Post-surgical issues after colorectal cancer
Dear Anonymous, You've got quite a lot going on right now.
As you know, I'm not a physician, but I asked a member of my Medical Advisory Board and Board-certified oncologist to help answer you. I do think you should also ask the oncologist with Caring.com for more information, but here's what we talked about that I hope will help you:
First, you need some better pain management. You would benefit from a referral to a pain management specialist, who would review what your current regiment is now and give you recommendations for improvements.
Secondly, you cannot get hemorrhoids after removal of the rectum and anus (like the type of surgery you had).
Thirdly, this type of cancer can recur locally in the pelvis, which may be difficult to see on the scans, and therefore difficult to diagnose. With those symptoms and a rising CEA, it seems like the opinion of the other two surgeons could be correct; have you discussed the possibility of a biopsy of any abnormalities of the pelvis with your current surgeon/oncologist?
Lastly, adrenal tumors, incidentally discovered, are relatively common, and almost always benign. Most surgeons would just watch this on serial XRays/CTs for evidence of change because they are benign and usually won't change. It's more important that you focus on the pelvic pain and potential for recurrent cancer.
May you get some relief from your suffering, BBD
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