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Question
I had colon cancer almost 3 years ago, I had radiation 36 trips and now i can,t poop with out exlax and it is painful. i had the scope done again and the say my colon is fried it is like leather,just where they shot the radiation was about 5in from the butt hole. what can i do for it.really need your thoughts on this.
Well, this is unfortunately a not uncommon but unfortunately unavoidable side effect of radiation therapy (due to individual variations in radiation sensitivity). Rectal cancers - like the one you had - are the only colon cancers that are treatable with radiation. If you survive 5 years - so 2 years remain - apparently cancer free after your radiation therapy, you are probably (no guarantees possible) cured of your cancer. For your present situation I can only see 2 "radical" solutions. You can have a colostomy ABOVE the damaged area with a bag for your stools on your abdomen or it MAY (uncertain) be possible to surgically remove the damaged area and bring the undamaged part of your rectum down to your anus for a more normal toilet procedure. But since your radiation will have impaired the surgical possibilities in that area this is very uncertain. You will have to discuss these options with an experienced surgeon. A third option is to continue with laxatives like at present. Good luck!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | thanks doc for your thought i was hoping u might have a new thought but thanks anyway cindy | ||
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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
I also answer questions in these categories:
Oncology (General Cancer),
General History,
Military History,
Brain Tumors,
Breast Cancer.
Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.
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