Hi im new to this field last year in july i have diagnosed with stage 4 rectum cancer the cancer spread into my pelivic and bowel.. i have colostomy bag, and. im having chemotherapy done.. almost i had 14 treatment.. my tomour has been shrink. The doctor saying if i want to be cancer free i had to go for major surgery pelivic extenteration.. im really scared thinking about that surgery in this surgery they will remove all ladies organs and i will go for my early menopause ( as im 40).. and also i will have an extra bag for my bladder. Has anyone else met with this experience.. do they really remove all organs.. im so scared.
Thanks
Hi Koyal
You made the same post a couple of days ago and I replied to it then. Have you not been able to find it?
Anyway, I had a total pelvic exenteration just over 3 years ago, and if you click on my name you will be able to see what I had removed in surgery. I had a different cancer, but the surgery would still involve the same organs.
Sarah xx
Can you be more specific on what information you need? Sorry, it’s hard to respond to very general posts with anything specific. This is not a common surgery so there are not too many people I am aware of in the group who have been through it.
I can try to answer questions which would relate to my specific experience, but I would say that after 3 years I am coping very well. It is very tough right after surgery though, and recovery is very long.
Sarah xx
Hi Koyal
I wanted to be rid of my cancer, that was my priority and this was the only way. I understand if you are younger it is especially scary, but I was almost 58 when I had my surgery, so for me it was a small price to pay to stay alive.
Having 2 bags is really ok. You get used to it quickly, and you no longer have to get up in the night to use the bathroom! My body looks exactly the same as it did before, except for the 2 bags on my tummy. I can hardly even see the scar on my abdomen now.
For me, the only alternative was chemotherapy, but that didn’t offer the chance of a cure. I can say that I have never once regretted doing this surgery, but mentally it is a lot to come to te4ms with.
Sarah xx
