Rectal Cancer

Another source of help and support might be Macmillan nurses - they are trained to help people dealing with diagnoses such as yours.
Wishing you all the very best ?

Topsy
My good friend had this type of surgery over 25 years ago and it was a great success. He's in his 80s now without any problems.
Think positive and look forward to the future everything is going to be fine.

I just wish to say again that thanks to all you lovely ladies, I have finally stopped panicking about the horror that is to happen next week. You have no idea how much it has helped me especially the grans that have pm'd me. I really can't thank you enough and I am sure I will need you again very soon if that's OK with you.

Just wanted to wish you all the best for your operation topsyirene I’m sure you must be worried but hopefully the support and advice on here from others that have a similar experience may help a little bit. I hope you’re well on the road to recovery very soon ?

Wishing you all the very best. A good friend’s husband had the same a few years ago and they were so worried. However, after the operation he had a temporary ileostomy and now is absolutely fine.

Good luck

TopsyIrene, I appreciate that you replied to me. Thank you.

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, Topsyirene, but there are loads of success stories here, which should give you much comfort . Before you know it, the op will be over and you'll be well on the road to recovery. All the best

I understand how you feel and know exactly what you are going through, this was me five years ago. I was diagnosed in November 2015 and had a low anterior bowel resection in January 2016.
I have a permanent colostomy and was discharged from hospital on the sixth day post op. Within six weeks I commenced chemotherapy which lasted six months. The chemo did not cause hair loss and was in tablet form.
The colostomy has never been a problem for me, I cope very well and has not stopped me from enjoying life.
Please feel free to pm me if you would like to ask any questions.

No experience of this topsyirene, just sending good wishes and a huge dollop of hope for you. Chin up. You’ll get through it. .

Hi TopsyIrene - so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I had a similar diagnosis in March but it is in my kidney ...I have a permanent colostomy following 9 failed surgeries to solve a recto-vaginal fistula, it's not quite as bad as it seems once you get used to it! I suggest that you join the CA - Colostomy Association, they have a forum group on Facebook which will give you invaluable advice and talk through what is likely to happen etc .... remember no question is a silly one to ask! I am also very happy for you to message me too if you feel that's a bit 'public' for you?

It will take a while for everything to settle down, and for you to get to grips with dealing with it, generally I forget it is even there to be honest! The most important job is to find a pouch that suits YOU! The hospital will start you off, but you do NOT have to take that as the one and only - ask for samples from all the manufacturers as they are all slightly different, and there will be one out there that will suit you better.

One important thing to look to is your abdominal core strength, if you can improve it before you go into hosptal that could potentially help you a lot - Parastomal hernias can get BIG - mine is the size of a football, has pulled my spine out of alignment and it hurts! So certainly for a good while to come, no lifting heavier than a kettle, wear support underwear and be careful! Other than that you can do normal things!

Happy to speak via PM if you would like xx

Gramaretto please could you tell me the name of the Kidney Cancer group/forum?

Sending hugs xx

My best wishes too TopsyIrene. You must have very mixed feelings after the long wait. But it will soon be over and done with.

I joined a private facebook group for kidney cancer a few years ago and it has been a great support for me as a carer. It' is DH who is the sufferer. There's always someone on there who has tried every type of new chemo drug and knows their way around. I am sure there will be a group for your cancer.

My very best wishes to you TopsyIrene06. Hope the op and your recovery go very well

I have elected to have a permanent colostomy Alexa.
The hospital is first class but I find it all overwhelming even though I spent my entire career in the NHS!
I am so impressed and wholly touched that from my cry for help today and much deliberation as to whether I should make my extreme anxiety public, you all immediately rushed to my rescue. Impressive.

PS this was twenty years ago!

The post operation ileostomy specialist nurse in my experience was great, so knowledgeable and helpful!

Are you actually to have a permanent ileostomy, a temporary ileostomy, or a simple rectal resection ? I had the latter, so I did not get the full post-op. ileostomy service.

Thinking of you TopsyIrene06 and wishing you all the very best. You can get plenty of support on here. for you.

Very best wishes to you TopsyIrene06 ?

Very best wishes to you Topsyirene06. We are all here for you whenever you need some support xx

Puddelchen

My partner was diagnosed with rectal cancer earlier this year,he has had a lower anterior resection and now has an ileostomy. He’s coped ever so well, as will you. If you are on Facebook there is a really good support group called Ileostomy and Stoma Support Group UK. My partner has now been told he has a 95% chance of complete recovery from the cancer.

Have joined today to support you.
My experience is the same as Puddelchen. Husband diagnosed in Feb had Op in June and now all is looking good. He is having mop up Chemo. Just to say this can be done.
Please keep posting as I remember that the days waiting to go to hospital seemed endless. Best wishes.

It is very comforting to hear from you all so thank you so much. My mind is all over the place but I hang on to your words of support. Very helpful and caring.

Very best wishes for your operation. We are all here and you will find GN very very supportive with many people who have been through, or know someone who has, similar surgery and post recovery. Even in the early hours of the morning, you will find people on here who will listen.

Yes, very best wishes to you.

All the very very best.

TopsyIrene, I had a teaching colleague, who had rectal cancer about five years ago. It was mistaken initially for gynae problems and took ages to diagnose.

However, after a few bouts surgery, she has been back teaching for the last few years and is doing well.
We will all be rooting for you and remember, the Glasgow teaching hospitals have excellent surgeons in this field.
No-one is going to say it will be easy, but with lots of support you will get there.

I have sent you a pm