Newly diagnosed Rectal Cancer

Hi . Sending you a big hug to start with as I remember how scary it can feel but we’re here to support anyway we can. I’m not sure if abdominal perineal excision is the same as an abdominal perineal Resection but I’m going to tag in a couple of the guys who have had the latter and will be able to share their experience and monzaman

You can also search for key words or APR in the search box at the top of the page and it will bring up previous posts

Take care

Karen x

hi Jabby, sorry for the position you are in as I remember it well, although under different circumstances, (have a read of my profile) well for a start your age is massively on your side, fitness is a big help in how your recovery goes but not essential, it is a large op and takes a lot of time to recover from with plenty of ups and downs, to my surprise the stoma and the bag side of things were actually the easiest part of the journey, I would say that expect anywhere from six to nine months before you get back to something like before op, but you are a lot younger than me, up to now I am doing well apart from a small hernia which a lot of people with stoma's get, so get a support belt sorted sooner rather than later, it is a daunting journey but very doable and you can get back to very close to a normal life, In late summer I did a charity ride from Manchester to Blackpool so it might seem like it is life over but far from it, I will give you as much help as you need, take care cheers john.

Hi Jabby, 

Hope you're doing ok, getting your head around all that's happening right now. I was

Hi Jabby,

Hope things are starting to settle in your mind following your diagnosis. So many things go through your mind at this time. I was 46 myself when I was diagnosed, and that was in 2012. I was told at the point of diagnosis that my treatment plan was going to be chemo, surgery and then possibly more chemo. I had 2 tumours, one low down and one higher up, so that meant the APR and that then meant a permanent colostomy. Perhaps your surgeon feels that due to the position of the tumour, its better for the full APR and colostomy? I had my surgery in September 2012, and returned to office-based work in January 2013, although in hindsight, that was too soon. Allow your body time to heal. Don't worry about the stoma - it will become second nature to you. I didn't even know what a stoma was until I was told I would be getting one! If you've any questions at all about your surgery, or your stoma, just ask. One good thing about having the permanent stoma is that you should be able to move on to a procedure called irrigation - your stoma nurses will know all about that. If you can do that, you should - it will give you so much more freedom and confidence. Take care, and don't be afraid to ask anything of anyone!

Linda :-)

Thank you so much Karen for the encouraging words 

@cyclingjohnny thanks a lot for your message, I will take all your advise, I had a successful operation yesterday but I am shattered beyond belief, will be in touch more when I do recover a bit, it seems I can't sleep and very uncomfortable as had a plastic surgeon do reconstruction etc 

@loobyloo2207, Hi

I don't think one can ever get their head together however I noticed the key to this is faith

@loobyloo2207 Wow, what an amazing journey and yes I have loads of questions to ask as I am venturing into the world of unknown, I had my procedure yesterday and have so many thing connected to me, I guess the only thing missing is probably handcuffs, I would like to discuss further with you as try to settle in as right now I am 100% dis orientated, I will be in touch in next few days, thank you so much for sharing your story 

Hi Jabby. Wishing you a very speedy recovery from your operation. I had my stoma, (permanent colostomy) in July 2019. I was devastated when my surgeon told me that I had to have it. I spent 5days in hospital. Recovery was not too bad. It was followed by 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. I got used to the stoma quite quickly and have no real problems with it. I have gone back to work full time and only really have to be careful about heavy lifting. Anything you want to ask just do. I know I'm quite a novice myself but if I can help in any way I will.

Love Kim xx

hi Jabby, no doubt you are feeling like you have been in a car crash,but just focus on one day at a time, I found that my first noticeable upturn was after about day seven,I went home the following day and things seemed a lot more positive once I was back in my home surroundings, just keep plodding on take care cheers john.