I was diagnosed in January '07 with stage 3 rectal cancer. After a PET scan it also showed an area of my small intestine affected. I had a port installed and started 30 treatments of radiation and 24 hr a day chemo. Surgery was in May and then chemo treatments thereafter. My biggest problem is trying to control my bowel movements. Even tho it has only been 4 weeks since chemo I still have diarrhea. It comes on immediately and if I am not within a few steps of my commode -- well, look out!!! I have tried imodium, lomotil, and opium tincture. Can't say any of them have worked consistently.
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced my side effects and if so how long did it take to get back to "normal" if that is possible with a large section of rectum removed as well as a small portion of intestine.
Thanks for any help you can give.