stage III and iliostomy

On 7/15/2009 yodics wrote:

Hi June,

your resection healed after 7 weeks? i am already in my 5th week and i continue to feel pain in my ass and still have those mucous leak which my doctor said is puss due to infection...... Hope mine will heal as fast as yours.

 

Hi

Yes, I had my first surgery July 1st of last year and the reversal was done on Sept. 5th of last year.  Those are two dates that are ingrained in my mind forever, I think.  I won't say I am 100%, but I'm as close as I am ever going to get at this stage of the game.  All in all I feel pretty good with the exception of some arthritis, but I just turned 71, so I am quite a bit older than you.

June

On 7/15/2009 yodics wrote:

Hi. I am also diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer last january. had undergone neo adjuvant therapy, w/c include 28 sessions of Radiation, xeloda tablets and IV chemo. was operated LAR last june 9. My ass is still sore upto now. i constantly take celebrex 400 at night so i can sleep better. there will be more chemo therapy probably after 2-3 weeks. My doctor said ileostomy  reversal will be done after 8 months, which will be february next year. Praying that everything will be alright after that. 

By the way i'm 37 yrs old 

Hi,  I was 36 when I had my reversal and I did very well.  It was much easier than the original surgery.  Once I got the NG tube out of my nose I didn't even need pain meds.  Just be patient.  I had some trouble controlling my bowels for six months.  Things do get better with time.  I used Always pads & carried extra underwear for a while.  The pads work great if you put them to the rear of your underwear. Don't panic if you have an accident (It happens to most in our situation)  just be prepared. You will learn what foods to stay away from.  A good sense of humor also helps!  Take Care!