see if the tumour shrinks further which means a far less extensive operation could be carried out.
Have major chemotherapy to inhibit the tumour.
Have the major operation as soon as possible to remove the tumour, rectum, bladder and prostate. My stoma would become permanent and I would need another device to take away my urine.

All four options are fraught with risk but some more so than others.

Has anyone been faced with a similar dilemma? Has anyone had this sort of surgery? Has anyone any advice or comments.

Thanks for any help.

zornman

Big decision pending - any thoughts?