Radio/chemo vs surgery after Folfoxiri

Hi Smac9a1b81 and well done on getting to the end of the folfoxiri. If you click on my name then you’ll see I had a rectal tumour so had 5 weeks of chemoradiotherapy before my op. Yes it shrank the tumour by 75% but I still needed the op. I’ve seen people have a complete response from the chemoradiotherapy ie. no sign of the tumour - some are still clear 5+ years later and others have had a recurrence and had to have surgery anyway? 

My personal opinion would be to have the surgery and make sure the tumour is removed once and for all. You may find that your bowel function will change - especially if you have your stoma reversed - but you will hopefully get used to a new normal over time. I don’t feel that the surgery had any serious side effects and you won’t know about any adjunct therapies until after the tumour and surrounding area has been removed and tested.

The radiotherapy did have residual side effects - I was 53 when diagnosed so probably perimenopausal anyway but things are quite delicate ‘down there’ even now 9 years on!

Hope this helps

Karen x

Karen thank you so much for your reply!! That's great information! 

I really feel like I would be worrying a lot also about recurrence without the op. I am keen to have it removed and then go from there. 

Worried about the side effects of radiotherapy. And thanks for being honest about your side effects. 

I am seeing the oncologist on the 2nd then will have a scope at the end of the month. My surgeon rearranged for the end of the month so she can do it herself. So will make a proper decision after this. 

In the mean time just building myself back up from chemotherapy (and thank you it sure was grim, but got there ) and trying to go about life normally because I feel good again. 

Any hints /tips to help me prepare for surgery or anything you can think of haha. Are welcome! 

Thanks again Karen. Lovely to speak to you xx

Just read your story Karen! 

Just wow! You are a strong woman indeed! 

Very inspiring! 

But my goodness you were fair battered for a better expression. 

So so happy that it has all been worth it

And now you can support others!!! You should be so so proud of yourself. 

Stacey x

Hi Stacey and thanks for the lovely post about my profile - my experience seems to have been very much a one off and most peoples is a lot more straight forward! 
You sound to be on the right path for surgery - get as fit and healthy as you can and enjoy chemo free life for a bit. I’ve attached a link to a booklet about the various ops which has some great tips about things to pack etc. - an extra long charging cable is a must - and what to expect afterward.

bcuk.adidocdn.dev/.../Bowel_Cancer_UK_Your_Operation_Booklet.pdf

Hope you feel up to getting out and about and enjoying the spring weather and please keep me posted?

Take care

Karen x

You really had quite the time ️

And thank you. This is my goal eat well (now my appetite has returned) and get out and about (back to the gym last week for some strength training and walking loads which has been great! Again giving me more of an appetite. Hopefully the spring weather returns soon. It has took a holiday In Dumbarton Glasgow haha. More like winter.. 

Thank you for the booklet. It's great!! 

I will definitely keep you updated on things. 

Thank you so so much for taking the time to reply to me. You have really helped me loads 

Take care also 

Stacey xx