Preparing for Surgery... scared & need advice

[Sanjuro]

Hi,

I want to say that this forum has been an invaluable resource for me over the past few weeks. I'm very grateful for any input folks are able to give.

Here is my situation:
Had rectal bleeding, was inspected with a rigid scope and the doctor saw a legion. I had a colonoscopy w/biopsies, it came back as cancer, 13cm from the anal verge in the rectosigmoid area. We believe it is a T2 N0 lesion that has bridged the submucosa to the muscularis propria but not broken through, based on flex-sig & ultrasound examination. CT scan of abdomen & chest came back clean.

My proctologist tells me I need a anterior resection, it may be a low anterior resection depending on how far in the lesion is. I am speaking with a few surgeons. One can do the surgery right away and another can do the surgery in about a month. How urgent is it that I have the surgery? Should I wait if I feel better about one of the surgeons?

I'm highly concerned about the quality of life after surgery and LARS. Any advice is much appreciated.

If anyone has strong opinions with respect to surgeons in the Southern California area, please send me a private message.

Thank you. Stay strong and keep fighting.

[Nik Colon]

Getting a Board certified CRC surgeon is the most important. Best wishes

[AussieAssCancer]

I would also recommend making enquiries about seeing a radiation oncologist for some neoadjuvant treatment. No doubt if you speak with a board certified surgeon as per Nik's advice, they will steer you in the right direction, whatever that is.

Cheers,

GK

[Nik Colon]

I would also recommend making enquiries about seeing a radiation oncologist for some neoadjuvant treatment. No doubt if you speak with a board certified surgeon as per Nik's advice, they will steer you in the right direction, whatever that is.

Cheers,

GK

Yes, talk to onc also! (I should have mentioned that, if they haven't seen one yet) thanks for pointing that out

[AbbyDoo]

Sorry you going threw this.
You might want to check out city of Hope in Duarte. I have not been there butt have heard nothing but good.

[Lee]

Ditto on Board Certified Colon Rectal Surgeon. Do you know if you have colon or rectal cancer? IF it's rectal, usually radiation, or some form is chemo is standard care prior to surgery.

If you have concerns, getting a 2nd opinion is always s good idea.

After your surgery, be sure to walk, walk, walk those halls. It really does help with the healing process.

Good luck.

Lee

[Sanjuro]

Thanks all for the info & support. I'm going to ask about seeing an oncologist as well. Does anyone have opinions about the Colorectal program / staff at UCLA Westwood as it relates to surgery?

[mike1965]

Hello Sanjuro,

I had LARS earlier this year. My doctor was Dr. Kaiser at USC. In my opinion best move I could had made. He was able to do surgery with a scope. He is a great doctor. He did a great job and my surgery recovery was very smooth. He was not my original surgeon. I got rid of my original surgeon because I was not comfortable. Make sure u are comfortable with your surgeon. After research I felt the three best hospital for me were USC, UCLA and City of Hope. I picked USC because it was closer to my house and I liked Dr. Kaisers bio. You are smart to ask questions and educate yourself. You only get one shot at first surgery and you want the best to do it. If you need anymore details you can send me private message. I pray all goes well.