I think you need to see a radiation oncologist and get a more informed opinion.

During my treatment the oncologist, radiation oncologist, and colorectal surgeon all worked together as a team.

Del, take a look at this thread that details my recent experience with very low rectal cancer.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=53498&p=423816#p423816

It seems to me you may be an ideal candidate for "Watch and Wait"

peanut_8 wrote:Personally, I'd go with a second opinion. There may be an option for radiation, that could lessen the chances of a permanent colostomy.
Best Wishes, peanut

+1

Also make sure the second opinion is from a Board Certified colorectal surgeon, maybe you could also see a radiation oncologist?

How much Xeloda are you taking each day? 1650 mg twice a day. I want so badly to skip a weekend of taking it just to see if I get a little relief. The sore hands and feet, insomnia and mouth sores I can handle. I just want to feel like doing something besides sitting for one day. I weigh 160 lbs an...

Your surgeon will be able to tell you what is possible after he looks over the CT results. You might start writing down the questions you want to ask him so you're prepared for the consultation. It's easy to get overwhelmed and then think of all these things you should have asked after you leave! +...

How much Xeloda are you taking each day?

I was diagnosed with a rectal tumor about a year ago. They did a rectal ultrasound to determine the staging of the tumor, ie how far it had progressed into the wall of the rectum. Also knowing exactly where in the rectum the mass is located will help you determine what type of surgery might be neces...

Mike, take a look at this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=53498

The standard of care for rectal cancer is chemoradiation first, then the decisions regarding surgery or watch and wait can be made.

Wow, 30 radiation sessions and six weeks of xeloda every day...they aren't taking any half measures with you!!! Just a thought, but if possible you might want to ask your dad if he could be ready to drive you to the last week or two of treatments. You may not need him but I bet it would make him fee...

My surgeon indicated there were very strict guidelines for admission to their Watch and Wait program. I believe this paper by Dr Habr-Gama outlines the guidelines, sorry this link only gives the abstract unless you pay: http://www.hemonc.theclinics.com/article/S0889-8588(14)00125-7/abstract Also, of...

A year ago I was diagnosed with a very low rectal tumor that had progressed thru the rectum wall and into the sphincter muscles. The three local Drs I saw all told me straight out that treatment would involve an APR and include removal of my sphincter. Fortunately my health care provider did not hav...

I didn't get the full belly and bladder instruction from my rad onc, maybe it depends on the type of radiation machine being used? I was treated on an IMRT machine with a head that rotated around the body. I think driving should be OK but if you get radiation burns on your behind similar to mine you...

Sixpack, it would also be a good idea to ask about chemoradiation treatment.

Does your CAE come in high?

Nica, if you haven't yet seen this article http://gastro.oxfordjournals.org/conten ... ov039.full then reading it might keep you out of mischief for an hour or two.

Thank you! This is what I need to hear to help me to decide whether to go with surgery or not. Let me repeat; you can't decide until you know how your tumor reacted to the chemoradiation, and you will not know this until 8-10 weeks after your radiation treatment is finished. Trying to go thru all t...