First posting - Cancer: Colon Message Board

Liz D · 09-30-2003, 08:42 PM

Hi. This is my 1st posting. My Dad was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago with rectal cancer. I believe that its at Stage 3. The doctor said that they wouldn't know the stage until after surgery, & then it won't be a true picture because he's already started chemo & radiation. It hasn't spread to any other organs, but it is in 1 lymph node. I've read a lot, that says its better if you catch it early. What's early ? The doctor said, that it isn't anything special, just your "garden variety" rectal cancer. Another person told me, its not bad, a lot of people have that kind of cancer. But to me its different when its your person. No one in my family has had anything like this so we don't know what to expect. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my Dad is going to be ok. I know its unrealistic to expect someone to be able to tell me that, but I would rather know if he's going to be ok, or if not. My Mom passed away when I was 11,so I just can't bear to lose my Dad too. Thanks for listening.

smiley2u · 10-01-2003, 09:05 AM

I had rectal cancer and just got discharged, I am a surviver. I too had chemo and radiation before surgery. When the surgeon did a scope before surgery he told me that he couldn't even see the cancer. He said my treatments had been very effective. The pathology after the surgery showed that it had not spread at all. I still took three cycles of chemo after. Your Dad has a long road here, I hope he can keep his spirits up. You need to have the attitude that you are going to kick the heck out of it. I think he has a very good chance of winning this battle. Let us know how he is doing.

Liz D · 10-01-2003, 05:46 PM

Thanks Smiley 2U. Your encouragement helps. Its good to hear that you are doing well.How was the recovery from surgery? Someone told me that the surgery itself is very long & the recovery is very intense(painful) My Dad will have to go through 3 rounds of chemo after surgery too. So far his spirits are great. His first comment when all this started was, at least I don't have to worry about losing my hair !!( My Dad's almost bald)Whenever I ask or anyone asks how he is, he says great-- I'm radiating

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll let you know how it goes.

Liz

Nassau one · 10-01-2003, 07:46 PM

Hi Liz D...I can imagine how you are feeling....my husband was diagnosed two months ago with stage 111 rectal cancer and his has spread to many lymph nodes. He already had surgery and has had 2 cycles of chemotherapy and is now going to have radiation and more chemo. I wish you Dad well, encourage him to maintain his sense of humour. The chemo is not as bad as one thinks....the effects wear off after a few days. Get your Dad to suck ice during treatments and to gargle with salt water at least twice a day. That helps to prevent mouth sores..or at least it did with my husband.
Imodium works wonders for the diarrhoea if your Dad gets that ...he should drink lots of water if he does. For every possible side effect there seems to be something to help.
Good luck.....he stands a good chance of recovery.

smiley2u · 10-02-2003, 10:42 PM

I won't lie, the surgery was kind of long but of course I didn't know. LOL It did hurt afterwards, a lot. They give you morphine in a pump by your bed. You can't overdose but you can use it every ten minutes or so. I learned to keep ahead of the pain. I was in the hospital for 6 days, they walk you and it is not bad at all, I thought it would be. I was back to work in five weeks. Good luck to your Dad, he seems to have a great attitude and that is so important.