Don’t want to lose anus

Posted by jenmo @jenmo, Dec 23, 2022

New member. Just received diagnosis with tumor 1cm from sphincter. Has anyone had a tumor shrunk and removed without losing their anus/sphincter and ability to poop normally? Any hope at all?

The idea of losing my body parts and changing my life forever, colostomy bag and whatnot as a single mom in her 40s is excruciatingly scary and depressing. Afraid of how I will manage chemo as a single mom but even more how to feel whole.

Desperate to hear hope that I might not lose ability to poop normally.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

jenmo | @jenmo | Dec 27, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @jenmo. I hope you saw the hopeful post from @trishdep189 who also had a tumor..." + (show)

I haven’t been able to see the surgeon yet because she’s only in the office one day a week and we got COVID on our appointment day so now it’s pushed out weeks again. And every day seems more likely it will grow and I’ll end up on the bag. They haven’t discussed anything with me other than the oncologist saying she suspects the surgeon will want to do neoadjuvant chemo radiation first prior to surgery. And their attitude appeared to be one that makes me fear they’ll just put me on the bag as a matter of routine because they haven’t been responsive or sensitive to my needs at all including that I have a small child at home that I’m the sole caregiver for (and thus the chemo will affect them). Anyway they haven’t mentioned that they will try to save or spare or repair the sphincter just “it’s hard” so the bag seems likely because it’s easier for them 🙁 this is a major cancer research hospital too

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 27, 2022

Welcome @jenmo. I hope you saw the hopeful post from @trishdep189 who also had a tumor removed from the sphincter muscle with successful reconstruction and full functionality.

Jen, when will you have surgery? Has your surgeon talked about reconstruction options and likely outcomes with you?

trishdep189 | @trishdep189 | Dec 24, 2022

I just had my tumor removed from my sphincter muscle. They were able to reconstruct the muscle and I have no issues going to the bathroom. The recovery was not pleasant, but worth it to be able to poop normal.
Fingers crossed your outcome is great!!