I haven’t been able to see the surgeon yet because she’s only in the office one day a week and we got COVID on our appointment day so now it’s pushed out weeks again. And every day seems more likely it will grow and I’ll end up on the bag. They haven’t discussed anything with me other than the oncologist saying she suspects the surgeon will want to do neoadjuvant chemo radiation first prior to surgery. And their attitude appeared to be one that makes me fear they’ll just put me on the bag as a matter of routine because they haven’t been responsive or sensitive to my needs at all including that I have a small child at home that I’m the sole caregiver for (and thus the chemo will affect them). Anyway they haven’t mentioned that they will try to save or spare or repair the sphincter just “it’s hard” so the bag seems likely because it’s easier for them 🙁 this is a major cancer research hospital too

Colleen, I asked again and read these comments to the surgeon who said there’s no hope because the tumor touches or abuts the internal sphincter and they’d have to remove it and give me a permanent colostomy. I don’t understand. This is the head of colectoral surgery. How do I get a second opinion from one of the surgeons who were mentioned here or otherwise