Low Rectal Cancer Diagnosis - newbie on here

Hi Frankie 

Sounds like you are doing well. Can I ask you how low yours was that you were able to have s reversal ? 

Many thanks 

Annie 

Annie,

Based on the reports that I have, the tumor is 6cm away from the anal verge. I had 14cm of my colon removed during the ultra LAR surgery. At the same time ileostomy was performed. I had the stoma bag for about six weeks (Basically for the healing of the colon/rectum). 

Actually the reversal was like a “should be done thing”. My doctor did not even asked me to select any options. Neither did I question much. I was still suffering from the shock and I left it to him to decide all necessaries for me. The whole episode from discovery of tumor to completing the LAR surgery was less than 10 days. 

The six weeks with the bag was fine albeit having to clear it about 7 to 8 times a day. 

During the first two weeks after reversal was a rather difficult time. The recovery at hospital was tough. I was fortunate to have an individual room and my supportive wife was always beside me to help. Toilet trips were at times every 15 minutes for two hours. 

After two weeks, the bowel movements improved. Improved is a subjective word though. I know it will never be what is used to be before. The bowel movements has certain patterns. 

Unfortunately it is not a regular 24 hours pattern. At times I can go without passing stools for more than 24 hours. And when it comes, I will have to visit the toilet multiple times within two hours. 

It’s already five months since I had the reversal. I am already having active life, tennis, jogging and swimming. Whenever I go outdoors, I will just bring along an emergency pouch containing toilet rolls, spare briefs and etc... Occasional incontinence can happen especially it may be difficult to differentiate between gas and stools. So sanitary pads are useful. 

I will need to understand the bowel movement patterns and will know during what time to make sure I hang around places with toilets facilities. 

Hope that my sharing will give you some ideas if you need to make any decisions. 

Be strong. Always look at the positive side. 

Luv. 

Frankie. 

Gosh Frankie that was so quick to surgery ! Presume you didnt need radio or Chemo ? That was still low to do a resection so that was fantastic that they did it. I suppose more frequent bowel etc is a small price to pay in the long run .. such a good news story. I have had my CT scans back clear chest /Lungs/ abdomen /liver but not MRI yet so still in trepidation as this will dictate treatment but not sure if they could see if any nodes affected on CT as had VT colonoscopy too .. all so much to take in especially when I look and feel fine ? Thanks Frankie x

Annie. Yes, the episode lasted very fast. 

1. First day, see my GP for bleeding in stool. Same day referred to see a specialist. 

2. Third day, colonoscopy. Suspected malignant. Same day CT scan. Confirmed malignant. 

3. Fifth day, LARS and ileostomy. 

After my discharged, the Hispathology shows Stage 1. Oncologists said no chemo required. 

Just only last week I had a PET-CT scan as a follow up. Result was good. 

I am quite surprised you have to do such a thorough test including CT as well as MRI. My understanding was you just chose either one. I guess it will be more accurate diagnosis to do both. 

Frankie. 

Thanks Court, let’s hope so, as this is a good site and it’s nice to get to know those who post regularly. I’ve tried the Beating Bowel Cancer site, but if they can sort the problems this is best.

Best wishes

Hannah

Hi Jmas,   

I am booked in for surgery tomorrow, to have my rectum, anal canal, etc removed tomorrow and get a permanent stoma.   Like you, I was given no other options; I was told my tumor is 3 cm from the anal verge and the surgeon said he could not get a good enough margin so it all has to go.   

Already I have had 25 sessions of chemo/radiation therapy which shrunk the tumor by 60% unfortunately this was not enough to prevent me from having the radical surgery.   I am not looking forward to this operation and it consequences one little bit!   

My cancer is stage four, I have 3 metastases in the liver which have to be removed when I have recovered from this surgery, then I have to have more chemo therapy.   2018 is not shaping up to be a very good year.   

From the sound of it you are coping very well with your stoma; I hope I am able to do the same.   

Hope you are keeping well.  

Kind regards 

Rebecca.   

Best wishes for tomorrow Rebecca x

Rosella52, 

I hope the surgery went smoothly and you’re starting to feel a little better. You’re doing so well to have gotten this far xx

Hi Joe 

I just wondered why nobody seems to mention a J pouch ? Rather than colostomy for low lying rectal tumour? 

Sounds like you have done very well with it.. 

thanks for your help 

Annie xx

Hi Kev

I'm afraid my update is not good news, mum can’t be offered Radiotherapy without a defunctioning Stoma because they all feel the side effects will be too distressing. Surely it’s up the patient to decide. We are are going to ask for reconsideration as we just won’t give up on this. We now approach 6 months since diagnosis and we don’t have an alternative treatment to surgery for mums rectal cancer. It’s so upsetting, there must be something she could try. Still not going to give up though.  I wonder if there is anyone else out there having this problem?

Hope you are getting on well following your first Papillon.

best wishes

Hannah