← Return to My journey with rectal cancer: What's your experience?
DiscussionMy journey with rectal cancer: What's your experience?
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Feb 14, 2025 | Replies (63)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?
Connect

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