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I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
 

AvidFan

Retired Cat Staff
SF Supporter
I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
It sounds like a terrible situation with the doctors doing what doctors do. It seems a horrible dilemma trying to decide - the doctor no doubt would like to take out any chance of a rogue cell - but then doesn't have to live with the consequences. Maybe another opinion could help - I'm sorry and this must be such a strain on your and your brother's mental health right now. *grouphug2
 
It sounds like a terrible situation with the doctors doing what doctors do. It seems a horrible dilemma trying to decide - the doctor no doubt would like to take out any chance of a rogue cell - but then doesn't have to live with the consequences. Maybe another opinion could help - I'm sorry and this must be such a strain on your and your brother's mental health right now. *grouphug2
Thank you for responding. My brother seems like he's just going to go along with it, and I can only encourage him to seek other opinions. In particular to ask for any kind of delay as they were originally going to do, to see if anything happens with the scar tissue.
 

1964dodge

Has a monkey as a friend
Safety & Support
SF Supporter
I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
that is awful. i think getting a second and even 3rd opinion is prudent at this point. if they remove part of his rectum there is no going back. it will not be a pleasant outcome. if it becomes necessary to save his life then yes but before being that radical i would say refuse the surgery and do frequent tests instead.

mike....*hug*shake
 
@1964dodge and @AvidFan Thank you both for the feedback. I'm going to speak to him tonight. Obviously I can't make a decision for him but I will encourage him to seek other options.
Also I will clarify what degree the loss of bowel control would be. My understanding is the "urgency" would be greater, but he's still going to have a sphincter there.

Personally I agree - I would refuse the surgery given that there are no cancer cells found to be remaining at this point, and take tumeric as a preventative and get frequent tests. But that's me.
 
I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
I'll have your brother in my prayers.. I hope everything goes well..
 

Lane

SF Pro
SF Supporter
I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
It does sound extreme regarding your brother Lady and he is young still. Good luck with whatever decision he decides to go with.
 

SillyOldBear

Teddy Bears Rule! 🐻
Staff Alumni
I'm also worried about my brother, who is quite depressed. He was initially delighted to learn that the radiation and chemo destroyed the cancer, but the doctors still want to remove 1/3 of his rectum which will also stop him having the ability to control his bowels. It's standard procedure but they have found *no* cancer cells remaining and it seems extreme to me. I have suggested he get a second opinion. He's only 53 and having little to no bowel control may mean he can't work again. Also his favourite thing is to go to sporting events with his son. I don't know what options may be open to him but I feel like I personally would refuse the procedure. There are solid, scientific studies proving that certain things prevent and even reverse colon cancers.

Also, the doctors are rushing him to get it done because the surgeon is going away on vacation. Whereas initially they were going to watch the area for a while.
Hope your brother does get a second opinion. Having to deal with a colostomy bag for the rest of his life is not ideal. Keep us posted.
 

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