The Story of the Choices That Began with 'I Have to Remove Your Anus'

In my previous article, I wrote about being diagnosed with rectal cancer in November 2019.

On the night I was told, I learned about a surgical procedure that could preserve the anus (ISR) and spent all my time researching it. This time, I'm talking about the following week.

How did I act when I was told, 'I have to remove your anus'? As it turned out, this action would significantly change the course of my subsequent treatment.

I asked honestly at the next week's consultation

The week after the diagnosis, I had a consultation at Hospital B.

'Is ISR not possible?'

I asked straight out. The doctor's answer was clear.

'We cannot do it at this hospital.'

I was disappointed, and since I had only researched this one option, I was at a loss as to what to do. Then, the doctor said this to me:

'Why don't you get a second opinion?'

A second opinion! With those words, the next door opened.

A second opinion feels intimidating

To be honest, I was hesitant at first.

'Wouldn't it be rude to my current doctor?' 'Will they be annoyed?' 'Do I even have the time for that?'

But looking back now, those worries were completely unnecessary.

The doctor at Hospital B prepared a referral letter for me right away. Far from being angry, he actually encouraged me. I think this doctor understood that 'there are things that cannot be done at my hospital' and that 'treatment you aren't convinced about will leave a lingering regret later.'

A second opinion is not a rejection of your current doctor.

It is 'gathering information to make a better choice and to proceed with treatment with peace of mind.' Faced with a major decision like choosing cancer treatment, you shouldn't have to decide based on just one opinion. I want to move forward only after I am convinced. That is what I believe is the essence of a second opinion from a patient's perspective.

'It might be possible to preserve it'

In early 2020, I took the referral letter from Hospital B to Cancer Center C.

At the second opinion outpatient clinic of C Cancer Center, the doctor listened to me carefully and also examined the affected area. Then, they said this to me.

"It might be possible to preserve it."

——Are you serious! I felt a sense of relief along with excitement.

It was the moment when something that had been tense ever since I was diagnosed with cancer loosened just a little bit. For me, who simply could not imagine a "life without an anus," those words were truly significant.

The reason I decided to transfer hospitals

I think both Hospital B and Clinic A treated me very kindly. That is why I was hesitant about transferring hospitals.

However, the words of the doctor at C Cancer Center, "It might be possible to preserve it," strongly pushed me forward.

When I weighed "a life without an anus" against "the awkwardness of transferring hospitals," there was only one answer.

I decided to transfer hospitals, and my treatment at C Cancer Center began.

What I think about this experience

If I hadn't honestly asked the doctor at that time, "Can't you perform an ISR?" If I hadn't sought a second opinion. If I hadn't transferred hospitals.

For better or worse, I might have accepted a permanent colostomy much sooner.

As a result, I ended up with a permanent colostomy later due to re-enlargement. But because I feel that I "made the best choice at that time" and "did everything I could at that time," I think I can say that I have no regrets.

Think about your own treatment yourself.

Do not just leave it to the doctor; ask about things you don't understand. If you are not convinced, seek another opinion. Research using every possible means. I feel that is very important for overcoming long-term treatment.
It will help you in the "situations where you must make a choice yourself" that will inevitably come.

Conclusion

Regarding second opinions, I have summarized the costs, preparation, actual process, and the actual questions and answers in a separate article (paid).

I would be happy if it serves as a reference for those who think, "I want to get one, but I don't know where to start."

Next time, I will write about the chemoradiotherapy that began after transferring hospitals and the day I heard the word "remission" for the first time.

Thank you for reading until the end.

*This article is a record based on the author's personal experience and does not guarantee the accuracy or effectiveness of any specific system, procedure, or medical practice. The information provided may vary depending on the time and circumstances. The author assumes no responsibility for any damages or disadvantages that may arise from the information in this article, so please make your final decisions at your own risk.