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DiscussionMy journey with rectal cancer: What's your experience?
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Oct 23, 2023 | Replies (61)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "My rectal cancer is 7 cm from the anus. With that being said surgeons did not..."
My cancer is a 5cm SCC involving anal sphincter stage 3 diagnosed December 2022. I had an emergency loop colostomy end of January due to high risk of obstruction & commenced daily combined radiation & chemo. I completed my 28 treatments last week.
Firstly, I suffered more than most with the side effects of constant diarrhoea ( thank goodness for the Colostomy bag) leading to severe dehydration & electrolyte imbalance, loss of appetite & nausea leading to malnutrition, gross weight & muscle loss & nil energy . I had 2 breaks of 1 week each during treatment course & noticed improvement in appetite at end of each week . Interestingly, I began to pass bits of the dead tumour rectally in last week's of treatment. This was a putrid substance, but not unexpected according to Oncologist. Now I wait...chemo & radiation continues to work for about 1 month after treatment finishes...for my appetite to return, so I can begin my rebuild. Super important to keep fluids up & I have found cold drinks ( better if milk or high protein) with ice more successful with electrolyte replacement tablets once per day with diarrhoea. I have had 3 IV fluids replacements. I am still taking anti nausea medication so I can eat small amounts, but praying my appetite returns in next few days.
My wife has a tumor at the same location (7 cm). She's just finished the chemo (FOLFOX infusions) and we're at the 'surgery or radio' phase. Would yo mind sharing how your treatment progressed?
i have rectal c ---- i'm on my 5 chemo i hope it shrinks and i dont need bag - id like them do do exam and see if its shrunk and they can operate asap