Waiting for MDT meeting, new to cancer

Hi Loubie18, I had my surgery date at my consultant’s meeting today - April 21st and have to self-isolate for 2 weeks before that. I’m delighted to get the date! The consultation took about an hour and my surgeon went thoroughly into everything I needed to know before I needed to ask, although I did have some questions ready. I’m to have a keyhole anterior resection, removing a portion of my sigmoid, entailing a 5-7 day stay in hospital depending on my recovery rate.

I’m so impressed and reassured by the efficiency and skill not just of my surgeon but the whole team - definitely Gold Standard! 

I now what you mean about needing to step back from cancer. Funnily enough, now my plan is rolling, I feel I can relax and enjoy a bit more normality (whatever that is in this Covid time!) for a while. 

Wishing you all the very best for your consultation on Friday - update us when you feel able!

Deb

Hi Deb, so pleased to hear your happy with your meeting, quick question where is your mass and what size?  Please feel free not to answer!  My letter for Friday has just arrived and it says somebody can go with me so that's made me feel a little calmer.  I think the thing is we need to feel a sense of structure or order so we are more in control.  Had your treatment plan allowed for chemo etc during this or are they hopeful the surgery will resolve all your problems.  Thank you for sharing with me and I wish you the very best of luck.  Louise xxx 

Hi and . Glad to hear that things are moving forward for you both. I’ve atrached another booklet about the op for you but as much for ‘stuff to take with you’ for example

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen x 

Hi Louise, my tumour is in the higher part of my sigmoid, measuring 3cms, so my surgeon is aiming to reattach my colon with no stoma needed - although not guaranteed and I'm prepared for that. The decision on whether to offer chemo will be after examination of my lymph nodes, whichare being removed in the same surgery. The surgeon explained that by removing the portion of colon and the lymph nodes, the cancer itself will be removed and if the lymph nodes do contain cancer cells, chemo will act as 'belt and braces' to mop up any possible stray cells that could cause trouble in the future. Whatever it takes, hey?

Great, thanks Karen - I've been wondering if there is anything in particular I need to take in with me for my stay.