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Colorectal cancer stage 1 with positive margin
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer stage 1 with positive margin in May, 2023. Surgeon recommends a partial removal of colon following NCCN guidelines. I opted out a surgery and had flex sigmoidoscopy with a biopsy and fulguration of the area.
Biopsy is clear, but I’m having a stomach issues such as constipation and bloating, tight stomach feeling. Surgeon did emphasize of without a surgery to remove that portion of colon, cannot know if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
I’d like to have a second opinion, but which specialist should I go? Is a gastroenterologist the best specialist for my symptoms?
Any suggestions appreciated.
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why would colonoscopist want to do a flex sigmoidoscopy in six weeks after colonoscopy He was supposed to do all the looking during the colonoscopy I know there was blood because I have hemmoroids
Almost two years ago,
After a 5 yr routine colonoscopy
it showed adenocarcinoma in my colon
Surgery was recommended and twelve days later I had a colon resection at Memorial Sloan Kettering by a colorectal surgeon.
Results were Stage 1 with no lymph node involvement..
I did not need chemotherapy or any other treatment except for a yearly colonoscopy for five years.
The surgery was done robotically through a scope.
After a few days in the hospital I returned home and resumed my normal activities.
Recently my daughter’s colonoscopy found a 3 cm neuroendocrine tumor—different from my adenocarcinoma
After a consultation with a major cancer center, it was confirmed treatment would be to have it excised by a gastro surgeon.
Her tumor was different from mine….
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1 ReactionFlex Sigmoidoscopy was performed to verify position of cancerous polyp
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I just wonder why by Gastro surgeon instead of colorectal surgeon?
If they do recommend having an open surgery - it is the smallest incision. They took out my entire: with a little tiny incision no bigger than maybe an inch. It's crazy what they can do and that was when I was 38. I'm 52 now. But I'm glad you read my message and I just want you to know that if the doctors do recommend that you have surgery, open surgery to remove part of your colon because they won't be able to stage it or they won't know if it went through the wall of the colon if they don't, then please have the surgery. Don't even second guess it. This is something that is done so frequently now and it islife-saving!! If you have any questions let me know.
Angela
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3 ReactionsThank you Angela.
I will definitely keep you updated.
My cologuard came back positive then I had my first colonoscopy. Some people are having a colonoscopy by a gastroenterologist. But I had a general surgeon performing a colonoscopy. After they found a cancer, I was referred to a colorectal surgeon. My question is if a surgeon only does surgery, should I see a gastroenterologist after surgery?
A gastroenterologist did my first screening colonoscopy and found the tumor. My colorectal surgeon has done all my colonoscopies after the surgery. I feel more comfortable with the surgeon during the colonoscopies because they can check the site of the resection to ensure there is no stenosis of the connection between the small intestine and the large intestine.
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1 ReactionAre you having a surgeon that specializes in colon and rectal surgery do the procedure? If not I highly recommend it. They know how to do things that other surgeons may not know how to do because they specialize in colon and rectal surgeries Day in day out so they have all the latest treatment options, etc. Just something for you to consider if your surgeon isn't in that specialty field. But, to your question re gastroenterologist- that that would be something to discuss with the surgeon and probably a personal choice. I never had to see one, The only doctor I saw was my oncologist after my cancer and still see him every year! He's done a lot of genetic testing on me and has made sure he's always trying to stay a step ahead. Because I see him regularly is why they caught the last cancer I had in my small intestine.
I would ask your surgery surgeon about that and see what they're recommendation would be as to who would be the best to be following up with. But, if it's cancer, they're going to want you to follow up with it oncologist regularly. Hope this helps 😀
Angela
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2 ReactionsI read your message again and yes you should see a gastroenterologist after the surgery every year for colonoscopy follow-ups! Ty
Angela
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2 ReactionsYes, colorectal surgeon will be operation on my colon. I was just wondering I see other people have follow up oncologist or gastroenterologist so I will discuss it with my colorectal surgeon when I see him next week.
Thank you again!