Lower bowel cancer option

Hi Robby63

Sorry to hear that the tumour has returned but good to hear that it hasn't spread,  Your surgical team ha to be the best source as to whether there are any alternatives but I have always understood that radiotherapy doesn't get repeated due to the increase of possible side effects.

I had the radiotherapy/chemo before a lower bowel operation which nearly did the job but happy I had the operation as at the moment I am still ok, four years later.

Which ever way you go with it I wish you a successful outcome.

John

Hi Robby and I’m sorry to hear about your reoccurence. I too was under the impression that radiotherapy couldn’t be used a second time but, to be honest, although it worked for a time, the  cancer has returned so maybe better to get it completely removed once and for all and not have the worry of it returning again?

I know an operation is daunting but the surgeons wouldn’t be going ahead if they weren’t confident in its success. You could always ring the helpdesk on the number below if you’re worried and need to chat it through?

Please let us know how you’re doing and we’re here to support you through this

Take care

Karen x

Hi Robby63 

So sorry to hear you have more to deal with it is good news you have an option to remove it .

Please do email your surgeons secretary. Often we only understand in part especially in the colon / rectum where the location of tumour even by inches can dictate the type of surgical procedure used . There are different techniques for each location that are thoroughly research to give the best overall outcome . Knowing a bit more about the surgery and why they use that technique often helps us understand more the approach being recommended. Especially in the rectum where there is a lot more tissue around the tumour .

They would be happy to give you more information.

Whatever happens hold onto the good news it’s operable. 

Court 

Thank you, I think I'm having one of those down periods, at times, although it may sound strange, I look forward to it and visualise waking up after the operation. Knowing that this is the road now to recovery, then the dark clouds descend.

I had a bowel resection in March, it wasn’t that bad, and I was off the morphine pump in 36 hours after discovering it doesn’t agree with me and the pain was very bearable. The most painful part was coughing! If I ever need it again I would make sure to get up and about asap, if only to have the catheter removed  soon as.  Was in for 7 days mainly because of an issue with potassium.  A week after surgery I was out and about, albeit slowly, even managed a 8k walk, but I wouldn’t advise it, surgeon not happy lol

Hey Robby63 I too am sorry to hear that you’re in this situation for a second time. I had chemo radiation in 2019, and surgery 3 months later. Unfortunately, we all have days where we feel down, and waiting for treatment feels like it’s never going to happen. If you’re fit and healthy you could bounce back relatively quickly from surgery. It will be a case of listening to your body and resting when you need to. Waking up after surgery knowing you can get on with your life is a great feeling. Hang on to that image and you’ll soon be out the other side of this. Good luck for 3rd August.

Totally understandable. It’s a lot to process and work through . You have every right to feel overwhelmed one day and completely focused the next .

Let us know how you get on .

Court 

Hi Robby63

Hopefully those dark clouds don’t last too long, but I fully understand 

I had a tumour removed 7 weeks ago from the lower bowel, and I am amazed how quickly the recovery was. I also had a stoma following this which took some getting used to, but it’s just part of my normal daily routine now.

As CarolG said the op ain’t that bad, and the pain is well managed. Laughing is a bit painful but they gave me a cushion to hold against my abdomen which helped

i walk daily not 8k but it’s a walk lol

you take care and best wishes