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Rectal Cancer - Hospital Recommendation

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Apr 7, 2024 | Replies (48)
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@verol65

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.

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Replies to "Having another tumor elsewhere makes quite a difference. Do ask all the questions you can think..."
mrt2024 | @mrt2024 | Mar 13, 2024

Thanks a lot. I didn't know that option. I'll definitely ask that option to the surgeon tomorrow.

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mrt2024 | @mrt2024 | Mar 14, 2024

Update After Colorectal Surgeon

Firstly, he said the surgery might happen in about 12 months, and it'll be a robotic surgery. He also mentioned a 20% chance that surgery might not be needed, suggesting a "watch and wait" approach with check-ups every 3 months if that happens. It depends on many things...I asked about the two-stage Turnbull-Cutait procedure, but he advised against it because of infection risks and other issues from radiotherapy. So, it looks like there will be need of a temporary colostomy for about two months. We'll have plenty of time to talk about it more later. They want to do the kidney surgery first, followed by treatment for the rectal cancer about two months later. But this plan isn't final yet. All the doctors need to meet again and decide together.

I also asked about proton and photon radiotherapy. I know I have to ask this question to the radiologist, but I wanted know his opinion, too. Proton therapy seems less harmful for healthy tissues so I wanted my father has this therapy. He said, he prefers traditional, most effective one due to the location of tumor.

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