Stage3B - first year review

[aquarian_asian]

Hi All

need some guidance from all our cancer fellas!!!

I need to include my signature, will do soon; here is my history:

Feb 2021 - Dx Stage3B - rectal cancer (Age is 48, Male)
April 2021 - Radiation - for a week (5 mins day)
May 2021 - LAR surgery
Pathology: G2, LN+ PVI+, Lymph Nodes 5 out of 22
Temporary Ileostomy
Jun-Aug 2021 - Chemo 4 cycles 3 months (CAPOX)
Feb 2022 - Ileostomy reversal
In between there are little challenges , and my recent MRI Liver scan looks fine. I have a yearly CT scan next week

Now I have a review meeting with my surgeon this Friday, any specific questions I need to ask.. Please let me know

Thanks

[aquarian_asian]

Can anyone please suggest here

TIA

[Claudine]

I'm sorry I can't think of anything off the top of my head - it looks like you already have a timeframe for checkups? That's the main thing that comes to mind.
I do have a question though, if you don't mind; how low was your tumor, and how has your reversal been so far? My husband will be looking into that in the near future... His was a very low tumor (he's only got about an inch of rectum left post-resection) so we're anticipating some challenges...

[aquarian_asian]

No problems, Claudine. Right now, i will have yearly CT scans with periodical check ups as when needed. So far it is looking fine.
regarding distance - the report says 12.5 cm from Anal verge (AV) - not sure if I answer you right.

Regrading Reversal experience - I had around 15 BMs in a day. frequency & urgency was so terrific. I had accidents (hope you understands) 2 times when I went out in 2 weeks time. But after 4 weeks of time, things started getting better and now with 2+ months, I am almost back to track with little inconsistency - but all is manageble.
ask your doctors for right food for your husband and ask him to be prepared mentally. Our willpower helps during this reversal recovery as I felt. Shoot any questions if you have. Happy to answer

Thanks

[Claudine]

Thank you! Your tumor was quite a bit higher that my husband's, which is probably why things are already looking quite good for you after 2 months.

We actually just met with the surgeon and had a long conversation about reversal and expected challenges. I really like this surgeon; he puts his patients' quality of life at the forefront. He was very upfront with challenges and told DH that adjuvant radiation would likely make things even more difficult, but he won't schedule the reversal until DH meets with the radiation oncologist (tomorrow) to discuss things. He said that he would be in very close contact with DH in the months after the reversal to try and test anything that may help alleviate LARS; mentioned diet, bulking agents, Kegel exercises, daily morning enemas, and something I forget the name of but has to do with electrical nerve stimulation and is showing real promises. So I feel that DH will have a sympathetic ear and lots of support from his surgeon, which is great.

Good luck with your CT scan, I hope it comes back all clear

[aquarian_asian]

Today's appointment went well. a positive day indeed. Thanks everyone.

[Claudine]

Fantastic! Do continue to drop by now and then, it's really nice to read about positive outcomes on the forum

[aquarian_asian]

Yes i will do. Absolutely, I am just member only to this forum for good knowledge and sharing positive news to help each other. Sharing is caring
Love to all

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm glad everything went well!

[aquarian_asian]

Thanks Darknessembraced.

[I_will_fight]

Is CEA a good marker for you?
How often are you getting it measured?
Have you considered any ctDNA test?

[aquarian_asian]

Yes my CEA is good (around 2-2.5), it is being tested around 3 months once whenever I visit my hospital. Even during this review meeting, I asked about my baseline CEA - they said it is a good number, not to worry much about it
ctDNA test - didnt heard that so far. Should I press to get it done?

Thanks