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I think I am in the same situation.
I have finished radiation (feb 7th) and had a sigmoid only 2 weeks later as I developed an anal fissure from constipation, point being, my tumor was gone visually only an ulcer left and biopsy came back clear.
I start CAPox regimen on Thursday, as I have lymph node involvement but I am very confident in beating this cancer and putting off the surgery. I have come to terms with a possible ostomy though but I sounded just like your post right after diagnosis. I was most concerned with my marriage and our sexual relationship.. but my husband said we can make it through anything and I have heard they have bags now that filter any unexpected gas etc.
and they have bag covers…..
After going through constipation with an anal fissure, I was honestly wondering if I could make it through all treatment! I was in the ER screaming in pain while trying to have a BM. It was the most painful moments of my entire life thus far so let me tell you that a bag sounded like heaven!
Good luck and I will pray that you are able to feel more comfortable IF and only IF that becomes your only treatment option but I bet it’s not after rad and chemo
Replies to "I think I am in the same situation. I have finished radiation (feb 7th) and had..."
There isn't much talk of the impact of our surgeries on our sexual life, is there? I've seen groups open to talk about sexuality for women with breast cancer, but I haven't seen it for people with colorectal cancer. Why?
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I had my ostomy surgery this past October 2023. I feel like I have my life back. After almost 18 months of living in the bathroom or looking for one I feel great. It’s not as big a deal as some people make it out to be. Yes, there’s a lot to learn and it is life changing, but in a good way! My sphincter muscle was destroyed from the radiation treatment. I had anal cancer. It’s gone now. I just had my first MRI and it showed I am still clear of cancer. I will also have avPET scan for the upper body as this cancer can go to lungs and liver. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your doctors look for others. I am a patient at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Everyone and I mean everyone is top notch. Having an ostomy has given me back a good quality of life. Don’t be afraid of it!