Can My Life Return To Normal After Rectal Cancer Surgery?
A successful rectal cancer surgery does not mean you can return to your normal life. Here we discuss several things to expect post-surgery and how we can improve our chances at a cancer-free life.
A rectal cancer surgery is one of the treatments you can receive to remove the cancer in your rectum. If your cancer is still small, it may be the only treatment you will need.
With that in mind, one may ask: is it possible to return to a normal life after such a procedure? Unfortunately, we cannot expect that we will be able to go back to our old ways when we have a disease like rectal cancer.
But we can expect a few different things after the surgery, as we will find out below.
What To Expect After Your Rectal Cancer Surgery
Recovery Times May Vary
The recovery time after a rectal cancer surgery can vary based on several factors. These include:
- Whether you had an open or laparoscopic surgery. Invasive surgeries generally take much longer to recover from than keyhole procedures.
- If you have a stoma, it can take months before you can make a full recovery. You also need time to adjust to having a colostomy bag with you.
- Your overall health also affects the time needed to heal from the operation.
Pain is a Given
Pain and discomfort in your rectal area are to be expected right as you wake up from rectal cancer surgery. The worst generally happens in the first few days but should subside soon.
Your medical provider will prescribe painkillers to help you cope with the pain.
You May Still Need Further Cancer Treatments
Rectal cancer surgery does not always guarantee that your cancer will be completely removed. This is why it is often another part of your treatment plan. Depending on how far along your cancer is, you may still need treatments such as chemotherapy to kill off the remaining cancerous cells.
Handling Life With a Stoma
In some severe cancer cases, the rectum may be permanently unusable after surgery. That or you may need to let your rectum heal longer before it can be used again. It would mean you may have to live with a colostomy bag for a while or for life. This involves major, stressful adjustments to your lifestyle, so it would be helpful to have a support system to get you through this.
Embrace The Path to a Better New Normal
Rectal cancer surgery does not solve all the problems caused by the cancer. If we want our lives to change for the better, we should start with recovering successfully from the procedure.
Be Sure to Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Following your healthcare provider's recovery guidelines is key to a successful post-surgery phase. They have the medical expertise to manage any complications that may arise and adjust the recovery and treatment plan when necessary.
You will be given a schedule of follow-up appointments, so be sure to follow them so your doctor can monitor your health. Of course, you should keep an eye out for yourself between visits. If you experience new symptoms or find your current ones worsening, report them to the physician and get checked as soon as possible.
Make Some Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments
Besides obeying your doctor's orders, changing your habits is also essential to getting you back to a life as normal as you can achieve after rectal cancer surgery. This generally involves a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing your weight.
Do not hesitate to seek your medical provider's advice on living healthier. They can also refer to support groups that can help you cope with your journey to recovery.
Post-surgery Life Can Be Different But Still Fulfilling
A successful rectal cancer surgery is just one of the first stages towards a full recovery from cancer. It may not be the normal that we expect, but we should always make the most out of every situation we are in.
With the help of our healthcare team, support network, and will to recover, we can take steps toward bettering ourselves and becoming cancer-free again.
References:
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/8-things-to-know-about-rectal-cancer-surgery
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/5-facts-about-colon-cancer-surgery.h00-159615489.html
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/surgery-for-rectal-cancer
- https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/bowel-cancer/treatment/surgery/what-to-expect-after-surgery/
- https://healthmatch.io/rectal-cancer/rectal-cancer-surgery
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer/treatment/treatment-rectal/surgery-rectal/after-surgery-for-rectal-cancer
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/treating/rectal-surgery.html
About the Creator
Rebecca Teo
I am a writer who mainly focuses on health topics. I often prefer to write about women’s health, but I also write about various health-related news and advancements in medical technology over a wide range of treatments for diseases.
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