Hi! I was on here 2 weeks ago after a pathology of a "large" rectal tumor (found during a colonoscopy ordered due to blood in stool) was found to be positive for cancer. But I had - and still have - little other info. other than tumor is 10 cm from my anal verge and large and poorly differentiated (which I understand is not great news).
I *finally* met with a surgeon this past Thursday (waited an extra excruciating week for the surgeon I wanted). I had a chest/abdomen/pelvic CT (with and w/o contrast) on Friday and have a pelvic MRI scheduled for this Wednesday. My surgeon is planning to present the info to her tumor board on Friday. I also meet with oncologist on Thursday. (Is this all normal process?)
My big question right now is TOMORROW. They scheduled me for a scope (think it's a sigmoidoscopy) early tomorrow under general anesthesia during which they will tattoo my tumor. I asked tons of questions during our appt. She told me the standard protocol for RC (pre-surgical chemo, rest time, surgery, post surgical chemo), mentioned radiation (but not necessarily as part of that protocol), and said specifically that she couldn't tell me anything for sure about my situation until after my scans/tests.
All of these appts were scheduled so quickly on Th/Fr that I was unable to ask WHY they are tattooing the tumor? Is this so they know where it is for something later? (She said she is scheduling the scope to see the exact location of my tumor. She tried to do something in the office with a tube, but I was unable to tolerate it .... and they didn't really push it either. I kind of wish they'd pushed it because I'm not excited about the general anesthesia if it's not truly necessary.)
If anyone can tell me the purpose of the tattoo and if the tattoo (and the scope) is normal protocol at this stage, I would appreciate it. (Does the tattoo tell me anything about what lies ahead?)
I look forward (I guess...) to getting more info after this week's tests so I can round out my signature here and ask more pointed questions here. You all are so amazing. Thank you so much for all your support!
S