Thanks for all the input. Listening to people describe the surgery as "not that bad" has really lowered my anxiety level. I do have a follow up question - what defines low vs. ultra low rectal cancer. Mine is 3 cm from the anal verge. I thought that was really low, but the surgeon seems to...

I was diagnosed (via CT & EUS) with T2N0M0 rectal cancer, 3cm from the anal verge. I am scheduled for a LAR (should be laparoscopic unless my pelvis is very small) accompanied by a TME and temporary ileostomy next week. I feel very lucky that this was caught so early, and that I live almost next...

I am in a similar situation. I went in for my first ever colonoscopy and came out being diagnosed with rectal cancer. No symptoms other than a little bleeding once in a blue moon when I strained - I thought it was a hemorrhoid. The mass is 23mm x 7 mm and located 3 cm from the anal verge. The doctor...