Hi all - I am a 33yo recently diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. Complete shock as cancer/colorectal cancer does not run in my family. My tumor is staged at T4N2a (I think I wrote that right). Anyways, came back home for holidays and 12/20/18 developed a cyst around tumor which put me in pain, sent me to the ER and likely saved my life. I had some symptoms but was pregnant (gave birth July 2018) and postpartum so I chalked up the symptoms to hemmroids/childbirth/postpartum issues.
Was diagnosed in local ER - my brother and SIL are both doctors (my brother radiologist) so they fast tracked all the results, basically got the diagnoses and staging same day I went to the ER. I traveled to MD Anderson in Houston for second opinion. I am following their treatment plan which is 4 rounds of FOLFOX (have had 3 already, 4th coming up next week) then back to MD Anderson for scans beginning of March. From the scans I think they will tell me if I can begin radiation/chemo pill or have to do more chemo. I will have to have significant surgery eventually which will include a complete hysterectomy. Not sure if I’ve really come to terms with that yet. They did give me the option to harvest eggs but strongly suggested I did not have time to do that and I should begin chemo asap, so that’s what I did. God has blessed me with two healthy children already.
Found this forum and have been reading some although its basically scared the shit out of me more. Only silver lining seems to be the cancer has not spread to my liver or lungs. I’m worried it will spread more as I’m receiving chemo, I’ve tried to stop googling shit about it. I have appointment tomorrow with genetic counselor to do bloodwork. I am scared and angry but trying to accept it all.
I’m not sure why I’m writing this but have been wondering recently if 4 rounds of chemo will be enough for me to start radiation? I’m worried when I go back to MD Anderson beg of March they will tell me I have to do more chemo? I am also now worried about radiation since finding this forum lol Way more side effects from that than I thought? I still can’t believe I’m even here. I am healthy and young. Literally went to spin class 3x a week entire time I was pregnant and am a runner. Literally 3 days before my diagnosis I ran 4 miles and felt great. It’s all just wild.