6 month MRI scan

Hi Jeenie2001 ,

I’m so sorry that your 6 month scan didn’t bring you better news, it’s an absolute rollercoaster isn’t it?

We've a few people here that have been through the APR surgery & have recovered/are recovering from it, the most recent I think is Weekend Walker , hopefully she will see this & will offer some advice. We also have MrsKS  who has always been really supportive of others facing this surgery after going through it herself. 

I hope you don’t have to wait long for your scans etc., & things are dealt with quickly for you.

Sending lots of hope & strength your way. 

Nicola 

Hello Jeenie2001

I am so very sorry to hear this news so soon after the clear results of your three month scan, I am not surprised you are bitterly disappointed.  Your team sound very much on the ball, which is good and I will be keeping everything crossed that the scans are good apart from the recurrence of the original tumour.

I have no personal experience of an APR but there are a few people on here who have had the surgery and I am hoping that they pick up on your post and offer you encouragement and advice.  All I can do is commiserate that you are having all the stress and upset all over again, such is the rollercoaster of cancer.

Sending a big hug

Irene xx

Hi Jeeannie I had an APR in March and was inhospital for 3 weeks it is major surgery and I'm still not fully recovered 

Sitting is very uncomfortable and I only started driving about 2 weeks ago.

I live on my own and can manage took after myself

At first the district nurse changed my dressings every day then alternate and now 3 days a week.

It is a very long process and can take 6 months to a year 

Hope this helps 

Wendy 

Hi Jeenie2001,

 I just want to say how sorry I am to hear of your scan results. This must be absolutely devastating after getting the all clear and my heart goes out to you.

 I know that you will get helpful information on here about APR surgery and very much hope that your upcoming scans don’t show any spread. 
Big hug to you x

Hello Jeenie2001

So very sorry to hear that your cancer is back.

I hope you get all the information and support you need, to get through this tough surgery.

Sending hugs and positive thoughts.

Ally xx

Hi Wendy thank you for your reply.  It took me so long to recover from the previous treatment,  to be honest I'm only just picking up the reins of my life and thought I was doing OK.  This has really knocked the stuffing out of me . My husband has been very supportive and I don't know how I would've got through this without him. I'm very lucky to have him, I know he'll look after me and help me anyway he can. 

It not the pain etc that scares me, it's the feeling of helplessness and uselessness that really gets to me.  I was a strong independent woman and the thought of having to rely on other people doesn't sit well with me.

Thanks for the reply, I will be strong and do the best I can.

Jeenie xxx

I'm a strong independent woman and the diagnosis does knock you for 6 but your young and you've got a husband I'm 71 and widowed if I can do it you can I've got a good support network of friends and neighbours who ha w helped the main thing is don't give up and don't worry about having a stoma I've had mine 2 years and just get on with it it wad a shock at first but you can live with it 

Anything you want to ask just ask and if I can be of help that will be great

Take Care 

Wendy 

Hi Jeenie,

I am very sorry to hear that the cancer has returned - what a terrible shock for you after a clear scan, I am not surprised it has knocked you. 

As Nikki65 mentioned I had APR surgery in 2023 and I can’t lie and say it is easy but it is doable and the aim is for a curative approach so it’s the best possible chance to fully get rid of the cancer. I documented my experience quite a lot so you can click on my profile and have a read if you find that useful. The worst part for me was the hospital stay - once I was fully awake I just wanted to be at home! But with hindsight I should have stayed for longer and I think my recovery would have been quicker. 

Anyway, these are all things that can wait until you have further information and a proper plan. The main thing is that I would like to reassure you that life can continue basically as before if you want it to with a stoma. It’s short term pain for hopefully long term gain.

Please feel free to send me a message if you have any particular questions. Thinking of you. Kirsty x