Hi. Its been about 3.5 years or so since my treatment for stage 3 AC that had also spread into 2 lymph nodes.( treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy) . I have just had my routine check up with my oncologist and after the dreaded examination I was expecting the usual NED. She said my lymph nodes in my groin appear quite enlarged. She requested an emergency Ct scan. I hadnt even gotten home when I had a call from the hospital saying could I come in on Friday ( my oncology appointment was on the Wednesday) . Obviously I said yes and although i was grateful for it being so fast, I also wont deny i was a little scared. I have been having pains in that area but tbh I am always in pain in my hip and pelvic area so although it has felt a bit sharper i haven't really thought it as a change. I went for the ct scan then the following Tuesday ( last week) I received a letter requesting me to go for an anal sphincter mri scan which I have tomorrow.
At my appointment where consultant found the enlarged lymph nodes she did say it could be thickening from the radiotherapy or even an infection that my body is trying to fight but they need to investigate further. I keep telling myself that it is going to be ok. I am a bit worried that I have been asked to go for the mri after ct . I have not had a scan for 15mths but all my physical examinations have been ok so I am remaining positive.
I struggle with my bowels and bladder still.. I still bleed when I open my bowels. I also have accidents as the radiotherapy has damaged my sphincter. The colorectal surgeon was hoping with exercises it would improve but it hasn't. I said i feel it sometimes can affect my quality of life as in I always have to know where theres a toilet, I wont have anything to eat if I am in a place where I wouldnt be able to go to the toilet easily as many times if i need to go i need to go . Also i cannot hold wind in either and apart from being embarrassed, i sometimes pass mucus too. He asked if my life was affected to the point I would need a stoma as that is my only option. I am left thinking is it affected enough to go through more treatment or do I just carry on as i am..??. Anyway thats another story lol ...I just need to get these scan results first then can look at anything else another time.
Just wanted to write it down. I feel that no one really understands how you feel unless you have experienced it.
Thanks for listening guys x
Elaine
Hi Trv22 ,
Firstly I’m sorry that you’re going through all of this worry right now although it’s really impressive how quickly your oncologist has organised further investigations. Hopefully you’ll get the results just as quickly, I’ve everything crossed that the results are all negative.
Regarding consideration of an elective stoma, I spoke with my oncologist a few years ago about supporting people here that were still having ongoing bowel issues some years down the line from treatment & his response was the same, he said to advise them to have a conversation with their Dr’s about an elective stoma as in certain cases it can hand you your life back in situations where bowel issues are chronically limiting how you lead your life.
Nicola
