Anal cancer - lymph nodes secondary reoccurrence -pelvic exenteration questions.

Hi Tansam 

I had a different cancer(mine was cervical cancer which recurred) but your post caught my eye.

I had total pelvic exenteration surgery almost 5 years ago now so would be happy to help answer any questions if I can. My surgery was done where I was told there was a 50% chance of being “cured”. My chances did reduce to 30% in my particular case, but I still chose to go ahead. 

It’s a very personal decision whether of not to go ahead, and I can’t sugarcoat things. It’s a very difficult surgery to go through and has a very long recovery time. Having said that, I had no post surgery complications and have never been readmitted to hospital for any reason connected with the surgery since then.

I’ve never regretted having my surgery because it was my only chance to survive, and though it is tough, I did get through it with a successful outcome.

I’m  happy to answer any specific questions you might have, if you’d like to ask.

Sarah xx

Hello Tansam

I see this is your first post and I am really sorry that you are going through this.  I have no experience and can't offer any help but just wanted to wish you well, and we are here to offer support should you need it at any time.

Irene xx

Thank you for your reply and honesty.

Thank you for this reply

Hi Tansam

I'm sorry I can't help you but just wanted to say hi and wish you luck on your journey. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Tansam ,

I’d just like to offer you a warm welcome to our little corner of the MacMillan Online Community although I’m really sorry that you’re facing this right now. 

I see that Sarah has already replied to your post & she would have been the first person I thought of tagging in my reply as she’s the perfect person to answer any questions you have about the PE surgery. Although the majority of us here haven’t had the experience of this particular surgery remember we’re here to support you however we can. 

Thanks for picking up this post SarahH21 . 

Nicola 

Thank you Sarah for your reply and it is good to know I can contact you with further questions. I have also posted on a PE private Facebook page and had similar answers and offer of help. You are an inspiring and courageous person. All of the responses are making me reconsider my initial answer of no to a maybe so I am sure in the next few months I might have more questions. Hearing how things have honestly gone from a personal perspective actually helps a lot.

Thank you

Thank you

Hi Nikki65 

No problem. It’s not a very common op within the MacMillan community so when I see any posts about it I tend to jump on. Hope I can be of some support here.

Sarah xx