datwestcoast

Did you ever get bitten / close to coming in questionable contact with a dangerous animal/plant species?

Hello! I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed with stage II rectal cancer about 4 months ago, have gone through 5 weeks of Xeloda and radiation therapy. I have my upcoming low anterior resection surgery with temporary ileostomy THIS FRIDAY! I am very, very nervous. I think more so about dealing with the bag and how my life will change. What advice would you give yourself now looking back on your surgery day to help deal with all the issues arising from the surgery?

Thank you! I started to notice I had blood in the toilet when going to the bathroom pretty consistently. I went to my doctor who did a digital exam and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, he thought it was probably just hemorrhoids and referred me to a GI doctor for further testing.. I waited about another month or so before going to the GI doc. He said the same thing, probably just hemorrhoids. I pushed to get a colonoscopy because I knew something wasn't right with my body. No one should have blood every time they go to the bathroom. After I had my colonoscopy, the doc said they found a large tumor that I would need surgery for. A couple days later they confirmed the results that it was rectal cancer. Flash forward a couple weeks and I started daily oral chemotherapy and daily radiation treatment. Had to wait another 5 weeks or so after that was finished before I could have surgery... and that's where we sit now. Surgery this friday, uhh!

Did a bunch of people in white suites show up and wash you down er what?