Possible recurrence three years on

Hello MrsKS 

I certainly remember you and your experience of the APR surgery and also how regularly you came back to help and reassure others who were facing the same surgery as you.  I am so so sorry to hear that you are facing this worry three years down the line when you had got your life back together with your young family.

I think this is unfair too, you are a young mother and have already been through so much.  I am hoping very much that this biopsy (I am presuming it is on the lymph node) comes back clear and the inflammation was just some sort of infection.  You haven't got too long to wait although I am sure that the waiting for next few weeks will be agonising for you until you know exactly what is happening.

Please let us know how you get on, or in fact if you just want to offload.  Don't keep this all bottled up, I am sure many of the others on here remember you as well and we are all here to support you in any way we can.  

Sending a huge hug

Irene xxx

Oh Kirsty (MrsKS ), my heart sank when I read this post. This feels so incredibly unfair. I recall your positivity going through your surgery & the support you’ve given to others facing the same or similar surgery. 

You’re so young compared to many of us here with such a young family, it’s only natural your mind will take you to worst case scenario it’s difficult to try & stay positive in time like this isn’t it? 

I hope the next 3 weeks pass quickly for you so that you have some definitive answers & you know what you’re facing, I’m hoping & praying it’s just some rogue inflammation or something & nothing to be too concerned about. 

You know we’re here to support you however we can so please as Irene has said if you feel like offloading you know you’ve a safe space here to do so. 

You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. 

Nicola 

Hello Kristy,

I am 3 years post treatment with chemoradiation and am now facing APR surgery. I am so sorry this has happened to you. It sounds like you have already been through more than your share. I am praying it is one of the many other possibilities and you will not have to deal with any more treatment. 

KIndly,

Kathleen

Hi Irene,

Yes that’s me! And while I do still feel I made the right choice three years ago with surgery I almost wish they had offered me chemo at the time in case of any stray cells…although I am sure three years ago I would have said the total opposite. 

Yes the biopsy was on the lymph node - they managed to move it to last Thursday so at least it’s out the way and I am now waiting for the results impatiently.

I am hoping to find out either way this week so I can know what is happening going forward. I feel more positive now I have had the biopsy as at least it is out of the way! Whatever happens I just hope to be done and dusted before Christmas as somehow I would feel better if this was not hanging over me into 2027!

Thank you for your kind words and for the offer of support - I suspect it is a recurrence so will probably need to come back for some advice too!

Kirsty x

Hi Nicola,

Thank you very much. My gastro consultant didn’t seem too concerned and seemed to think it was probably inflammation but the scan did look a bit dodgy so just waiting to hear back now. Really hoping it will be this week and then I can move forward - as with everything cancer related, waiting is the worst part.

I really appreciate your thoughts xx

Hi Kathleen,

I am so sorry you are in the same position, albeit the other way round from me.

If it is of any help, the surgery is not easy but was not as bad as I had feared. I found that as long as I kept on top of my painkillers I really was not in a huge amount of pain, although my blood pressure was a problem. I also religiously followed the advice to eat/drink enough protein and firmly believe that is what helped me to heal well. 

Please be kind to yourself and if you have any questions about APR I am happy to help. It’s a big surgery but it is manageable and worth it to get rid of the cancer again.

Kirsty xx 

 MrsKS 

Will be waiting with you to find out and I hope you don't have to wait too long for results.

Irene xx

Hi Kirsty,

Thank you for your encouragment. I am hoping for you the waiting isn't too much longer and you find there is nothing else for you to do. I met with the reconstruction surgeon yesterday and I feel there is nothing more for me to do but accept the situation and do my best to recover. They are planning on taking the anus. I was hoping that would remain because I fear the recovery. I was told I would not sit for 8 weeks. I have worked hard to get into shape. Lots of exercise/protein etc. So I am hoping for the best. How long were you in the hospital? Was walking hard at first? I just cannot even imagine how it is going to be down there and how it will heal. I am 2 days away from the surgery so just getting lots of little errands done. I do want the chance for a cure so this is worth it.

Kindly,

Kathleen