I am on my 3rd week of recovery from my resection. 18" was taken out, 0/22 lymphnodes taken were affected (T3, N0, M0). Surgeon referred me to oncol. and a radiologist for treatment. Did not treat BEFORE surgery as it was staged at a t2, until after pathology from surgery where it was found it did go thru the wall. Confused about this, because if they took 18", isn't ti gone now?? I know when this all stated in MArch , there was one cancerous polyp found during colonoscopy. It was removed, but had to be piece mealed out, meaning taken i pieces. 2 months later, endoscopic ultrasound came back with nothing there, 3 month later, flexible sigmoidoscopy showed it came back, basically in the same area, and grew back in that short period of time to be the same size of the original one.
Anyways, here is my plan so far:
4 -chemo treatments (M in the clinic, then home with a pump T., W. Then a week off , then back to it again. Once that is done, then 5.5 weeks of radiation to the pelvic area. This will be every day M-F Note: My cancer was in the lower part of the rectum). At the same time I will be given a chemo "pill". Once that is completed I will have more chemo, can't remember the time frame. ALL this going on while I have my temporary ileostomy bag.
So here I am frustrated, scared and anxious, mostly about the side effects (especially with radiation to the pelvic area). Lots of possible issues, I know they have to tell you all these things, but , UGH! Hip problems, vaginal issues, and more!! Also concerned about radiating that area of the bowel, possibility of not getting "reconnected" afterwards and really having to realize that won't be known until they go in and try to do it. I guess I am on here to use this platform to vent, but also to ask if anyone her has had a similar situation or has any input whatsoever. My husband is distraught over all this information, as am I. Radio. feels I will do just fine, that I am only 47 and will be able t o handle everything, how does he know? I understand everyone is different o how they handle treatments etc, just wish I could get more clarity......