Rectal examination or camera?

• I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in July 2022. Since then I have had chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy. The surgeon then told me he advised I should have an APR. Ever since hearing about this from the first suggestion back in August I have gone into melt down.
• I asked if there was any other possibilities. I was offered Papillon treatment which may be a different way to treat the cancer if it was in the right place, right size and right shape. The MDT agreed for the referral to one of the 4 centres that offer it.
• I attended the appointment, the staff were wonderful. However, I was shocked that when the camera was used nothing was found to do the treatment on!
• The physical examination, gloved finger, had found a bump about 6 weeks ago. So now I am confused to have such different findings.
• A different polyp was found but this can easily be removed rather than having life changing surgery.

I would strongly recommend you ask lots of questions and get a second opinion or camera before agreeing to major surgery.