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Question: My mum has rectal cancer. She has just had 25 sessions of radiotherapy with chemotherapy they are now waiting until November/December before operation. Is this normal it seems to long to me and I am panicking. Do you see my mum's cancer be early stages? I worry about it spreading before surgery. I have no CT or MRI report only a clinic letter can you please help me and try to reassure me that my mum can be cured. Thanks
Brief Answer:
based on description, early stage
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned.
In the 2nd page of the letter, 10th paragraph which discussed examination, he spoke about the extent of the cancer stating--(1)it was small
(2)it was not fixed in the pelvis meaning that it had not spread and was not attached to the pelvis
This was also confirmed by imaging
(3)it has not spread into/invaded the vagina or a muscle called levator ani
(4)there is involvement of nearby lymph nodes but it has not spread to involve any other organs, no distant spread
The exact stage is not given but based on the fact that there no distal spread, it is not attached to the pelvis and the tumor is small, means that the prognosis should be good.
The chemo and radiation should shrink the tumor , since it was not fixed or had not gone into surrounding structures, it should be in an even better position with this shrinkage.
Because there is some spread to lymph nodes, she may be at stage 111a where the tumor has spread to lymph nodes but no other areas, this would however need to be clarified with her doctors.
The 5 year survival rate of stage 111 a is approx 89%. This refers to the number of people with a particular stage that live at least 5 years after diagnosis. Some live a lot longer.
If she is at this stage then this is a good prognosis
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
based on description, early stage
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned.
In the 2nd page of the letter, 10th paragraph which discussed examination, he spoke about the extent of the cancer stating--(1)it was small
(2)it was not fixed in the pelvis meaning that it had not spread and was not attached to the pelvis
This was also confirmed by imaging
(3)it has not spread into/invaded the vagina or a muscle called levator ani
(4)there is involvement of nearby lymph nodes but it has not spread to involve any other organs, no distant spread
The exact stage is not given but based on the fact that there no distal spread, it is not attached to the pelvis and the tumor is small, means that the prognosis should be good.
The chemo and radiation should shrink the tumor , since it was not fixed or had not gone into surrounding structures, it should be in an even better position with this shrinkage.
Because there is some spread to lymph nodes, she may be at stage 111a where the tumor has spread to lymph nodes but no other areas, this would however need to be clarified with her doctors.
The 5 year survival rate of stage 111 a is approx 89%. This refers to the number of people with a particular stage that live at least 5 years after diagnosis. Some live a lot longer.
If she is at this stage then this is a good prognosis
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
is it right to wait so long for the operation now chemo and radium finished it will be 15 weeks
Brief Answer:
no, this is fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
NO, the initial treatment would have shrunk the lesion so this is fine
no, this is fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
NO, the initial treatment would have shrunk the lesion so this is fine
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
you really think my mum can be cured
Brief Answer:
exact stage not known but if at stage 111 a, good prognosis
Detailed Answer:
HI
Her exact stage is not known and would not be entirely clear till her surgery but based on the letter read, she may be stage 111 a which has a good prognosis
Unfortunately medicine is not exact but if she is at this stage, her chances are good.
Even at other stages eg stage 111 b, the 5 year survival is relatively good at 69%.
She does have co morbidities that may affect surgery and recovery these were mentioned in the letter- diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity but these can be addressed
She has a good chance
exact stage not known but if at stage 111 a, good prognosis
Detailed Answer:
HI
Her exact stage is not known and would not be entirely clear till her surgery but based on the letter read, she may be stage 111 a which has a good prognosis
Unfortunately medicine is not exact but if she is at this stage, her chances are good.
Even at other stages eg stage 111 b, the 5 year survival is relatively good at 69%.
She does have co morbidities that may affect surgery and recovery these were mentioned in the letter- diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity but these can be addressed
She has a good chance
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
can you do a stoma on an overweight person though actively trying to lose weight
Brief Answer:
yes, that would be fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
If you mean can they still do the stoma with your mum trying to lose weight, yes, this can be done.
yes, that would be fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
If you mean can they still do the stoma with your mum trying to lose weight, yes, this can be done.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I mean being overweight can a stoma be done
Brief Answer:
yes, it can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, they can still do the stoma
yes, it can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, they can still do the stoma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Mum has slight spotting from the front and back is this due to the radiotherapy she really burns when goes to toilet
Brief Answer:
can occur
Detailed Answer:
HI,
Sorry about the delayed reply.
Yes, these are possible side effects of treatment.
Radiation proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) can occur and treatment can also cause cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder
These can cause bleeding and discomfort.
can occur
Detailed Answer:
HI,
Sorry about the delayed reply.
Yes, these are possible side effects of treatment.
Radiation proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) can occur and treatment can also cause cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder
These can cause bleeding and discomfort.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
When would these symptoms resolve after radiotherapy or won't they? I was go ring hospital Monday
Brief Answer:
yes they can resolve
Detailed Answer:
HI
They can resolve in some persons, in others treatment is required.
Radiation proctitis-ensuring enough liquids can help. There are enemas that can reduce the bleeding associated with persisting proctitis , it also protects the lining of the bowel eg sulcralfate
These are some options
Radiation cystitis-usually resolves on its own, in most persons the symptoms are monitored
yes they can resolve
Detailed Answer:
HI
They can resolve in some persons, in others treatment is required.
Radiation proctitis-ensuring enough liquids can help. There are enemas that can reduce the bleeding associated with persisting proctitis , it also protects the lining of the bowel eg sulcralfate
These are some options
Radiation cystitis-usually resolves on its own, in most persons the symptoms are monitored
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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