Anyone have Surgery success with tumor at the internal sphincter ?

My cancer is in the same spot. I had 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. Most of the cancer is gone except for about a quarter of an inch. Hopefully in a few weeks, when I have my next scan it will be all gone. I have been dealing with fecal incontinence and anal stenosis from the radiation. All along the doctors said no surgery. Now, since the sphincter muscle is already damaged, they may consider it if needed. The fecal incontinence is definitively challenging, but it can be managed. Are they saying you’ll need a colostomy?

TES, I DID, IN FACT THE HIGHLY SKILLED SURGEON I HAD REMOVED (15) FIFTEENE CENTIMERS TOTAL OF ANUS AND ENTIR RECTUM AND A FEW MILIMETERS OF THE SIGMOD COLON; WHERE THE ACTUAL CANCER WAS. BUT WHEN I HAD MY FIRST COLONOSCOPY AT AGE 63 ALOT HAD GONE WRONG AND NOW I'M PAYING FOR IT, I NOW HAVE TO WEAR A COLOSTOMY BAG FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE?

I will start my third round of chemotherapy on Monday (FOlfox) they are planning radiation after 6-8 chemo rounds and if that doesn’t work surgery will be my only option. I’m a young and active 60 year old male that’s trying to avoid a bag if possible

I understand completely where you’re coming from. A bag is always our last choice. Have you had radiation before? The radiation can be very damaging to the fragile skin in that area. Buy some Aquaphor and use it generously. Hopefully the treatment will work and you won’t need surgery.

No, I haven’t had radiation before and trying to get information on what is the best method to minimize damage to the muscle

Unfortunately the muscle will be radiated along with the cancer. There’s no way to isolate it. I hate to post something that will be upsetting to you, but be prepared to have burns from the radiation. My husband convinced me to get a bidet that fit over the toilet. It was a lifesaver. Get one you won’t regret it. There are creams that have lidocaine in them. Get those too. Be prepared. There was a week when I couldn’t wear anything more than a robe. The skin becomes raw and there will be open wounds. Sorry to be so honest. I wish someone had prepared me. Doctors tell you all this after the fact.

And they like to remind you that "the benefits of the treatment are greater than the side effects".....
I guess that's supposed to be comforting to know as you are in excruciating pain at home while nursing your raw and open wounds.

There might be hope. I had my tumor removed and no bag. My tumor was discovered during my routine colonoscopy and they thought it was a nodule but turned out to be a tumor in the sphincter. My surgeon removed it and I was fortunate to not have radiation and chemo. The recovery was difficult but worth it. Today I am cancer free. I wish you so much luck on your journey. Your in my prayers.

I actually just started the chemo and radiation yesterday. I am working on putting together an arsenal of supplies. All of your recommendations are very much appreciated. How far into the process did the worst of the side effects begin?

Here is the list I used.
Aveeno baby wipes
Purist form of aloe Vera
High protein with fiber shakes. I used Atkins version!
Ionized/Alkaline filter with water bottle. Drink lots of water!
Anti gas pills
Keep your skin well moisturized with a good lotion!
I have 8 more treatments of chemo/radiation left out of 30 treatments days! Yeah me. I have had minimal side affects so far! Hope this helps