My Anal Cancer Journey

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MartSwil
MartSwil Member Posts: 12
in Anal Cancer #1

My Cancer Story actually began in 2001 when I was diagnosed with Stage IIIb breast cancer invading 7 of 21 nodes. I mention this because I met a few women who started with breast cancer and years later either developed anal or colon cancer.  In 2011, I was dx with anal cancer in siti and had surgery. In three months it came back and had concurrent 5fu, mitomycian  radiation. I was NED until early 2015 and then it came back but this time it was inoperable in my pelvic wall, deep muscle tissue and bladder wall. More chemo and radiation to try to shrink the tumor so it could be zapped with stereotactic radiation. Tumor did not shrink. I've been on theee trials including four treatments of Optivo and the tumor is sti growing. So now after being told more chemo would be toxic I am in hospisce care and for the first time my pain is under control. So I had to make the hard decision to enjoy what time I have left. I still search once in a while for the latest and greatest but I'm interested in your thoughts. Wishing you all peace and GOds light in your own Journey. 

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  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited February 2017 #2
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    MartSwil.....

    Firstly thank you for sharing your journey with us, we all learn and grow through and with each other.  I am sorry to hear that Optivo has not had the results you had hoped for, and having been treated for breast cancer myself as well as mets from anal cancer, I am always keeping an eye on current trial drugs as well.

    Sometimes the toughest decisions in life are best just placed in the hands of (the latest and greatest) Himself!! What a blessing to have your pain under control. I will pray that you have the support and encouragement to face whatever challenges may lie ahead as well as the motivation to find some sense of peace in your place.

    As I continue that search of the newest "wonder drug" I will keep you in mind and hope I have something positive to share. Know that your wellness will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    katheryn

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #3
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    MartSwil

    I'm very sorry to hear treatment has not worked out the way it was hoped for you.Hospice is a wonderful organization and my mother, mother in law, and father in law were all in hospice. Especially for my mother's passing it was so helpful. I'm in the medical profession and it helped me to make the switch from the mind set of treating to prolong life to treating for comfort. Hospice helps the family as much as the patient. I'm glad to hear you are out of pain and I hope you have as much joy as possible in your situation. I think making the hospice decision is very brave of you. God bless you and keep you.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited February 2017 #4
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    MartSwil

    I am so very sorry to hear that your treatment was not successful in stopping the growth of the tumor.  I'm glad that your pain control is effective and I hope it will continue to be so.  My thoughts are with you and I am sending prayers.

    Martha

  • rlr000dc
    rlr000dc Member Posts: 51
    #5
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    Hate to hear of this for you

    Hate to hear of this for you wish I could say something to make it better.

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