I haven’t updated for a while, so thought my two-year milestone might be a good time to stop by.
Two years ago today, 11th August 2023, I received the news everyone dreads. Following a colonoscopy (as a result of a positive FIT test) I was told I had a 4.7cm rectal tumour situated at the anal margin. Things happened very quickly: A CT scan took place on the same day as my colonoscopy and an MRI took place six days after that. Thankfully, there was no spread and I began my radiotherapy sessions and Capecitabine on the 11th October. My final radiotherapy took place on the 14th November and I had three rounds of Chemotherapy which ended on the 29th January 2024.
My post-treatment scans showed that there was something remaining at the site of the tumour, so my Colorectal Surgeon told me that my destiny was to have a stoma. Naturally, I was reluctant to have life-changing surgery, but I was mindful that although life-changing, it was life-saving. I was told that what remained at the tumour site was “too small to measure”, so I requested a referral to see Professor Myint at Clatterbridge Hospital, to see if what remained could be treated with Papillon. A referral was made, but I was told I would need a biopsy so that an accurate account could be sent to the Professor before an appointment was issued.
On the 10th March 2024 I was admitted to hospital for a biopsy. On the 28th March I had an appointment with my Colorectal Surgeon to receive the results. My Colorectal Surgeon told me that a number of samples had been taken for analysis, and everything had come back clear. I had, fortunately, had a complete response to treatment. What was showing on my scans was scar tissue. I was offered the option of having a stoma just to be on the safe side, but I elected a ‘watch and wait’ process instead. I have regular CT scans, MRI Scans and follow-up appointments, but so far, thankfully, my complete response to treatment is maintained. I have six-monthly appointments to see Professor Myint and he tells me that if I should be unlucky enough for the cancer to return, he will treat me immediately with Papillon. I’ve been told that I’m not completely ‘out of the woods’, yet, but two years is quite a significant milestone.
I hope my story gives encouragement and hope to others, and I wish everyone the very best of luck in their own journey.
