Cancer after Elape surgery

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Hi,

Has anyone had their cancer come back after ELAPE surgery?

Back story

i was diagnosed Rectal cancer with three lymph nodes involved last May, chemo/radiotherapy got rid of everything. I then had ELAPE surgery last December where my rectum, anus and part of my colon was taken with clear margins and no lymph nodes involved with a permanent aroma. I’m now doing adjacent chemo but I’m feeling awful with it. I really want to finish after this round, I don’t feel I can do the last round. I feel so sick, lethargic and generally awful. I want to start leading my new normal life and I know I’ll feel awful for a few more weeks as the chemo gets out of my system.

I just want to know if any ones cancer came back after all of this?

Thank you

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

Hi Lmr76 and I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with the chemo. I think you really need to have a chat with your oncologist about this? Maybe they could lower your dosage for the last round or they might agree that another session would do more harm than good? I think you need to be happy in yourself with the decision - if there was a reoccurrence down the line would you regret not having the last round of chemo? Everyone’s treatment is individual to their circumstances so it’s difficult to compare yourself to the outcome of someone who’s had a similar operation. The cancer was removed during the operation and you also had no lymph node involvement which is good so have a chat with the chemo nurses or your oncologist, explain how lousy you’re feeling and see what they recommend?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

court over 2 years ago

Hi Lmr76

Karen has given you great advice . Definitely chat with your team . They would want to know if it’s making you feel so awful .

Hope you get some relief . Well done getting through all the surgery and you have endured the worst of the chemotherapy.

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Lmr76 over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you Karen, I will speak tomorrow as I have an appointment and see what he says. After taken my tablets this morning I felt like a different person and even managed a walk as I was thinking I’m not doing this anymore.