Regarding my 57 yr old mom just diagnosed w/low lying rectal cancer....

Well, things are going ok for us. Mom has had some tests & it looks like it determined that it is in the early stages. She got x-rays on both her lungs and liver, and they came back clear. So, things are looking positive right now. She went for a CT scan yesterday, but those results aren't back yet. Still waiting to hear what the protocol is going to be....sure hope she won't have to get the permanent colostomy. Praying for the best!

It is so good to hear that things are going well. Please keep us informed. God bless. DJ

That is good news! Your Mom's prognosis is looking great. I will pray that she'll get through with a minimal amount of treatment and be 100% cured!
Annie

I also be praying for your mom. My husband just finished his four month post op chemo for what sounds like the same exact type of tumor your mom has, had not spread.
God bless you both.

Kaye - Why did your hubby get chemo, just as a precaution?? They have never mention chemo to my mom, just spot radiation. I'd be intested to hear why they went that route....

hoping4best:
My husband had rad and chemo before surgery and then four months chemo after surgery. Precaution is the word they used. He went today and had his first colonoscopy and ct scan since surgery and will have an ultrasound wed to see if all is still clear.
I'll pray for your mom.

My husband had chemo/radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor. After surgery was just a precaution.

Im praying for you mom too! God bless her! I'm so glad they caught it early.

Hi Hoping4Best, my dad just had surgery a week and a half ago for low-lying rectal/colon cancer (which is his 2nd time in 3 years)...and this time, b/c the cancerous tumour grew back in the same exact spot, he needs a temporary Ileostomy to let his insides heal....then it gets reversed. My dad's first tumour, well, it was an aggressive one apparently and the only reason the Oncologist suggested Chemo (there was no spread either) was as a precaution. My family was told that it was the 'lightest' form of Chemo, will supposedly minimal side effects, ie. no hair loss, minimal nausea and loss of apetite but b/c my dad was in such shock, and was depressed (we have no cancer in the family) he just couldnt take the Chemo and stopped eating and drinking, He was hospitalized for about 16 days and thats when they decided no more for him. It would be more harmful than beneficial so he just did the spot radiation. But he keeps questioning, "if i did the radiation, why did it grow back??"....Even the surgeon said it was very rare that it grew back-in the exact same spot- after 3 years. I guess that meant if it was gonna re-develop, they expecetd it within a year, not 3!! Anyhow, even if your mom has a colostomy, isnt it better that she doesnt have to worry every day of her life , if something grew back??
When i look into my dad's eyes, i wish i could take all this fear away, and put it upon myself...........I too am worried that I am now going to develop Colon/Bowel cancer in my lifetime b/c my dad had such an aggressive tumour, and the funny thing is, my dad was always eating fruits, vegetables, doesnt drink, doesnt smoke, hardly ever eats cake and crappy food.....he does enjoy meat... BUt still, what am i to think, who doesnt eat half as healthy as he does??
IS there anyone out there whose parent is going thru COlon cancer (either past & cured, or present & going thru treatment and'or surgery) that thinks everyday that now they will develop it for sure?? Anyone like me??

Smartcookie - I am sure you're not the only one that feels that way. Trust me, the same things go through my head often. I think my mom's cancer was due to stress...she is a worry wart and has gone through a divorce in the past 5 years. I am somewhat the same when it comes to handling stress, which makes me more aware. I eat healthily too, so I think that if I learn ways to deal with stress, I should be ok. I think that it is somewhat genetic, but other factors are under our control....well, that's how I feel anyhow. Best wishes to you and your family.

Smart cookie

It is terrible that your dad's tumor grew back after so long. You are right that after 3 years you think the worst is behind you and then cancer comes and bites you on your behind again :rolleyes: Our liver man told us that once you get past the first year then your chances of recurrence are greatly reduced. But he did not say "never". We keep our feet firmly on the ground.

i hope your dad is recovering well after his surgery. Keep us posted.

regards
ktee

Hi KTee and Hoping4best, thanks for your replies.
I know, its hard to see my dad go thru this, it was bad enough the 1st time. He is doing well , but everytime he goes for a checkup (and its so frequent! the oncologist, the surgeon the family doctor, etc etc) I work myself up so bad, thinking,"ok, what now? what is the bad news this time?"...... But 'knock-on-wood"....he seems to be in better spirits, just at home, trying to heal and trying to rest( my dad doesnt know how to stay still).....My mom also had a radical hysterectomy back in Jan 2001, so for her, this January it will be 4 years since her operation. I dont know about that saying "after 5 years you are considered cancer-free"...but i certainly hope so!
A friend of mine, her mom had a Mastectomy due to breast cancer over 15 years ago and just last year she developed cervical cancer...and her doc said it was due to the pills (some sort of Chemo pill) she was taking for 10 years!! Do we ever win this thing?

:wave: Ktee & hoping4best, here are you guys? i havent seen a post from you in a while, i hope you guys are ok??