Has anyone had a APER Surgery im stressed out done 5 weeks capecitabine and radiotherapy mri next week and ct scan to see if it has downsize it was 4.5 cm take care xxxx
I was diagnosed with stage 3 low rectal cancer in June 2019. I had the same treatment as you- 5 weeks of radiotherapy and capecitabine to shrink the tumour in preparation for an APR. The tumour didn't shrink - in fact it grew further into my levator muscles. This meant my APR became more complex and I eventually ended up having an ELAPE procedure in December 2019- a type of APR but with plastic surgery to replace the levators. The operation was challenging- about 10 hours- but successful. Took me about 6 weeks to recover from the op but it was not painful- just felt very tired all the time. I then had a 3 month post op Xelox programme - a mix of capecitabine and oxaliplatin chemo- to target any residual micro cancer cells that maybe in the pelvis. It wasn't too bad- unpleasant, but the side effects were manageable. I then got the all clear in September 2020 and fingers crossed am feeling fine. I can fully understand you feeling stressed out but am sure you will be fine with the APR. I have met many people who have had the APR, and its all gone smoothly so am sure you'll be fine with it. Good Luck, Sean
Thank you so much im only 52 and I've got ostiaperosis and asthma now this im and the thought of having a stona scared me I just hope I can cope with the changes I suffer with agoraphobia to im so happy your treatment went well will let you no how mri goes take care and thank you its good to talk to someone xx
Hi Bop. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in February 2019. I also had 5 weeks of radiotherapy alongside Capecitabine. My tumour shrunk and I had APR surgery in July 2019. I found I got the hang of the stoma really quickly. It's all trial and error in the beginning but it's amazing how you cope. It's saving your life so treat it as your friend. I had 6 months of adjuvant Capecitabine following my surgery. So far my ct scan and colonoscopy have been clear so I'm hopeful that it's behind me now. Please try not to worry too much. It really isn't as bad as you think it will be. I'm back at work now and coping well. I'm sure you will too.
