MRI results and chat with surgeon

Hello Ally,

Great news that the large tumour has almost disappeared. That’s a great response to treatment and I very much hope that the thickened area turns out to be scar tissue. I know that’s been the case for many of us at the 3 month mark.

It’s also good that your scan results are being reviewed in detail and that the rest of the results will be available so quickly. Very impressive compared to the waiting times in the uk. Your team and sound amazing and despite everything you are going through, it seems that you are in very good hands. 

Of course I am absolutely hoping that the colonoscopy and biopsies don’t show any spread. Rooting for you.

You sound wonderfully positive and it’s good that you are feeling so well. 

Wishing you well for the results and next steps.

xx

Thank you PEB24, hoping it's scary tissue.

Everything is quick here and at first I thought it was a reflection of my medical status. It's not, it's just how the system works. No layers of admin, waiting for letters and test results. Doctors will directly answer your calls and appointments within days.

The slight downside is the travelling to private specialist hospitals and the lack of aftercare when you leave hospital.

My partner has administered injections, supported me with my stoma and he will be my nurse at home, if I do have the op. I couldn't do it alone and it's not for the faint hearted.

If I take ill at home my nearest state hospital is not fit for purpose, so 90 minutes drive and no ambulance available.

I hope we have made the right decision to stay abroad and only time will tell.

Ally xx

Meant scar tissue!!

Hi AllyL , 

It sounds as though you’ve had a great response to the treatment & hopefully the biopsies will be negative & just scar tissue. There’s been many people through this group in my time here that have had EUA’s, it’s not what we’d choose but it’s a necessity to give you peace of mind isn’t it? 

You sound as though you’re in a good headspace & are mentally preparing for every eventuality. I do hope it’s good news for you.

You’re in my thoughts & I'm sending loads of positive thoughts your way.

Nicola 

Hi Ally,

 I think scary tissue is pretty accurate!

 It must be challenging being so far away from the treating hospital. On the other hand, when you do get there the care sounds impressive. It’s wonderful that your partner has been so supportive and willing to learn how to assist you too.

Obviously hoping that you don’t need the op but as Nikki65 says it sounds as though you’re mentally preparing yourself for all eventualities. 
Stay strong xx

Thank you for the support Nicola.

I think the biopsies are a positive thing. I would be left wondering if it is cancer cells, until it maybe appeared on my next scan.

Even if my treatment is not 100 percent, it's almost cleared an anal/rectal tumour measuring 11cm. 

If surgery is required, hopefully better margins and less chance of reoccurancre.

Fingers crossed either way.

Ally xx

Hi Ally

That’s really good news that your tumour has shrunk so much and the treatment appears to have been very effective. The speed things are assessed and arranged really is impressive but like you say the distance and lack of ambulance must be a bit of a concern for you but sounds like you have a very supportive partner so that’s good to hear.

When I spoke with my oncologist, she said they wouldn’t even consider a next step if everything wasn’t clear until after the 6 month point so again there is a difference in how things are done.

Glad to hear you’re staying on top of things mentally and I really do hope it’s scar tissue and not the scary tissue!

Wishing you all the best for the EUA and I’m crossing my fingers with you for a good outcome.

Monty xx

I have been thinking a lot about the 3 and 6 month timescales Monty.

The dilemma, rectal SCC is very rare, so treatment protocol is more sketchy. If I wait and the cancer grows back quickly, it makes the outcome of surgery less positive. The scan also showed one lymph node fibrotic, so it might still contain cancer cells that could metastasis.

When we get the full scan and biopsy results, I am hoping the path for treatment becomes clearer. I suspect 100 percent certain, is never a luxury we will ever have again, after a cancer diagnosis.

Ally xx

Hello AllyL 

Your treatment has been so impressive and I do hope that that the surgery won't be necessary.  I had 'thickening' checked out and it was just scar tissue so I hope that this is the case with you.  But everything that has and is being done is so thorough it must be reassuring.  

If the doctors think there is anything suspicious then it must be a relief that there is no waiting around for a surgery 'slot', it will be all systems go in what is a very short space of time.

But keeping busy and being so positive about it all must stand you in good stead, and I am in awe how you are keeping going.  Enjoy the weather, I am just going out in drizzlieland with my pooch!

I have everything crossed for you.

Big hug

Irene xx