Rectum Cancer

Former Member
Former Member
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Hello I was diagnosed with Stage3 rectum cancer in July 2020. At that time I was told no treatment was available to me as I previously had radiotherapy for Prostate cancer and I was too frail for an operation. I had one session of radiotherapy (Pallative). The cancer has now spread to the lungs. All  information seemed to point to 1 year- 18 months survival. So I’m past my sell by date but becoming fed up at being unable to go out much as when I do I have “accidents”. I am leaking all the time and alternate between having many bowel movements a day to none for a couple of days. I’m really hoping someone with similar symptoms might give me some advice on handling my situation as I’m finding my daily cancer chores a right pain! Thank you

  • Hi, , can't really help except send you best wishes and a ((hug))

  • Hi  

    Quality of life is really important . Sounds as though it’s starting to get to you and it’s important to act on that .

    I think if it were my relative I would be encouraging them to contact the surgeon again for a review . Situations change and sometimes you need their profession input to resolve issues . Struggling along eventually gets too much .

    Your GP might be able to facilitate that or email the surgeon’s secretary. Our helpline staff might be able to help guide you . 0808 808 0000. 
    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/ask_a_nurse

    If you click here we also have a section where you can ask the nurse a question . It’s Monday to Friday service but worthwhile having a chat to get some input .

    You can’t be expected to keep putting up without input .

    Take care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Boatman, I was told last Tuesday my rectal cancer had spread to my liver and when I asked about the prognosis the consultant said I had about 18 months to 2 years to live.
    I have an appointment on the 8th March at the hospital and there was a sort of suggestion that an operation may be possible to help with my constant diahhorea.
    And I mean constant.
    I have been like it for nearly a year now.
    I manage to get out with my wife on a morning but have to wear a pad inside my underwear and I carry a ruck sack with everything in it to clean myself up, change cloths, change my pad and generally give me confidence to go out. I take Imodium and Codeine under doctors supervision. I tend to try and have very little breakfast as well when I do go out. 

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Gemmary

    Hello Gemmary Thank you for your best wishes. It was kind of you to reply and it’s appreciated.

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to court

    Thank you Court for your reply and advice.unfortunately my GP seemed to have joined the Magic Circle hence his absence from the surgery. I will make more effect to speak to someone- I’ve just been advised to see a  video on this subject so I’ll have a look at that. Thank you for your reply.

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Former Member

    Hi Chromeplated seems like we are in a similar position.  I too take all the necessary stuff in a bag when we go out but that does not give much confidence. I’m told not to worry as nobody knows what’s happening to you but I do know and  it’s the embarrassment and humiliation that gets me. It’s just relentless isn’t it?
    Thank you for replying and I wish you well with your meeting with the consultant. It will be interesting to know what he/she advises and what sort of operation is required. Thanks again for replying.

  • Hi . This is a video link that I uploaded recently. Hope it helps x

    community.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/.../22519-ask-the-expert-video-q-a-regaining-bowel-control

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Kareno62

    Thank you Karen62 I’m starting my pelvic exercises today! Small problem is I have a catheter fitted as well so not sure sometimes it’s working as it should but it seems this should helipad my condition. Thanks again