My Story - Beating Rectal Cancer

I am a 49 yo male (almost 50) that learned on Dec 20, 2004 I had rectal cancer.  My surgeon opted to have me go through radiation and chemo to shrink the tumor.  In the mean tile I went through the battery of testing, CAT, PET, CEA and thrugh all the tests I learned that there was no lymph node involvement.  On 4/4/05, I had the colon-rectal resection surgery witha loop ostomy  inserted to allow the resection to heal (right now I have been told 12 weeks).  My Path report was great, no other cancer located in any part of the healthy tissue, she basically indicated that for the most part I am cancer free, however I will visit with the Oncologist for further plans. I will have a reversal as early as 12 weeks from the surgery on April 4th.  I would like more info on those that have had a loop-ostomy as to the procedure, time in hospital, recovery steps, and any stories from anyone who has gone through the loop-ostomy reversal.  the good Lord has blessed me with a fairly health body, a wonderful wife and family who has been there for me throughout this ordeal, and a good supervisor and team at the office that is cheerleading me through this.  Thanks, this is a very informative group.

Hi JrJolly, My husband Phil, who is 52 years old, learned he had rectal cancer on December 27, 2004 (one week exactly after your diagnosis), and has experienced almost exactly your journey--surgery on April 5th after the chemo/radiation (chemo was Xeloda, taken in pill form) and path report showed him to be cancer-free--no lymph node involvement. He has had the illeostomy for eight weeks, and is going in tomorrow, May 31, for the take-down operation. He will be in the hospital for four or five days, then home to recover for six weeks or so. I guess the take-down surgery isn't something you can just breeze through, even though it is much less invasive than the first surgery. Then he will have another CT scan on June 13th, and a visit with the oncologist to determine what our next steps should be. We already know he will do three more two-week rounds of Xeloda after he rebuilds some strength post-surgery, and we are anticipating he will be completely done with all cancer treatments by mid-August, when we will CELEBRATE!!!

Phil looks great. He hasn't lost any hair or weight, and I think he will sail through this. I hope everything goes well with you too! Lisa

Hi Lisa

I had my takedown surgery on June 1st, went home on Sunday June 5th.  I had a real bad day Monday as I had diahrea for 5 hours.  Saw the doctor on Tuesday and apparently everything is normal.  Trips to the home facility are frequent, but I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel. 

When I read your post this morning I was astounded at the similarities Phil and I went through regarding the timing of the diagnosis, the treatment and surgery.  We both have had a long journey, but with peoplelike you in Phil's corner and Sharon in mine, we know we will beat this disease.  What part of the country are you and Phil in?  Email me direct as I want to stay in contact with you and Phil off of the site so I can keep you all informed of my progress, trials and tribulations

Jim