Rectal Cancer Woes

Greetings,
I was diagnosed 9 months ago with T1 RC. Transanal surgery removed tumor. Oncologists told me I did not need further treatments, just follow-up exams. Eight months later another small tumor in same spot..same operation. Now I am about to start Radiation and chemo. Tumor is very near anus and surgeon tells me I will probably lose that function and have a colostomy. I believed the T1 (with no involvement) was such a small problem, now it is steam rolling. I am 50, good shape, vegetarian, exercise, have not smoked in 26 years, very active lifestyle. Looking for someone who has been there...I'm scared and confused.

Thankfully , I havent been there ,but I can say you have recurrant rectal cancer. Even though it was an early stage, localized disease, the surgery didnt remove it all and now it has recurred. Hang in there, you can still beat this.

Sorry to hear that the cancer came back. My husband was diagnosed at 40 with Stage 2 rectal cancer, just 10 cm up. They did chemo and radiation first, and then a colon resection with temporary illestomy, and then a reversal of the ostomy. He also active, and in good health. The chemo will kill all the cells in that area, so hopefully the tumor will not come back. Good Luck

So sorry to hear the news. Please be aggressive in fighting this.
Hopefully the chemo and rad will knock it back and rid you of
cancer. Rectal cancer can be very aggressive. I know, I'm 42 -
started with a stage III diagnosis last December - went through
chemo/rad and surgery only to find mets to my liver a month
after surgery. I'm still very hopeful and feel I have options.

Stay positive and active and be aggressive in your treatments.
Also, don't fear the colostomy. I am very active and was worried
about losing that function. Now it is the least of my problems.
Check out http://www.uoaa.org/forum/index.php for info and
support on colostomies. It's a great bunch of people.

Best of luck to you

I think the key for you is the radiation and chemo you will have now. I was diagnosed last april, and originally it was thought that I could have the transanal surgery. However an ultrasound showed the cancer more advanced (T3), so I had radiation and chemo, then surgery in Sept. they think they got all the cancer, but are still following up with another 16 weeks of chemo. I was also told I would have to have a colostomy, and did a lot of research and talking to try and get used to the idea. It was unbearable to me at first. I ended up NOT having a colostomy, but I can tell you...I agree with another writer who said it is most important to get all the cancer.You can live a very wonderful life with a colostomy, you can't with cancer. I talked to several people in the last few months with colostomies who are leading full active lives, including scuba diving, camping, etc, etc. It is very manageable. so hang in there...and just beat that cancer!