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New Journey: Anal cancer and questions about temporary colostomy

Posted by ajones01251980 @ajones01251980, Sep 3 3:19pm

got the diagnosis today anal cancer, and we are going to start the battle with chemo and radiation. If anyone has had a temp colostomy and a reversal...how do you say that fairs out? The doctor had mentioned the pain level of using the restroom and that this could be a plausible option...any advice is more than I have right now!!

Thanks everyone

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debgeo21979 | @debgeo21979 | 1 day ago
In reply to @charlescarnohan "Hey, I’m just healing after going through the entire regime that you mention. First thing they..." + (show)
Profile picture for charlescarnohan @charlescarnohan

Hey, I’m just healing after going through the entire regime that you mention. First thing they did was a temporary ostomy. Then I did oral Chemo and Radiation. Next was intravenous chemo and oral chemo. Then came the major surgery.
My tumor was shrunk by 70% but it still required a colostomy. So they took a stomach muscle to fill in all the gaps that were left from surgical removal of the remaining cancer involved tissues and the colostomy.
They call it a flap.
I cannot imagine going through radiation/chemo still trying to use the rectum for elimination. The radiation really does a number on things down there. I was hoping for a reversal of the ostomy, right up to the bitter end. But now that it’s all over with, and I’m healing, I’d rather have an ostomy than be suffering from Crohn’s like symptoms and such as that.
I don’t know what your particular situation is, but the radiation treatment does a lot of damage where they’re trying to blow away the tumor! It gets very tender and sore and it lasts a long time. Just be prepared to become an Ostomate.

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@charlescarnohan
I totally agree.
Radiation does an awful number on you.
I now have a mesh sling holding my remaining bowel inside my body instead of coming out below.
Im glad I finally got the mesh at the University of Penn. ( not my original place that will remain un-named)
I have some pretty big anger issues with the original surgeon. I am trying to let that go as it will just eat me up.

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debgeo21979 | @debgeo21979 | 1 day ago

Radiation will make your trips to the BR pretty painful.
Sorry to say this but I’ve been there.

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wisco50 | @wisco50 | 1 day ago
In reply to @debgeo21979 "@charlescarnohan I totally agree. Radiation does an awful number on you. I now have a mesh..." + (show)
Profile picture for debgeo21979 @debgeo21979

@charlescarnohan
I totally agree.
Radiation does an awful number on you.
I now have a mesh sling holding my remaining bowel inside my body instead of coming out below.
Im glad I finally got the mesh at the University of Penn. ( not my original place that will remain un-named)
I have some pretty big anger issues with the original surgeon. I am trying to let that go as it will just eat me up.

Jump to this post

@debgeo21979
I feel for you! My story is not related to your specific physical condition,, rather towards what you said about feelings towards the surgeon. I was not diagnosed properly and was written off as an overdramatic female. My treatment (not cancer) once I had the correct diagnosis was a bit difficult to get used to but my surgeons were terrific. I am still staring at a form to fill out re my treatment at a specific clinic - to file a complaint.
I am so angry and frustrated I almost feel paralyzed if that makes any sense.

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debgeo21979 | @debgeo21979 | 1 day ago
In reply to @wisco50 "@debgeo21979 I feel for you! My story is not related to your specific physical condition,, rather..." + (show)
Profile picture for wisco50 @wisco50

@debgeo21979
I feel for you! My story is not related to your specific physical condition,, rather towards what you said about feelings towards the surgeon. I was not diagnosed properly and was written off as an overdramatic female. My treatment (not cancer) once I had the correct diagnosis was a bit difficult to get used to but my surgeons were terrific. I am still staring at a form to fill out re my treatment at a specific clinic - to file a complaint.
I am so angry and frustrated I almost feel paralyzed if that makes any sense.

Jump to this post

@wisco50
It has been going on 4 years and now 6 major surgeries to even partially correct the mess that Surgeon #1 created.
In all this time I’ve been asked by 3 other surgeons and therapists and family why I didn’t sue him……
I’m just not that kind of person I guess.
It’s too late now (statute of limitation) but I wish him ill health in my dreams.

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apinzonc0627 | @apinzonc0627 | 1 day ago

Bendiciones quedo te salga bien y mejores tu vida.

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rioa21 | @rioa21 | 7 hours ago

I too had anal cancer with radiation and chemo for 6 weeks. Honestly, I’m surprised that your doctor told you that the ostomy with will be temporary. Not to add insult to injury but the radiation is very damaging. It left me with fecal incontinence. I spent all my days either in the bathroom or looking for one. It was horrible. After a year, I had the colostomy surgery. Three years later I have anal stenosis. I wouldn’t be to quick to dismiss the ostomy. It gave me back my life.

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