Hi
Had my surgery in 2017 for stage 3B as per PET scan.After taking concurrent chemo and radiation for 28 days,it was followed byLAR after 10 weeks.Surgeon decided to remove the sigmoid colon and rectum.Brought the descending colon and attached it to the anal canal. The lymph nodes came negative in Pathology.Medical oncologist wanted me to take six courses chemo but I decided against it.My surgeon and Pathologist also accepted my decision as all the lymph nodes have been removed and sigmoid which drains into them has also been removed.As it was an anterior wall tumour,three fourths of vagina and uterus with ovaries were removed as I was 68 yrs then.It was almost a total pelvic clearance,along with the appendix..Had an ileostomy bag for three months and then it was reversed.Initial challenges were pain.After reversal Frequency of stools with incontinence due to radiation damage was a great challenge but as time went by they became tolerable but they continue to challenge me. Refusing the chemo gave me a better quality of life.I am 73, 8 years + in remission.Fully fit to be a total care taker of my 90 year old mother who is bed ridden.If you ask me how are you? my answer would be,Great.
You are at a stage of acceptance of your diagnosis.If you train your mind to accept every day as it comes,challenges are easy to cope up with.Please don’t get into self sympathy mood,it will make it difficult for you.
My surgeon always told me dont look at the staging of the disease.Each cancer is different,just as each persons response is different.
One thing to focus on is healthy LIFE STYLE. God bless you with the great will power,then All Is Well.