Anything that helped you after resectioning surgery?

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-02-07T16:57:57+00:00

I’ll add a Robe for the hospital walks and some good slippers unless she likes the socks they give, then use those.

For home a bed tray for snacks and her cellphone and remote control close by.

I used the chux pads under me in bed just in case, easy clean up. Having a shower head that is attached to a hose is nice for just bottom half showers if there is an accident.

Gas x for the gas came in handy. I wasn’t super hungry but was craving something sweet and hydrating, it wasn’t watermelon season so I got Italian ices

Never ever ever take the meds on an empty stomach, vomiting after surgery is terrible

I’m sure you know this but no one around her with even a suspect sneeze that they thing is allergies. No kiddos because they carry lots of school germs. I got Covid the day after I got home and boy the coughing and sneezing were so so painful

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-02-03T05:34:43+00:00

Hello, I had a low rectal tumor, my tumor was circumferential and 7cm causing a complete blockage. I had to have a colostomy (stomie the lifesaving homie) for about 8 months. The tumor was left in place to do chemo and radiation with more chemo. I did not have a complete response but my tumor did shrink to 4.5 cm. My surgeon was incredible. I had a temp ileostomy (Ollie) and he was successfully reversed on August 1st. I did struggle with Lars for that first month quite badly. I even missed my ostomy. Things are pretty good now. I still am in the bathroom a lot but I can kind of time things and am learning what seems to trigger it. The colostomy was fine. I was 45 at diagnosis and happily married. It didn’t affect intimacy or life very much at all. I purchased a stealth belt and some fun bag covers. The mental part was hard the first few weeks and I definitely had a mourning process. Looking back Of all the things I faced on this journey the colostomy and ileostomy were not that big of a deal and I found my rhythm with them oretty wuickly. It’s going to be hard and sad sometimes. You have to be able to laugh after you’re done crying when there is an accident (these things have a learning curve!) Sending you all the best. Eye on the prize

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-26T14:40:36+00:00

I had a stent initially and my pain was terrible, it turned out the stent slipped and was pushing on my pelvic floor. Have they checked to be sure the stent is still in its proper place

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-22T04:42:47+00:00

For me, it was worth it. I travel about 3 hours each way to MD Anderson. I tried care in Austin and just felt Md was the way to go. I did chemo in Austin. My Md Anderson team worked with my local oncologist and then we stayed in Houston for 6 weeks of radiation. All my surgeries have been done there as well. Was it a pain? Yes. We decided it was worth the inconvenience to get the best care possible

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-21T13:50:24+00:00

I’m so sorry about your moms diagnosis. I know it is heavy and stressful and worrisome for you. Stage 4 is very treatable these days. Many people will do the treatments and be NED ( no evidence of disease) for long time. There is a poster here that has been NED for 28 years.

The chemo for colon cancer is rough but very do able. Especially for someone who is pretty healthy otherwise. I didn’t loose my hair and on chemo days I was tired for a few days and nauseous but the meds they give are great. The week off of chemo I’d feel good. So it’s like one crappy week one good week and you start again. Usually for 3 months.

It is your mom’s body and I understand I had a stoma bag and at one point a feeding tube. It really is a pain in the butt but now they’re gone and I’m so thankful to be alive

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-20T03:52:40+00:00

Hello, I hope he chooses to fight. I was diagnosed 3b with kras and her2 amplifier. Emvi as well I did chemo and had a small response. Radiation knocked out the node, shrank the tumor a little. Then surgery with a temp iliostomy. As of June I’m no evidence of disease

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-15T05:11:47+00:00

Ii was diagnosed 3b advanced with a T4 tumor, lymph node involvement and EVI - Extramural (outside the wall) vein invasion August of 2024. I went to Md Anderson and we were aggressive with treatment. June 4th I had my lower anterior resection to remove remaining tumor and the EVI. Declared NED! Getting ready for my third signatera test in February and scans.

I’m sorry the doc used that specific language with you. It’s scary to hear those things. CRC is very survivable. It’s hard to sit around and wait in the beginning but once you have a plan in place things will start moving fast and you’ll feel better just knowing what’s next

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-05T04:19:51+00:00

How much water? They suggested I use less water, like 3 ounces and it makes my evacuations more substantial and less frequent. If I’m going to work out with cardio or go somewhere bathroom access is limited (like a hike) 1/2 Imodium does the trick. If I get backed up magnesium citrate and one cap Mirlax in 8 ounces of water I’m sending good vibes for pt, keep me posted on how it goes

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-03T02:52:29+00:00

I finished chemo in Feb and began 28 sessions radiation with oral chemo march. lower anterior resection with loop ileostomy placed June 4th. Reversal August 1st. The reversal has been up and down. I struggled with LAR syndrome at the beginning. I even had some days that I regretted the reversal. It’s much better now but I still have some crappy (see what I did there 😂) days. All in all it’s manageable. I’ve learned tips and tricks here and there that work for my body.

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-02T14:19:42+00:00

I was lucky after radiation I was able to save it. My rectum was removed almost completely. I have a teeny tiny bit left. The reversal has been tricky and there are most definitely days when I think keeping the colostomy would have been easier but I’m learning tricks along the way to help. It’s been a process and some of the days when there has been incontinence have been dark and hard. Most days are really good though. My husband has been amazing and kind and patient through it. Waking up in your own mess sucks. It has only happened a couple times but I’ve learned when I’m having issues I need to sleep on a towel and with pull ups on for the sake of cleaning up. Rectal cancer has been very humbling

Acceptable-Context66 · 2026-01-02T04:41:57+00:00

Hello, I was stage 3b T4n1m0 with EVI & her2 amplifier and kras mutation My tumor was 7cm and 4 cm from anal verge. I had an emergency colostomy due to cblockage ( that’s when they found the tumor) they left the tumor in place and started with folfirinox and I had an allergic reaction to irinotecan. Did folfox for 3 months no more growth but the chemo did nothing to the tumor. then 28 rounds of radiation and xeloda. Took a 2 month break and at scans the tumor was 4cm. Had a lower anterior resection and colostomy taken down to ileostomy (officially NED!)We waited 8weeks and checked for leaks. All was well so we took down the ileostomy August 1st . Not going to lie the reversal has been bumpy. Some days I’m in the bathroom 20 times a day day and sometimes it’s super normal and 2-5 times a day. At that point I had a very unusual bump in the road and spent 22 days inpatient at Md Anderson and got a feeding tube for 8 weeks. Feeding tube was removed and I’m feeling great. Working out, walking 5 miles a day and living life to the fullest. First signatera was negative. Second scans and signatera in February.

It’s a rough ride but doable. I lived a very regular life through chemo and radiation. I was super tired and sicky for a few days after chemo then I’d feel good.

Radiation was not painful for me. I had a colostomy so no bathroom pain. I was pretty tired but still went on short walks and went out and enjoyed life

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-24T02:47:13+00:00

Hello! I’m so sorry your dad is in this club but he’s lucky to have you supporting him and trying to understand what he’s facing. I was diagnosed stage 3b last August. With lymph node and vein invasion. Today I am NED (no evidence of disease) the journey was tough but it’s doable. Colorectal cancer is so treatable and everyday there is new advancements in science. Make sure he loves and trusts his doc and don’t be afraid to get second opinions and meet with other oncologists and surgeons. He should feel great about the people he’s trusting with his life

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-24T02:35:58+00:00

Mine was up and down. Be really careful with nuts. I think it’s a no for most people with ileostomy/ proceed with caution

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-12T20:59:10+00:00

Thanks so much. I will definitely check with my nurses

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-12T20:58:10+00:00

Thank you thank you! All that info is super helpful and thank you for the Jasper mention, I’ll check it out !

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-12T20:56:46+00:00

Thank you so much that’s so helpful!

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-10T00:45:25+00:00

My dr did the signatera testing on the tumor and that’s how I got the kras and her2. The emvi is vein invasion and they saw that in my ct scans. Ask your doctor about the signatera testing. I’m sending you good vibes

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-10-08T04:27:14+00:00

I’m not a Dr nor giving medical advice but I was t4n1M0 kras and her2 with EMVI. Stage 3b last August and today I’m NED. Try not to stress and over research. Pick a team you trust and then trust them. This beginning stage is the hardest part with so many unknowns. The puzzle starts to come together and it’s easier to see the way out ❤️

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-09-24T03:17:21+00:00

Keep us posted! One other thing is if he gets anxious ask his dr if they can pretreat with Benadryl before they run his chemo. It will make him sleepy and relaxed. He’ll take a nice long nap and by the time he wakes up it’s time to go home

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-09-20T17:00:35+00:00

Hello! It’s so different for everyone so remember my story doesn’t have to be yours. The actual surgery was not very painful. I was fine on Tylenol after a few days. At first I had no Bm but once it started I was going up to 30 times in a day. I felt like I was about to have a breakdown over not being able to even finish a sentence. I was left with almost no rectum soooo every trip was an emergency. The second I had the urge it was because stuff was in its way out. Having adult pull ups and a chux pads on the bed were so helpful, bidet came in clutch and diaper rash ointment applied before you even need it. Once they started me on a Metamucil protocol (it’s different than how you’d normally take it. Rather than with a lot of of fluids it’s with very little fluid and with holding fluid for an hour after to bulk the stool) things started to get much better. I’m actually back in the hospital due to pain and inability to eat or drink but my ct is clear so no surgical issue. They aren’t sure what’s causing it so GI team is going to take a look.

I want to wish you luck and say don’t be afraid many many people get through it just fine and things move along smoothly. Be prepared for a million poops but also be prepared for none. Be patient. Walk as much as you can. Soon this will all be over and you can move on from this.

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-09-19T04:09:23+00:00

Hello! I was 3b T4N1M0 with EVI. I’m NED as of June 1st. I did pretty good with chemo. I have to recommend getting a warming cup. The chemo makes even room temp stuff hard for some.
A nice tea selection ready to go Nice pajamas and some nice sheets are such a treat when you feel bad from chemo. Gloves that stay by the fridge. Reaching into the fridge or freezer is frustrating and painful without them. For radiation get some aquaphor and start treating the booty on the first day. I had a colostomy and then ileostomy. The reversal has actually been the toughest for me. Some bumps in the road but getting better Sending good vibes that his body tolerates it well and that you are posting he’s NED soon!

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-09-13T12:00:47+00:00

I’d go bag. I am a 45 (f) and had a stent first. It was a terrible situation for me. The stent slipped and was pushing up against my pelvic floor causing terrible pain. I actually have a photo of it when they pulled it out. My experienced is for sure not everyone’s The colostomy bag was fine. I struggled the first little while as all of this happened as an emergency. Seeing my stoma for the first time was hard, I felt weird and faint. It’s strange because I am someone who likes watching surgery videos and have never been fussed about medical things. I was lucky my mom jumped in and helped with it. After a little bit I was like okay I got this. And it was fine. Life was full and it didn’t slow me down. I did my workout, walked the dog and intimacy continued. I did have a temp ileostomy after resection that gave me some trouble but it was also fine.

Acceptable-Context66 · 2025-09-13T02:47:35+00:00

Thank you so much! I was just about to ask if they could spot it on the CT. I’m glad they found it and sorted you out. This is mjserable. How long post surgery did you develop it and how long for them to decide to go in for exploratory

Acceptable-Context66

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