Just diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Good Morning - Almost two years ago, upon awakening after my colonoscopy, I was told that they found a “suspicious mass” in my rectum that needed to be biopsied. Two days later, on a Friday afternoon, I received the call advising me that it was cancerous. My gastroenterologist recommended I find an oncologist and a colorectal surgeon, and recommended two. They turned out not to be the greatest, but everything worked out. In hindsight, my advice to myself and to you would be, immediately begin researching oncologists and colorectal surgeons and take the time necessary to find the best ones you can, that you feel in your gut are good. And, the most important part, DO NOT hesitate to get second opinions if you don’t feel 100% confident in your first choices and the plans they recommend for your treatment. In my case the first phase was chemotherapy, twelve cycles of Folfox. I then began additional research on my cancer, treatment options, pros and cons, and for me which ones offered the best Quality of Life outcomes. Determining what outcome is best is a very personal thing that you need to discuss with the important people in your life, and there are several alternatives which will help you determine which course of treatments you decide to follow. With a good team of doctors, colorectal cancer is manageable. Next month I will have my one-year follow up, second CT scan, the first was clear, and a colonoscopy. A year ago I had low anterior resection surgery to remove the adenocarcinoma tumor and some lymph nodes. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful surgeon who patiently guided me through the process and spent seven hours with me in surgery. So, here I am, feeling great and doing all the things I enjoy. A few weeks after my six-month CT scan I turned 79. You have control over the process and the people who you partner with. After a major disagreement with my first oncologist he said, “You’re the boss and I’m the doctor.” That was good, we were on the same page. Bottom line, you need to get to work. The more information you have the more confident you will feel that everything is going to work out for you. I wish you the very best in the journey ahead. P.S. Speaking of disagreements with treatment teams, I have a friend who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and told she had two years to live. Four years later she’s living an active life doing the things she wants to do. It’s been a pretty rough road but she decided on the one she wanted to travel.

@jaspithill1946 thank you for your response. I’m still kind of all over the place at the moment. Mind going to those dark places thinking the worst. I’m assuming this is normal I’m not sure I’ve never had a life changing moment as serious as this happen to me. I’m trying to remain positive but finding it hard to at the moment. I still have to get the MRI and pet done to get more definitive answers. So I guess it’s one day at a time. Thank you again for your response I appreciate it

The beginning is so rough…when you know there’s cancer, but don’t know much…waiting for more tests and imaging before treatment options are given..fortunately cancer is not the same as in our parents’ day and there are many successful treatments…try to get genetics info on the tumor…and have the docs test for your personal reaction to treatments if they can—-both of these can affect what treatments you get….i definitely felt psychologically better once treatment began, because we were finally going after the cancer. Wishing you the best !

I am recovering from rectal cancer, 33 rad treatments and 2 weeks of chemo. My lower lymph nodes were affected and treated. The worst part was the breakdown of skin front to back, inevitable with this radiation. I know that in the US there is now Proton radiation which targets only the cancer cells. It's not available in Canada yet and apparently expensive in the US.
My treatments ended in December and I am now returning to some kind of normalcy. BMs are no longer painful, although still hard to predict my mornings. I can now sit down after months of laying or standing. I take psylium every night and a teaspoon of olive oil to make things easier. I am meeting my radiologist in June to get a scan and an update. 81% success rate so am optimistic, and the care I have received has been superb.

I can’t thank you all enough who have replied to my post. It amazes me how kind strangers can be to one another. It does give a glimpse of hope. I know it’s still early and I don’t have all the info but human nature seems to be getting the best of me always thinking the worst without all the facts. I’m so glad the responses I’ve seen have all been positive and everyone seems to be kicking this diseases butt! I will keep everyone updated and will be back with more of my concerns I’m sure in the coming days/weeks. This is all new to me so please forgive the rambling and carrying on.

@clayc84
Everyone of us here have stood in your shoes and can understand how you feel.Once you have all the test results sit and decide with clarity what you want,of course keeping all the latest options available to you.After the Pre op concurrent chemo plus radiation for 28 days for the stage 3B rectal cancer ,I had my surgery.I was advised post op chemo of six courses with a three drug protocol as per my Pre op PET. In the pathology my nodes had become negative for cancer.So I decided not to take the chemo which was supposed to give me a extra 10% five year survival.I decided on quality of life over quantity.By gods grace 8 years in remission now.Passing on my luck to you and will keep you in prayers for a good PET report

Most cancer diagnoses are new to all those who suddenly have to deal with the news that the big C has invaded their bodies and their lives. Investigate options, in the medical professionals and treatments they recommend. Ask questions until you are satisfied you have the best information available. It’s amazing how much information is available on line regarding your cancer. Like I said before, the more information you have the less daunting the challenge will seem. The statistics are on your side so go after it. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Cheers, Jack

I hope you have a good support team as in family, spouse and friends. Do not ever turn down support. Prayers for you!

@nycmusic DYPD is the test to see how your body might respond to chemo.

So have an update. Needless to say the last almost 2 weeks have been so up and down mentally. Had all tests done MRI-CT-PT . It seems the tumor is contained and hasn’t spread thank God. That was my biggest worry with the discovery of a new nodule on my lung that wasn’t there in 2023 when I had calcium score done. They said it is attached to wall but hasn’t gone through the wall itself. Met with surgeon on Monday and she said we may try to attack with chemo/radiation before surgery to shrink it down. I’m guessing this may be standard procedure not sure. I meet with oncologist tomorrow for final say. They staged it as maybe 2a or 3 I’m guessing maybe because of size? Either way they are telling me that it seems we have caught it early on as it has not spread and is high in the rectum. I know there’s still a long road ahead but there seem to be some positives. Surgeons words were treat with intent to cure which I’m guessing they try and tell everyone. I feel as I’m in good hands and trust the Dr’s I have spoken with so far. Abrahamson Cancer Center in Philadelphia seems to be highly recognized and great reviews. I wish all of us with this terrible monster the best of luck let’s kick this things ass!