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Diagnosed 8cm circumferential rectal tumor
Hi, I found this group and wanted to share my story. Living in Dominican Republic and receiving consolidation TNT for a recently diagnosed 8cm circumferential rectal tumor. 10cm from anal verge.
Exact staging not entirely clear, but staged at clinical 2-3
Sphinkter preservation a priority. Restaging and Surgery to follow the 8 cycles Folfox. No obvious spread to nodes though not a guarantee. No obvious distant spread.
Completed 27 days radiation, and 2 cycles folfox so far.
Recently had low white blood cells so had 2 injections of filgrastim.
My oncologist is hopeful with this intent to cure treatment. I am 47 years old, otherwise very fit. Had mistaken my obvious symptoms for something other than cancer.
Any similar stories or useful info would be greatly appreciated. Thsnkyou
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I’ve been in treatment since October 2026. First thing they did to me was a reversible ostomy. My tumor sounds similar to yours, except was complicated by a fistula. I could not havegone through radiation without the ostomy.
Radiation and chemo reduce the size of my tumor by 70%.They couldn’t save my sphincter or anything else down there. Now I am healing from a very complex surgery, where they put one of my stomach muscles where my rectum used to be. I gotta say I feel better now than I have for a long time.
An ostomy isn’t the end of the world. It’s no fun and I’d sure rather not have it but it’s better to have an ostomy than to die.
I am 70 and in great shape before the cancer. Similar story to yours just later on in life. Good luck. If you have any questions, that you think I might be able to answer, feel free.
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1 ReactionHi,
Thankyou so much for replying. I will probably message you with a couple other question later OG that’s okay.
Appreciate you sharing your story and nice to hear you are feeling better than you have been
Hi.You are on the right protocol. Definitely you will be eligible for surgery at the end of this.All the best.Focus on gut health by eating only gut friendly food,lots and lots of vegetables and fruits. So that you will have all the fitness to go for surgery.Please exercise as much as you can.Exercise can do wonders.
I am a 74 year old stage 3B rectal cancer ,in remission.
@premi hi, thankyou for this. Very much appreciated. And the diet reminders, I need to take this advice, and up the veggies.
It’s comforting to hear you think I’m on the right track.
Good luck to you too, and thankyou for sharing a bit about you.
🙏 Katie
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I am 65. was diagnose at 64 for rectal cancer similar to yours it seems.
I was T3 N1. went to the same protocol, after TNT I had a MRI and the tumor is gone. I am on Folfox for 4 month then I will not need the surgery and will be on watch and see. I think you are on the right track. If your tumor is totally gone at the end you may not even need the surgery.
Wish you the best, eat well to support your immune system, exercise and keep a positive attitude