Lower rectal cancer

Hi Pez2. Yes it often entails a stoma to allow the rejoining of the bowel to heal. The stoma can then often be reversed however it depends how low your tumour is and how much is left after the surgery. Sometimes a stoma is made before treatment starts if there is a chance that the tumour could block the bowel.

You will be able to discuss this in your meeting with the consultant. The chemoradiotherapy is used to shrink the tumour before surgery to get it as small as possible so the surgeon can get it away with clear margins ie. a cancer free area around the tumour. They will probably also discuss whether they intend to do keyhole or open surgery.

Hope the meeting goes well - write down any questions you have as it’s easy to be a bit like a rabbit in the headlights!

Take care

Karen x

ps I think nymph nodes is a much nicer name for lymph nodes - sounds friendlier

Hi Pez2,

I think everyone is different and I’m not sure there is a “normal”. It did mean a stoma for me. The surgeon said it was for two reasons - firstly, I was to have chemo before an op and having a stoma would reduce irritation of the tumour by bowel movements. Secondly, my 4.5cm tumour was only 1cm from anus so any op (and soon the tumour) would compromise the anal sphincter and I would be incontinent. A bonus was that the stoma deals with the side effects from chemo of constipation and diarrhoea much more easily than a rectum with a tumour in it. So I was given a “permanent” stoma, which is a misnomer because they can still reverse it. I was extremely lucky that the chemo made my tumour disappear, so no need for an op after all. However, because there is a 1 in 3 chance of the cancer coming back in the next year or so, they won’t reverse the stoma yet. There is also the possibility of radiation damage which might make me incontinent. My surgeon said we could discuss it at every 3 monthly check-up and keep an open mind. I would quite like a reversal (so I can be “normal” again!!) but at the same time the stoma is really not a problem if it does become permanent.

Hope this helps x

Thank you. Well I have dates to proceed now. He has said a stoma would be fitted but due to cancer location probably will be permanent. It was a long afternoon and lots of information to digest.

Thank you. Long afternoon. Have dates to go forward now. Will have stoma but thinks permanent due to location of cancer.

Try not to worry too much about the stoma.they really are managable and you get lots of help and advice both in the hospital and available afterwards .I have had mine just 2 years now and it really hasnt stopped me doing anything.

All the best

Kath

In same position probably my stoma will be perm because of location of tumour in rectram. To be honest after 3 weeks of stoma in place I have found to my surprise my life is now a lot easier. No more accidents and the pain level in my rectram has reduced by about 60 per cent. Can actually have small walks with the dog. Never thought I would hear myself say thank god for the stoma. Good luck in your treatment and I have found this page so good for support 

Thank you for your reply. I must admit now I just want to move as quickly as possible as feel this has been drawn out. I know they have to do scans etc then meetings but it has been a long 13 weeks waiting.

Hi Pez2

I was on a similar situation my little !@#$@! of  tumor was only 5cm into my rectum. My surgeon said he'd do his best to remove the tumour and keep my back passage, but that I should prepare myself for a permanent stoma.  I just kept emphasising that I trusted his judgement but really didn't want a permanent stoma. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and he managed to remove the tumour with a good margin and preserve my back passage. I know it's still early days but I am hopeful my stoma will be reversed as planned in 3 months and I will be able to poo through my bum again. So don't give up hope! 

Take care

Mellyx