Stage 111 colo/rectal cancer survivors, please - Cancer: Colon Message Board

Nassau one · 09-16-2003, 11:08 PM

I need some encouragement right now. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 111 rectal cancer with lymph node involvement in 11-18 nodes. He had surgery and they were able to remove the whole tumour. He is presently receiving chemotherapy...5 days on then 2 weeks break and is now on the second cycle. After the two weeks break, he will get radiation, then one more cycle of chemotherapy. Due to complications during surgery, he is more fragile than he would have hoped but, in spite of this, is tolerating the chemotherapy quite well. He is eating well which I am sure is helping him keep up his strength.
I would love to hear from anyone, or, even better, several people who have been at a similar stage as my husband. Even though none of us know what the future holds for us, it would be encouraging to know that there is hope.
Many thanks!
Alison

jaydees · 09-18-2003, 11:34 AM

Maxeran(prescrip only) and Procrit for energy, Immodium(generic name Loperimide is cheaper get the doc to prescribe it)on hand for diarreha.

During the radiation time period, corn starch the skin that will be irradiated to keep it dry. If(when) the burns appear use polysporin lightly. Radiation burns will normally not appear until near the end of the treatments but it takes quite a while to heal. It is the same as getting a very bad sunburn.

Nassau one · 09-18-2003, 11:51 AM

hi jaydees....thanks, that is helpful information...did you have a stage 111?

jaydees · 09-18-2003, 05:49 PM

The doc I had doesn't like "stages". The cancer had gone all the way through the wall of the colon but no cancer was detected in the lymph nodes or any surrounding tissue. So what's that about stage 3?

I did chemo + radiation.

Nassau one · 09-18-2003, 06:26 PM

I understand...you did not have stage 111 as the lymph nodes were not involved. I guess I am anxious about my husband's prognosis as there are so many lymph nodes involved. As no-one else is replying, I am becoming even more anxious!
Thanks jaydees for the advice...procrit costs a fortune I understand. His other side effects to chemo are manageable....meds for hiccups, diarrhoea and stomach cramps are all available. I will keep the info regarding the radiation for when that happens.