My story so far: Had a Colonoscopy on the 11th August and was told I have an ulcerated malignant tumour. Had 2 polyps removed and 8 samples taken for biopsy. Was sent immediately from Colonoscopy for a CT Scan. Had an MRI on the 17th. MDT met on the 22nd and I had a follow-up meeting with the CSN for feedback. I was told that there is no metastasis and that the histology was inconclusive. CNS said tumour is pre-cancerous, but needs to be removed, and that treatment would be the same as if it were cancer. Obviously, I felt huge relief.
An appointment was made for me to see the Colorectal Surgeon.
Had the appointment today. He said the MDT thinks the tumour IS cancer, but a further biopsy with a larger tissue sample is needed . I have an appointment for Biopsy under anaesthetic on Monday and a pre-op tomorrow. If the tumour IS cancerous, wouldn't there have been SOME evidence of cancer in the sample that was taken during the colonoscopy? Wouldn't there have been markers evident in my blood test?
Colorectal Surgeon said tumour could be an adenocarcinoma or a squamous cell carcinoma (or both)! The tumour is very low in my rectum/top of the anus and is 4.7 cm in size. He said if it is an adenocarcinoma , then surgery will be the treatment with removal of the rectum and anus and a colostomy bag. If it is a squamous cell carcinoma then chemotherapy/radiotherapy will be the treatment. He said I may need chemo/radio in any case, to shrink the tumour before surgery.
Hence, the continuation of my rollercoaster - it's definitely cancer, then it's not cancer, now it is cancer (again)!
Does anyone have any experience of adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in the rectum/anus? Is there any other treatment option for adenocarcinoma, or am I definitely looking at a colostomy? I am grateful that my cancer is treatable and curable, but am devastated at the thought of the finality of a permanent colostomy.
My head is 'mashed' with the emotion of this. Thanks for reading x
