Rectal cancer

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Had surgery to remove the tumour 02/05 and they checked 27 lymond nodes and found 1 with 2 cancer cells anb no cancer cells found next the to tumour

based on this started Chemo - then had a CT scan last week, then they arranged for an MRI (45 mins) on Tuesday 
Spoke to consultant and they stated that the surgery failed to remove all of the tumour - now cheom is being extended and will need to have radiothermoy.
Is this common for them to say that there isn't any cancer cells in surrounding  tissue and then say that they left part of the tumour?
  • Hi Pete B, I have no experience of the issues you raised but I'm sure you will get lots of information from people who do. Just wanted to say, I'm wishing you good luck with your treatment outcomes. Kerry 

  • Hi  The tissue and surrounding area that is removed is tested by the pathology lab and they provide the results from the sample that they are sent. I suppose they would not be aware that this was not all the tumour and have provided the information on what they have been given - it is only when the scans have been analysed that they seen that some of the tumour remains.

    Hopefully the chemo will be effective and a blast of radiotherapy will obliterate it once and for all. I can imagine this has come as a shock and disappointment to you especially after such a long operation so please give the support desk a ring for a chat if you’re struggling or need more of an insight?

    Hope you tolerate the chemo well and please keep us posted?

    Take care

    Karen x

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm