Hi, a quick summary… I was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer Nov 23, temporary ileostomy Nov 23, 5 day radiotherapy Jan 24, Folfox chemo Jan - March 24, op to remove the tumour and bowel resection June 24. I still have the stoma and I’m hoping for a reversal but have been told by the surgeon that as I no longer have the tumour then I’m at the bottom of her priority list for theatre slots, which whilst true, also feels harsh.
When I was discharged after the op in June 24, the surgeon said I would have a post-op check at 6 weeks, followed by a scan to check the join 6 weeks after that, which would inform her decision about the stoma reversal. Her check-up was delayed to 11 weeks, mid Aug 24. I phoned the hospital yesterday to see if there was any news on the date for the scan and was told March 25, which is much later than I’d be led to believe and will delay the stoma reversal too. I’ve always been told the reversal is the final part of my treatment plan and I really want it to happen & feel ‘me’ again.
The surgeon’s secretary and the cancer specialist nurse don’t return phone calls which is really frustrating …I feel in limbo and don’t have a point of contact. So I’m hoping that somebody here will know if that is a typical wait time from op to scan, June - March??? Or from seeing the surgeon post-op to scan, Aug - March???
Thanks, AlbaH
