rectal cancer - Cancer: Colon Message Board

rgenter · 10-16-2002, 10:19 PM

I have been diagnosed with cancer in the lower part of the rectum. The surgeon took out 3+cm which had cancer cells at both lateral ends. No other organs have been infected at this time.
Doctors will use radiation plus chemo of F5U + mitomycin. They propose a clinical trial using Cisplatinum which will be for a longer period.
Does anyone know if this trial offer is worthy to consider?
The treatment will last 8 weeks compared to 4/6 weeks using just the F5U and mitomycian.
Thanks loads

tamachan · 10-19-2002, 09:37 AM

It's a difficult problem whether chemotherapy and radiation prolong your life time.
But in japan,adding chemotherapy or radiation after surgical removal is standard treatment.

rgenter · 10-19-2002, 05:59 PM

thank you Tamachan for you answer
I has minor surgery wherein the procedure removed 3x1x1cm of tissue.
A CT scan showed no tumors in any organs. Thus the doctor wished to treat me with radiation and chemo because there were cancer cells on both lateral ends of the piece removed.
I agree to go with the treatment hoping it will kill any remaining bad cells and I can go on with my life normally.. Domo!