I have been having (Rapido) radiotherapy and then chemotherapy as treatment for my mid section rectal cancer. I had hoped to be one of those for whom this treatment alone would be enough to effect a cure, but although I have responded well, the Oncologist is strongly suggesting that a resection is the best next step. I don't want to have further chemo, which she says is unlikely to have any significant benefits, and I'm now more or less resigned to having the op. My question is - what proportion of these ops are done with keyhole (laparascopic) surgery as opposed to open surgery, and can I request it elsewhere if my surgeon doesn't do it this way?. Secondly, what is it like to have a temporary stoma - how much impact does it have on day to day life? Any tips / hints / useful info?
Thanks
Richard
I guess it’s fear of the unknown Kath when you first face it and can’t imagine what it will be like. I really didn’t give it much thought-just focused on the cancer being out. But my stomas don’t really impact negatively on my life either-except if I have a bag leak or explosion! Neither of them stop me living my life, and that’s the main thing.
Sarah xx
I did too because I had no other option, and I’m so glad to be here still!
Sarah xx
Katz51 & SarahH21
You are both inspirational.
I did think about not getting the op but I knew of someone who refused. It was terrible for his family
Think I’d rather not choose that
I’d say get hit by a bus however living in a village that’s extremely unlikely
I was so relieved when I felt my stoma and that horrid Cancer was out.
Ann
I knew someone who refused my type of surgery too, Ann. Heck, I’ve even known ladies refuse a hysterectomy for my particular cancer. I have to say I never thought about not getting it done-it’s not all that common with cervical cancer as the cancer has often spread outside the pelvis which rules it out, so I knew how fortunate I was to be offered the chance of it at all. Happy days!
Sarah xx
I decided that it was a "no brainer" throw everything offered at it,then I would have no regrets.op,iliostomy,chemo.
It has worked so far
kath
Good luck Juls
Keep us updated and just go with it. That’s what I did focus on getting it sorted
I will be thinking of you
Ann
Having a holiday before is the best prep to be found.
Have a lovely time.
The risks I was told were horrendous but I was then in the fight mode I hated that in my body. Plus I knew they had to tell me every risk possible
Its empowering to know it’s not going to be there long
Hope you have a lovely time
Ann
