I don't know where you are located, to recommend doctors with greater experience and expertise.

I live in Baltimore, Maryland  and have the benefit of 2 great world class hospital systems. Both Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Hospital systems are here. I, personally,  use JHH. 

If you can travel and you can afford the time, I  suggest respectfully that you send your records to either one for a consultation.

I know that JHH has international patients,  too.

It might help you with any questions or concerns and decisions. 

john68 I am pretty confident that if surgery is needed to prevent/get rid of cancer  or to make him feel better we will go forward.  Ultimately it is up to him but I do know he wants to live.  It is encouraging to know that he can have a normal life afterwards.  Thanks

Zvitusk I live in Houston Texas.  God forbid it is cancer and he needs treatment I suppose there is no better place to be.  Thanks 

Lucky you!  You have M.D.ANDERSON  and several other top notch hospitals. 

Research the doctors. You want to put your life into his/her hand. 

Personally,  I look for humility. If the doctor thinks that he is God, then God would say " what do you need me for,  you picked him." And you know that you are in God's hands.

I was very frightened when I was put on the operating table the first time. When I saw this guy walk to the corner of the room and raise his hands up to pray, I knew that I was in good hands.

I pray that you have a similar situation. 

(10 years later,  I found him and thanked him for my life. God is thanked daily)

P.S. I lived in Houston 42 years ago. Nice place. 

Yes I have MD Anderson.  I pray we don't need to go that route.  Thanks and I will keep you guys posted.

My point is that you have an excellent group of doctors to draw from. You're not stuck in Hicksville wv. First class all the way. 

I'm blessed with Medicare and medigap so the treatments and doctors are not ruinous. 

Think positive thoughts. 

(But remember that MANURE HAPPENS. )

Hi Karen n David

Welcome to the group you have found a good place here . Before my wife convinced me to have the  surgery I was going to the loo 15+ times a day pretty much stuck at home  . I have UC also and had my colon removed first at age 57 but still had problems a year later the rectum or almost all of it was removed . That was 2015 n 2016 so I am still pretty new at this . I wasn't real prepared for what to expect after surgery . But this group n Eric  have been a big help took me 13 months to get up the nerve to take it all off n take a shower (I did take showers Ha just not without bag n barrier) . This group convinced me to do it and they were right . (As John told me leave the chicken outside right John) ! LOL . He was right . It can be a little tuff to get used to it mentally n physically was for me but its different for everybody . I'm not sure about the sit ups either but I never liked them anyway Ha .... As far as David riding the bike yes I now can ride a bicycle I even have a touring motorcycle that I wasn't able to get on for a long time but now I can ride that again too . It has made things better for me for sure and it can for David too . Like the others are saying here ask questions we are all in pretty much the same boat one way or another .

Barbara I like that Artic Blonde ! Lol . I refer to mine as Dishwater Blonde Haha