Good news... now a decision

8 replies
117 subscribers
648 views

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May T3N1, I had radiotherapy with chemo them CAPOX for 4 cycles rather then 6 due to the impact of the side effects.

I had a CT scan which showed the lymph node had responded to the treatment and an MRI on Monday.

the Colotectal nurse called me today to say that they can no longer see the tumour but will do a procedure to take a biopsy.
the options will then be having the op resulting in a stoma or doing the watch and wait .

im minded to have the op as I'm nearly 66 and the thought of it returning and having to do the treatment all over again when I'm older doesn't fill me with enthusiasm!

Has anyone had this experience and of ao

how did you make the decision for the op or not?

when I was diagnosed it seemed like the worst news ever, 8 months on and some good news at last

court over 1 year ago

Hi Doris58

Wonderful news . You are a top responder . I will have a look to see if others are available to chat as it’s always better to do that with someone who understands the complexity of your situation although this time in a good way .
I know just the man .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

court over 1 year ago in reply to court

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/general/204006/the-big-question-with-watch-and-wait
Jogey started this thread which will give you some insight. I have also tagged Jogey for you as they are a good friend to this forum and very helpful .

Take care ,

court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Kell Sug over 1 year ago

Hi,

I am so pleased to hear your fantastic news that treatment has worked.

My husband got good news yesterday too, the tumour has shrunk dramatically and they are very happy to do the op to remove the last of it.

He has a camera in the next few weeks to see which op is going to be done.

It has been the worst year, but hopefully 2024 will be fantastic for us all.

So glad we both had good news.

Take care and keep in touch Kell xxx

Doris58 over 1 year ago in reply to court

Thanks! I've just read through the thread. It's a tough decision but now I have some more specific questions to ask the oncologist on the 20th so really helpful thanks again

court over 1 year ago in reply to Kell Sug

Well done Kell Sug . This is wonderful news too . Lovely to hear this today .

Send him our very best and will keep an eye out to hear of him coming safely through surgery .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Doris58 over 1 year ago in reply to Kell Sug

Hi Kell

thsts amazing news! It's been a long few months but hopefully we have a better 2024 to look forward to

court over 1 year ago in reply to Doris58

Great . You want to be informed and get as much insight as possible . Options bring their own issues ! I am Sure with your teams input you will come to the right decision for you .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Jogey over 1 year ago

Hi Doris58,

I had a complete response to radiotherapy back in 2018 i.e. the tumour went completely after radiotherapy. I was 60 years old.

I was given the option for surgery or watch and wait.

I chose watch and wait as my surgeon at the time told me there was not greater risk of a poor outcome with watch and wait compared to having surgery.

This has worked out well so far as I have not had a recurrence and four and a half years later I have normal bowel function and have a normal life as before the diagnosis.

I'm the first to say that I have been very lucky but certainly it's fair to say that watch and wait can sometimes work out very well.

Very best wishes whatever you decide,

Jogey