Saw consultant today

Hi Eisey and a warm welcome to the board from me. Chemo radiotherapy consists of radiotherapy and the chemo is capecitabine in tablet form - it is quite a low dosage and is used to enhance the effect of the radiotherapy. Lots of people diagnosed with rectal cancer have this before surgery and it is often very successful at shrinking the tumour which allows the surgeon to get it away with clear margins. I’ve attached a link to the Macmillan page below. You might like to buddy up with  who is also just about to start the same?
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/chemotherapy-for-bowel-cancer

There can be a few side effects but I found it to be very doable. The radiographers keep a close eye on you and they will give you creams to apply to the area being treated and tablets to combat any diarrhoea. The capecitabine can make your hands and feet a bit sensitive so keep them well moisturised with Aveeno with Shea Butter or Udder Cream.

Thankyou for filling in your profile! I’d just like to add that size does not matter! Stage 3 means that the tumour has grown into the bowel wall but not through it so no spread to other organs which is good. Like you I didn’t know anyone else with bowel cancer when I was diagnosed so this board became a lifeline. I was T3 N1 M0 and became good friends with 2 ladies who had the same staging and we helped each other through it - this was in 2016, we’re still good friends and still cancer free.

If you click on my name then you can see the treatment that I had but feel free to post with any questions and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen, I was on here recently but managed to block myself ! I’m a nightmare. With anything technical. Thanks for your advice it’s really helped me xx

Just read your profile,, that was some journey! So pleased you are all clear, it really gives me hope xx

Hi Eisey,

My diagnosis was very similar to yours - T3bN2V1M0 rectal tumour.  I am about 9 months ahead of you. Be assured they will have discussed your treatment at an MDT meeting and had input from more than just one oncologist as to what is best for you. I was told initially that I would have chemoradiation but they changed their minds and I had chemo (Capox) then radiation, with the aim of shrinking the 4.5cm tumour before an op. I found the chemo very challenging but everyone is different. I am one of the 10% who have a complete response to chemo,  ie the tumour disappeared so I no longer need an op. The nasty old chemo was worth it!  If it had just shrunk the tumour it would have made the op easier and the post-op outcome more positive, so still worth doing.  You can guess that I am an advocate for pre-op chemo and radiation - I know I am very lucky that it worked for me.

Please do have a look at my profile. I agree with Karen062: this Macmillan forum is invaluable for help, advice and huge support. You are not alone!
Best of luck with your treatment, big hug x