Hi all fellow sufferers of this insidious condition. Saw my ochlology specialist today and while he was hopeful that future developments would be successful his opinion was that for the immediate future, surgery and removal of the lower colon was the only option to prevent or at least minimalise possibility of the cancer metastasizing to the surrounding tissue. Naturally I am devastated at the prospect of having a ostomy bag for the rest of my life but a lest I might get to live a few more years. I am told that even with bag after the recovery period one can lead a relatively normal life, If there is anyone who has followed the path, I am destined to follow I would be glads to her from you. The surgery is scheduled for next Monday and I am told the initial recovery will take a month or more. Fortunately, the support services in Australia are magnificent and if all else fails at least the system here is doing all it can to make the transition to life with an ostomy bag as comfortable as possible. To other suffers I extend my sympathy and will be grateful for any advice or assistance you may provide. Best wishes RH