re: I start chemo and radiation this week

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My cancer was stage 4 as it had spread to a lymph node outside of the rectal area.

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Thanks for the detailed response.

I'm stage 3a, meaning that the cancer has spread to one lymph node. The doc says it's a lymph node that is right on the side of the outer wall of the rectum.

I will be taking pills for the chemo, so won't have to worry about a pump or implanted port at this time.

The plan is to have radiation to shrink the size of the tumor, as it will make surgery to remove it a lot easier. And chemo to try to keep the spread of the cancer in check and hopefully kill any rogue cancer cells anywhere else in my body.

The doc says that it's possible, but not probable, that the radiation could make the tumor disappear completely and for the chemo to kill off the cancer cells where surgery may not be needed.

Good luck to you and may the Lord be your side.