← Return to Rectal Cancer Surgery: Anyone have LAR (low anterior resection)?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for williamjohn52 @williamjohn52

@leeb123
Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did you go for the temporary or permanent bag?
I'm in a similar situation (rectal tumour totally shrunk to near complete recovery ) except with metastases to lung (separate issue). I delayed my original July 2nd rectal resection surgery date because I didn't feel psychologically ready for the results, but will have to deal with it eventually.
Would like to hear how you are dealing with things if you have a chance.
William

Jump to this post


Replies to "@leeb123 Hi Lee, just wondering how things progressed for you after your surgery in March? Did..."

Hello @williamjohn52 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mentioned in your post that the tumor had shrunk. That is good news. Did it shrink due to chemotherapy or radiation?

How are you feeling?

@williamjohn52
So glad you reached out.
Surgery went well.
I didn't think about a temporary ostomy with reconnecting after healing for long.
I didn't want any chance of it returning and there's no guarantee it would work.
In my research, I found many, if not most who had the reversal either wished they didn't or move to the permanent ostomy.
I decided prior to treatment ending that I would choose a permanent ostomy.
Honestly, im much more ar ease and mostly have total control over my bathroom habits.
I had a few live and learn mistakes🤣but overall it's not a big deal.
Im back to work where im fairly active and it hasn't been an impediment at all.
A few dietary adjustments and all is good.
I even had 3 beers on the 4th with no problem, but I didn't push it.
I'm happy with my decision.
Lee