Rectal cancer and results

Bop. Hi Helen. Wow that’s a good result from the chemoradiotherapy. I had LAR with temporary stoma in November 2016. I was in hospital a week and then recovery is usually about 5 weeks. I had a few complications along the way so I’ll try and advice you on what would happen normally. Surgery may be keyhole or open which will no doubt be discussed with you in your pre-op. Mine was changed from keyhole to open as the surgeon said it would be easier for him to make sure he got everything away. Although recovery from keyhole is initially quicker he said they have pretty much caught up with each other by week 3 or so. The nurses will be keen to get you out of bed and taking short walks. I had a catheter in for a couple of days but that was removed which made getting about a bit easier. Be cautious with your diet for the first few days as the bowel can stop working (ileus) resulting in vomiting so keep it light.

The nurses will initially empty your stoma but you will be visited by the stoma nurses and they’ll make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the bag before discharging you. You’ll also have regular check ups with them and they’ll give you lots of support. 

Once home you won’t be able to lift anything heavier than a kettle with 1 cup of water in or drive for 6 weeks. Try to take short walks but don’t overdo it as things will still be settling down inside. Stick to a low fibre diet initially but you can start introducing new foods as your stoma settles in but dont forget to chew, chew, chew.

Hope this helps but if there’s anything specific you want to know about then please ask

Take care

Karen x

Thank you im so nervous I meet with surgeon on Friday will let you no how things go x

Hi Bop (Helen). Such good news about shrinkage. Karen062 has given you good advice and I can’t really add to it, but thought I’d let you know how my operation and recovery went

I had a keyhole LAR with temporary stoma in early January this year, before starting chemotherapy in early March. Like Kareno62 I was in hospital a week, I had a blockage which caused vomiting but it was quickly sorted out also had a problem with stoma bags leaking but once we got the right bags etc that was also sorted. I had very little pain and it was controlled with paracetamol (I didn’t need anything stronger). The nurses get you out of bed asap and don’t be surprised how weak you’ll feel and as Kareno62 says you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than a kettle with little water in, nor will you be able to drive until you can safely do an emergency stop – usually about 6 weeks. It was so good to get home and have good food and I recovered quite quickly once home.

My advice would be to be as fit as possible before the operation as this will help you to recover quickly. Be kind to yourself after the operation and don’t put too much pressure on yourself but get mobile as soon as you can.

The nurses take care of your stoma and bag initially and will ensure you know what you’re doing with it before discharging you with supplies and will then set up an ordering/delivery service for you. Your stoma will probably shrink over the first 4 weeks or so before it settles down. Stick to a low fibre diet until things have settled down then you can gradually introduce new foods and I second the chew, chew, chew mantra!

Keep us posted on how things are going and ask anything. There’s a huge amount of support on knowledge on here from people who understand what you’re going through.

Take care of yourself.
Net77 X

Thank you will keep u posted x

Hi, I had a LARS 4 weeks ago. I am walking 30 mins plus a day, I can drive( my consultant said it was ok) I am coping well with my stoma and waiting for my chemo to start.

The only problem I have is something called ' phantom rectum' which there isn't much info or advice about. I am controlling it with pain killers.

A few pieces of practical advice don't take lots of stuff in, the hospital provide most of it and it makes finding everything difficult  when you have drips on. Take a very long lead for your  charger for your phone. I took crisps as a snack and some squash as you are advised not to drink plain water. At the hospital I went to they wanted to do an inventory of my bag the morning after surgery while I was still feeling very tired and a bit fuzzy in the head so take a list of what you take, it will save time !

My stoma worked fine more or less straight away but watch what the nurses do to clean and change it so you learn how to do it. 

Good luck with your surgery, you'll be amazed how quickly they get you sitting up and then walking with drips and drains in place !!

Best wishes,

Carog

Thank youx

I can I ask if you had open surgery or keyhole my surgeon wants to do open but I'm not to keen hope you are keeping well helen 

I had keyhole surgery but even so  i have  5 scars , four due to surgery and one because of the drain. When you say you're not keen what do you mean ? They try and do the minimal damage so you heal quicker.. if they suggest open it's because of the location of your tumour. You can always get a second opinion but I think if you like and trust your surgeon , follow their advice. They want good results.

Lar thay have only offered me open surgery with the hope thay can reconnect mite have to have temporary ileostomy if all goes well im 53 with asthma and osteoporosis suffer with agoraphobia thanks helen xx

Gosh, you have a lot to deal with. I have a temporary ileostomy. It takes a little while to get used to it. My daughter- in- law gave me a great book called 'My other bag's a Prada' by AW Cross. It's full of practical advice but with humour. Good luck with your op, have you got a date ?