Alternative to APR surgery

Hi Marie have you looked at Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy all alternatives to surgery xx

Hi

i’ve already had chemo & radiotherapy. 28 days of each in Nov 2024 which is the standard initial approach. I was hoping someone on here was aware of an alternative. 

Hello Marie73 

I am really so sorry to hear your news; this is so disappointing for you after 18 months clear.

I am afraid I can't help as this is outside my experience; I am only aware of the APR surgery as more radiotherapy isn't given in the same area.  My guess is that your surgeon is concerned that there may be more cells in the area that would not yet show up on a scan; but I stress that is only a guess.

I hope that someone else on here can give you details of other options, but it would also be a good idea to talk it through with your surgeon in more detail.

Please let us know how you get on.

Big hug

Irene xx

Thanks Irene 

Chemo on its own can be effective carboplagin and paclotaxel are very effective I had APR last year and they didn't get it all so I've been offered either more surgery or immunotherapy ,I've had 1 injection so far of immunotherapy so don't. K.ow yet how effective it is .

Most people are successful with surgery you have to deal ide whi h is your best option.I was in hospital for 3.weeks and they say recovery can be 3 to 6 .months if your tu.our is small it might no be too 

Take care xx

I’m sorry you’ve been through all that and they didn’t get it all. I thought if they removed everything that was it. 
they said what showed on the scan is only small so I am hoping it’s just scar tissue. 
to be honest the surgery terrifies me. 
were there complications after your surgery if you don’t mind me asking, as 3 weeks in hospital seems longer than what I’ve read. 

No i was fine I libe on my own so wasn't going home until I could walk up stairs etc 

Hi Marie73 ,

I’m so sorry that you’re going through all of this worry at the minute. It’s such a rollercoaster of emotions isn’t it?

I’m no expert & only know what has been offered from others experiences here but if there’s a recurrence it seems that APR surgery is the next step & I think this is why once we’re done with treatment we’re often handed back to surgical care for the majority of our 5 year surveillance. 

If you’re in any doubt at all about next steps don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

I've got everything crossed that your upcoming biopsy only finds scar tissue.

Please keep us updated if you feel up to it.

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Nicola 

Hello Marie73

For anal cancer I have only heard of APR being offered in the UK. However I have heard of SABR being used to treat reaccurances of rectal and colon cancer.

From what I understand they calculate the timescale between treatment, look at the size of the cancer and SABR is sometimes possible due to the precision of that type of radiotherapy. 

I really hope it's scar tissue, but if it's not, enquire further and maybe a second opinion from a hospital that offers this type of treatment.

Ally

Thanks Nicola

yes I’ll do an update when I have more information x