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Rectal cancer diagnosis very low in the rectum
I have been diagnosed with a rectal cancer which is apparently very low and close to my anus. I am really scared of the thought I might be put on a bag. I don't know what stage yet reason been they can only tell you after they remove it. The CT and MRI scans show it hasn't spread to other organs apart from the tumor being very low in my rectum. I will be seeing the treatment team next week to discuss treatment plan and any suggestions or advice would be appreciated from people with this experience and knowledge. TIA.
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Following radiation and chemotherapy, approximately 20 to 25 per cent of patients are able to achieve pathological complete response (pcr) and are eligible for the watch and wait approach. I was able to achieve pathological complete response 3 years ago and did not undergo surgery.
I would recommend starting to learn about options and to develop a list of questions to review during appointments. Second and third opinions helped me understand the options.
May need to register to read but this site is free:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10073843/
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4 ReactionsHere are the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for Rectal Cancer
https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/rectal.pdf
you will need to register but it is free
This is the patient version from Ntional Comprehensive Cancer Network
https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/rectal-patient.pdf
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1 ReactionOne suggestion to help you remember important points during doctor visits is to put your phone on speaker and have a trusted person (hopefully someone with medical background) listen in to take notes or record conversion to help sort out options
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2 ReactionsWhat a legend you are 👏 I can't thank you enough to say you have been helpful is an understatement. I have been going through all the stuff you have sent and I think it will help me to understand the team of doctors better. How is your situation now after three years? What are some of your experience on your treatment? Example the stuff you've done differently, side effects of the chemo/radiotherapy and all your experience either good or bad please 🙏. TIA
I was diagnosed with stage 3 and very low in that area; however, I was told the stage before my treatment started. I wonder why they can not tell you what stage unless its removed... maybe because of the size? Small?
My advice.... HAVE FAITH!!! Dont assume anything. At beginning I was told I had to have surgery and colostomy bag.... Here I am 1.5 yrs later and no surgery and no bag and clear of cancer.. Just doing my 2 years of scans every 3 months
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6 ReactionsThank you Ashley that's really helpful and encouraging. What treatment did you ended up doing and how was your journey if you don't mind? TIA
The 1st 4 months I did IV chemo through my port every other week Mon-Wed.
Took month off then did pill chemo and radiation every day for 6 weeks
Mine was lil rough journey being that I flew outta state every other week for 4 months for chemo and then I lived in that state for 6 weeks for chemo/rad..... I had AMAZING team. Positive group so helped me be positive and stay focused
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3 ReactionsWhere were you treated?
I'm glad to hear you got 3 opinions - did you end up going with 1st, 2nd or 3rd opinion. We are about to get the first opinion this week - I have been reading like crazy and hoping we have some good options for treatment.