Newly Diagnosed

Hi I was just told yesterday that I have rectal cancer.  I have to have an endocopic ultrasound next Wed. and then meet with the surgeons on Friday.  I'd appreciate any information on what to expect.  I'm actually a Registered nurse and with this I wish I wasn't because (not an oncology nurse) I know just enough to scare myself.Thanks for any help!  Terry

On 7/5/2007 Snowmom60 wrote:

Hi I was just told yesterday that I have rectal cancer.  I have to have an endocopic ultrasound next Wed. and then meet with the surgeons on Friday.  I'd appreciate any information on what to expect.  I'm actually a Registered nurse and with this I wish I wasn't because (not an oncology nurse) I know just enough to scare myself.Thanks for any help!  Terry

I am a 69 yr old female diagnosed with rectal cancer in January.  After CT scans, a PET scan, and numerous tests I started chemo and radiation treatments.  A chemo port was installed under the surface of my skin and I wore a pack that administered the chemo continuously 5 days a week, 24 hrs a day.  At the same time I had 28 radiation treatments all in the hope that the combination would shrink the tumor.  After these treatments I was given another CT scan (I was quite nauseous and my bowel movements had changed) and it was discovered an inflammation in my small intestine thought to be from the radiation.  On May 21 I had rectal surgery as well as the section of the colon removed (it turned out to be cancerous so good thing it's gone).  I spent 10 days in the hospital and needed 4 units of blood.  A device was implanted in my spinal cord that administered the morphine and that was wonderful.  At no time did I feel the pain of surgery.  The gas pains, however, were uncomfortable but since pain management is uppermost in the hospital guidelines, I was kept comfortable.  It has been 7 weeks since surgery and I have had numerous problems with diarrhea but that is subsiding.  I will see my oncologist next week and he will prescribe further chemo for prevention of a reoccurence as I understand. 

Hope this hasn't been too lengthly and it was somewhat informative.  I was spared the stoma (bag) which I was pleased with and look forward to an active life after rectal and colon cancer.  I wish you all the luck in the world.

Thank you so much that is very helpful.  I'm the type that wants to know what to expect.  Can I ask what stage and what kind of cancer you had.  I was just reading about adenocarcinoma mucinous and since I have had a lot of mucous I'm a little worried it might be that kind.  I know I need to probably quit reading so much.  How long between your colonoscopy to find out you had cancer and seeing your surgeon?  How did you pick your oncologist?  I'm sorry to ask so  many questions but I live in  a very small town and I don't know to many people up here that have had experience with cancer (I use to live in the city). Thanks again, Terry

On 7/6/2007 Snowmom60 wrote:

Thank you so much that is very helpful.  I'm the type that wants to know what to expect.  Can I ask what stage and what kind of cancer you had.  I was just reading about adenocarcinoma mucinous and since I have had a lot of mucous I'm a little worried it might be that kind.  I know I need to probably quit reading so much.  How long between your colonoscopy to find out you had cancer and seeing your surgeon?  How did you pick your oncologist?  I'm sorry to ask so  many questions but I live in  a very small town and I don't know to many people up here that have had experience with cancer (I use to live in the city). Thanks again, Terry

I was never told what stage or type (and I was a bit afraid to ask).  I see my oncologist in a couple of days and will ask at that time and relay the info to you.  I too had a lot of mucous right after diagnosis and wore a pad constantly.  That worsened with the radiation but not unbearable.  I was diagnosed in the latter part of January and saw my surgeon within probably a week or two. Then the tests (scans) started and then the 28 chemo/radiation sessions after that.  After these treatments a waiting period of at least 6 weeks before surgery is normal so my surgery wasn't until May 21st!  Seemed like an eternity. 

 As far as picking my oncologist, we have 1 at the hospital where I live and he is excellent.  Couldn't hope for anyone better.  And there are 3 surgeons but the one I chose specialized in colon/rectal area cancers and I am also pleased with him. 

Be patient because there are so many tests you have to go through to get the proper staging, etc., and when the surgery takes place the surgeon doesn't want any surprises.  The one area in my colon that looked inflammed (CT scan) due to radiation (my doctor thought) was found to be cancerous and so that was removed at the same time as my rectal tumor was removed.  Glad this was caught with the scans so I didn't have to go back for a second surgery.

Hope this helps you and we will keep in touch.  Jeanette

Thank you for all of the information, it really does help to talk to someone who has been through it.  I don't want to talk to much around my family, my 16 year old is having a tough time with this and my husband gets angry about it.  I'll keep you posted.

Terry:)

treatment and prognosis for rectal cancer depend upon the stage, which depends on how far the tumor has penetrated.  In early stage disease surgery and/or RT is usually enough.  Once you get to stage II where the tumor has penetrated the bowel wall, then you can add chemo to the mix.

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured, but it's going to be stage zero or one (I like to think positive)!

 Thanks for the info.!

Terry

It sounds like my husband is trailing right behind you - he was diagnosed only 5 weeks ago and is in day 14 after having had chemo - He also has the port.  We don't know what stage he is in, only that the cancer is encapsulated within the tumors ( called kissing tumors ) 

 Can you tell me, does it get progressively worse with each chemo?  Do you become completely exhausted or do you regain a bit of energy just before it's time for another drip?