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I know what you mean I assumed as they cut out most of my rectum and 24 lymph nodes that chemo was just mopping up anything left behind but my Oncologist talked about 25 to 30 % reoccurrence even after chemo. I feel statistics have been against me all the way so the thought I will have to go through it all again doesn't sound great.

I suppose we all have a different journey but are here to help and support each other.

It's better to be closely monitored because the treatment for small lesions is so much simpler. 

Sounds like they are taking great care of you. Keep strong.

Best wishes Carog

Dear Veggie lady, I wrote a reply to you yesterday and it disappeared ! Maybe I didn't click the send button ! I was empathising with your disappointment. I've had most of my rectum cut out and at present am suffering from 'phantom rectum' even so they can't guarantee it's all gone hence the chemo.

It does sound like they are taking great care of you and doing everything to get rid of any rogue cells.

Keep strong, 

Best wishes Carog

Thanks Carog. It is a shame there are no guarantees for us. Phantom rectum sounds horrible, you poor thing. It’s amazing what tricks our brain can play. After my initial biopsies I felt like I was sitting on a golf ball - I just couldn’t get comfortable. Then the pain disappeared overnight, half way through my first chemo cycle. 
i thought of another tip for you: one of the possible side effects of Capox is neuropathy and the skin peeling on hands and feet. I started massaging E45 Cream with Primrose Oil (from Tesco) into my feet, first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It kept the peeling away and I am convinced it helped with the neuropathy, particularly in my toes as they were hardly affected. 
Sending positive thoughts and a hug on this wild and blustery day xx

Dear Veggie lady,

Thanks for the hints. I both want to start and don't want to start chemo. The side effects sound horrible but hopefully as the weather improves it might not be so bad ? 

My tumour made me feel like I needed to go urgently so was hoping I'd feel better after surgery. Sadly not.

I hope your radiotherapy goes well.

Take care

Best wishes

Carog

My story is very similar to yours , only I wasn’t aware beforehand . So when I woke up and was told it was cancer and I had an irreversible stoma I was devastated. I went into denial , I wouldn’t look at it or change it , I was horrified .

I soon came to realise if I didn’t I couldn’t go home , I was in hospital for 14 nights . I had 3 major ops in one , so a lot of other things going on at the same time, I was totally overwhelmed. It took me a good 3months to adapt , but I can honestly say it is amazing , like you I can do a change in 5 mins .  I honestly wouldn’t have it reversed even if I had the choice .

I wouldn’t use the radar key or the disabled toilet , I felt embarrassed, but I do now , it comes in gain when the ladies are queuing up at the toilets and I don’t have to.  X

Hi Deblorraine, it sounds like you have had a rough time, what a shock it must have been. But very well done for coming through it to be so positive! It seems that for most of us it is a difficult journey, but reading about others with the same problems on here is such a help.  It is great to hear how happy you are with your stoma after such a hard start. Very best of luck with your future treatment. Big hug xx