Pros and cons of additional chemo after rectal radiation and chemo?

Welcome @lat59. I'm tagging other members like @brigli @majella65 @jennipwalters @opheli @bea1972 who have experience in rectal cancer to join this discussion.

Your question sounds like a good question for your cancer care team. Your oncologist can outline the pros and cons of additional chemotherapy specifically for you since they know your medical history and treatment response, as well as your life goals and preferences.

I look forward to getting to know more about you. When were you diagnosed with rectal cancer? What treatments did you have? How are you doing after 6 weeks of treatment?

Hi,

I am in the same boat. I'll keep you informed on my decision, but I'm waiting until after the stress of the holidays.

In May 2018 I was diagnosed with rectal cancer after having a colonoscopy. I had been having chronic diarrhea. I had six months of chemotherapy and radiation then a permanent colostomy in February 2019. I have regular follow ups and C-scans with my oncologist. After having a PETscan and biopsy on lymph nodes the cancer has returned. I will start chemotherapy soon.

Thanks for replying. I was diagnosed June 29, 2022. Resectioned rectal surgery on august 16 at which point it was found the cancer had perferated the rectum . prior to surgery there was no indication of perferation. no cancer cells found in lymph nodes or tissues.6 weeks of healing and then 6 weeks of radiation and chemo which i have just completed. my question is do more chemo. dDr is waiting to make the call a couple of weeks, had a rough go with the treatment,i am 73 years old and in relatively good health. Thanks again for the help, Robert

Thanks, Humbling adventure for sure.

Sorry for your situation, hoping for the best for you.

Thank You

Look up Jodi Ledley and read about her and her husband’s healing of rectal cancer. I feel for you! I’m 42. Mom of 3 young boys. Want desperately to live and believe I will with the help of my Lord and Saviour. Went through rectal radiation and chemo early this year after a difficult rectal resection surgery last year. Prayers for you! You can beat this!

Hi, @amariewilkinson ! How have you been?
I'm about to have a rectal and mesorectal resection, with a pullthrough and a coloanal anastomosis. So I'd like to ask you what made your rectal resection difficult and how you dealt with it.

My resection was hard because it was slow to heal and I ended up with an ulceration that took hyperbaric oxygen to go away fully. Take it super easy! Even if you feel good enough to do things. Give your body lots of time to heal is my advice and do what you can to help it heal. Water and baths were my friend once the time period is up for you to be able to (your surgery sounds different than mine to some degree). Have plain foods like baked potatoes and some healthy shake foods ready on hand too. I became so tense in my intestines that it took some legal prescription thc gummies to help me relax.