Postby CherieCM » Tue Feb 18, 2020 7:36 pm
Choose life, and all it offers. Have the surgery and put it all behind you, knowing you have done all you can to have your best life.
One month ago I had and extended right hemicolectomy (ERC) based on 2 surgeons being almost certain that the large tumour in my transverse colon was cancer. They based this on the sheer size of the tumour (5cm x 3.5cm) and imaging results including it appearing ulcerated, and of course, their experience. Biopsy results taken at the time of colonoscopy are not necessarily representative of the whole growth since they are only from selected areas accessible during the procedure. In my case they showed low dysplasia, but given the highly suspicious tumour this could not be certain that that was the case throughout the tumour and certainty was absolutely needed.
Surgery also allows full staging and a treatment plan to be complied once results of the tumour, lymph nodes, etc is to hand.
I have been so, so lucky. Immediately after the resection the surgeon said the tumour was cancerous, based on sight and experience. I bounced back from the surgery very quickly and am sure my youngish age, fitness, and outlook helped here. I just wanted the tumour out and my diagnosis confirmed and to know the plan going forwards.
To everyones astonishment the surgery histology confirmed no malignancy for this precancerous lesion or lymph nodes or spread. May the same happen for you.
I have no regrets on the ERC. The tumour had to come out in any event and the location required an ERC which would give me the best chance at life. Additionally, looking on the positive side, my odds of bowel cancer are now much reduced since my bowel is much reduced (!) and I have the benefit of knowing that as at my staging CT scan my body appeared cancer free (apart from the tumour), so that is something that most people don't have the advantage of knowing. It's been a really interesting journey, and the most frightening 35 days of my life from the initial colonoscopy to the surgery results, this over the christmas period, which made it even harder.
Good luck to you, and may you have an excellent outcome for your precancerous lesion.
I have done a huge amount of research during this journey, and found this site very informative and most helpful. Thankyou.