Thank you for your question about stage 3 rectal cancer, and living in Australia.
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I was diagnosed with T3bN1 rectal cancer in Sept. 2011. Had 6 weeks chemo and radiation and colorectal resection with ileostomy stoma (bag) late December. Spent 7 nights in hospital and then home for 6 weeks before another round of chemo for 12 weeks, one day a week.
Luckily no severe reaction to either chemo or radiation except tiredness and feeling weak.
Lost about 5 kilo weight during and after hospitalisation. Have put it back on now and have 2 weeks of chemo to go before scans to see if cancer has spread.
If not, specialist will operate within 2 months to reverse stoma and hopefully be back to normal.
Have to put on more weight before 2nd operation as you will lose weight while in hospital and start of recovery.
Have heard that re-connection can have problems with loose bowels and take months to normality.
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hi had t3 rectal cancer, had chemo, radiotherapy then surgery, then more chemo then reconnected in dec 2010. the first 6 months is difficult coping with loose bowel motions and feacal incontinence. but it does get better.
my tips are stay away from insoluble fibre, have yogurt every day, take Imodium every day as required.eat white bread to start with then wholemeal no grains.have lots more to share if you want to correspond, I am doing realy well now. hazmar
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Hi Mistyhaze
Thank you for your ‘tips’ on diet after your bowel was reconnected.
I am having mine reconnected within 3 mths (have been told maybe 8wks time)
I would like to know further hints on diet after reconnection and anything else you can tell me.
I am 71 yrs of age and know I am fortunate to be able to have the reconnect, but am a ‘wee’ nervous & want to know what foods etc afterwards, & what else I may expect.
Am looking f'ward to going to toilet ‘normally’ but it may not be quite as ‘normal’ as I imagine!
thanks Hazmar, & It's grand to hear you are doing so well now & sharing
Kateb
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This document was forwarded to me recently through my support group which is quite helpful:
http://www.bladderbowel.gov.au/assets/doc/ImproveBowelAfterSurgery.pdf
Good luck with the surgery
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