Total pelvic exenteration for rectal/anal cancer

1. So unfair fortis I don't know anything about 2 bags or urostomy but I'm sure someone on here does. Wishing you all the best with it all. Big hug from me. Xx

Hi mptcranley

Sorry to hear of your cancer returning and hope you can recover from the sciatica soon as though you don't have enough to deal with!

Can I ask what is TEMS Surgery?

Take care. X

Hi Chardie,

Thanks for your message and support. My original surgery last summer was TEMS (transanal endoscopic something...) they basically remove the tumour by going in through the back passage. It should have worked for me as the tumour was small and had already been reduced by the radiotherapy, but it wasn’t to be.

Michael

Really Sorry to hear that and hoping all goes well ..its what my husband had 2 weeks ago and he's been really poorly since and has terrible pain and and heavy pressure up his bottom.  Was that normal? xx

After my TEMs operation it felt like there was a ball of flaming pain inside me that was unreachable. The only comfortable position was laying on my front. Apparently that is normal but if things haven’t improved after a couple of months, definitely get it checked. In the meantime plenty of painkillers, but keep the bowel moving with movicol or equivalent.

Gosh that sounded very sore Mptcranley

Hope that’s all receding for you .

Court 

Hi, I had this surgery 4 weeks ago and I am struggling emotionally. Please could you share your recovery experience. Did you also feel very emotional and how did you overcome this to move on. Thanks

Hi there,

My surgeon told me after my operation in January that the biggest hurdle would be psychological. I know what you’re going through and I’ve found it difficult adjusting to the fact that so many things in me don’t work anymore. The problem is that the brain still functions normally but there’s no response physically. After the surgery I was so grateful for the chance of a new life that I didn’t even think about the emotional stuff. 
I’m 54, about twice your age and I’m really sorry that you’ve had to go through this so young. Do you have family around you to help and support? Most of my time since surgery has been trying to walk again after sciatic nerve damage, plus the hell of 8 rounds of chemo, but that’s now over.

I’m afraid I don’t have a great deal of advice, but I think finding someone you can talk to about everything is a big help. For me, my brother in law has been great, just because he will sit and listen and not try to solve everything. I haven’t yet gone down the professional route, although it has recommended to me.

I guess we are the only people who really know what it’s like and I’m happy to talk.

Take care

Sorry I thought you’d mentioned your age in an earlier feed but you hadn’t.

Hi I'm so sorry to hear of your awful time. My husband suffered for months after I'm sorry to say he suffered severe dioaraeh constipation,  the diaries was the worst for him and the pressure up his backside really got him down, but I'm glad to say after 5 months he is so happy to be having normal bowel movements hang on in there and it will get better, I know it's hard but it will be worth it to save your life!

Speak with your specialist nurses for help ans support.

Wishing you a good rand speedy ecovery.

Best wishes

 Xx