Watch and wait versus surgery

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Hi All

I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in August 2023 ( T3b V1 N1b MO. CRM involved) commenced neoadjuvant treatment. Radiotherapy x5 and CAPOX chemo therapy x4. Managed x3 rounds of CAPOX which unfortunately caused ulceration of bowel leading to a perforation requiring emergency bowel resection surgery in December ( a lovely Xmas spent with the NHS) . Have just had restaging MRI/CT/sigmoidoscooy and have had good clinical response so have been given the options of surgery or watch and wait ( no one told my oncologists and surgeon that I don’t do decisions) . So anyone’s experience would be welcome - I have read Jogey’s experience and noted that he had further chemo to reduce risk of regrowth which I don’t think I’d be able to have considering side effects.

I am finding this really tough psychologically even more so than diagnosis and emergency surgery and probably hardest part as which ever I decide has implications which I know only I will be responsible for.

Wishing all on here the very best.. stay strong ..

Liz

court over 1 year ago

Hi Exwil

I do feel for people going through this . If you want to chat to Jogey directly or anyone else on that chat just add a @ . In front of his name and he will address any questions with you .

I have observed that it causes the biggest dilemma on the forum and the decision resorts back to you . Which in itself is very hard .

We have seen it go both ways on the forum . Some walk away , others have further evidence of disease .
One point Jogey does highlight, you stay in surveillance for a lot longer with more scanning so you do have to factor that aspect in .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Jogey over 1 year ago

Hi Exwil

I feel for you as it definitely is challenging to decide this.

To be honest every case is different. One question for my surgeon that proved critical for my decision making was I asked him if watch and wait was more risky for a bad result than surgery and he said no. That swung it for me in the direction of watch and wait.

That reply was specific to my case, but if you have not done so already, you could ask your surgeon this directly, because it can be very helpful to know this when deciding.

Best wishes,

Jogey

Exwil over 1 year ago in reply to court

Thanks Court.

Exwil over 1 year ago in reply to Jogey

Thanks Jogey I have a number of questions and will add yours to my list. I’m keen to know the percentage risk of regrowth considering my initial stage 3 diagnosis. I was also rather unfairly going to ask what my surgeon/ oncologist would do.

i’m worried whichever option I take I will always think I should of done the opposite. Fortunately I have some time to process information and also gathering opinions from friends/family!

Liz