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Rectal Cancer - Hospital Recommendation

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Apr 7 7:26am | Replies (48)

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@mrt2024

Today, we finally had the opportunity to meet with the oncologist. We addressed all the questions lingering in our minds. Unfortunately, there is also a tumor detected on my father's right kidney. The report indicates it as "suspicious," raising concerns about a second primary cancer. It is not related to colorectal cancer. It is kidney renal cancer. I asked whether it was definitive, and if not, how we would determine it. The response was that a biopsy isn't conducted for that; there's a 90% chance that it is cancer. Therefore, we proceed with treatment as if it were cancer, but it's also necessary to consult a urologist. The cancer is classified as stage 1.

Despite the situation, I'm trying to stay optimistic, considering the 93% treatability rate I found online.

Regarding the rectal cancer, it's classified as stage 3. The oncologist mentioned a treatment success rate of over 70% if we opt for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. There's no invasion of the anal sphincter, and due to the tumor's location, a temporary colostomy will be required, no permanent one, which is another bright side for us. He added, without chemotherapy and surgery, the success rate drops to 50%. My father is inclined towards pursuing all treatment options.

Once we've consulted the urologist and radiation oncologist, a treatment plan will be determined—whether to begin with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and then surgery, or to initiate radiotherapy with low-dose chemotherapy followed by surgery.

We were contemplating seeking a second opinion. The oncologist assured us that we have time; the rectal cancer's current stage won't suddenly progress to stage 4. However, we're hesitant to delay appointments with another set of specialists—urologist, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist—to make a decision. It's a challenging decision to make. Additionally, I'm uncertain whether we need to consult all four doctors for a second opinion or just one. If only one, which specialist should it be? Another surgeon or a medical oncologist? We have another appointment scheduled with my father's surgeon on Thursday, and I'll inquire about his perspective then.

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Replies to "Today, we finally had the opportunity to meet with the oncologist. We addressed all the questions..."

Having another tumor elsewhere makes quite a difference. Do ask all the questions you can think of. You can consult https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facing-colorectal-cancer/diagnosis-and-treatment/know-your-treatment-options/; it might help you define your questions.

There is a surgery that avoids a temporary colostomy. You could ask if it's an option for your dad. It's called a two-stage Turnbull-Cutait pullthrough (with coloanal anastomosis).

Also important is to maintain a positive attitude, trusting that you're getting the best care available to you.

Sending a big hug.

I'd like to bring @dsh33782 (Don) into this discussion. Don didn't have rectal cancer, but rather inoperable esophageal cancer that was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Shortly after treatment for esophageal cancer, kidney lesions were discovered and shown to be cancerous - a second primary cancer. He was successfully treated for renal cancer too. I may be getting some of the details or timeline wrong. Don, please correct anything I mis-represented.

@mrt2024, I'm sharing Don's story hoping to offer you and your father hope. I know it's a lot to absorb and deal with, not one but two cancers. I'm sure your dad is grateful to have you by his side. Keep asking questions of the cancer care team. And if we can help with first-hand experiences, we will.

Regarding how many specialists to consult for a second opinion, is it possible that they will confer together? This is sometimes referred to as a tumor board where all team members discuss the case together. They do this a many cancer centers, including Mayo Clinic.