New here, too

azgal
azgal Member Posts: 31
in Anal Cancer #1
I was Dx'd with AC in Feb 2007. Hello to all.

Comments

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #2
    New here
    Welcome. How are u doing?
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #3
    Welcome
    Welcome to the group. Lots of information here and I'm sure you'll be a help to those of us completing treatment and on the road to recovery.
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #4
    Hi azgal
    Welcome aboard! Hope you're feeling well.
  • cap630
    cap630 Member Posts: 151 Member
    #5
    RoseC said:

    Hi azgal
    Welcome aboard! Hope you're feeling well.

    Hi
    Welcome! Hope you are doing well. ~Carol
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    Hi!
    Welcome, azgal! None of us really ever wanted a reason to be here, but it's a great group of people. Please let us know how you are doing--I hope all is well.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    #7
    mp327 said:

    Hi!
    Welcome, azgal! None of us really ever wanted a reason to be here, but it's a great group of people. Please let us know how you are doing--I hope all is well.

    Hi!
    Thanks for checking in with us. Please let us know about your AC journey.
    Thanks,
    Sandy
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #8
    azgal
    Hello and welcome, please tell us your story. I wish you well, Lori
  • azgal
    azgal Member Posts: 31
    #9
    z said:

    azgal
    Hello and welcome, please tell us your story. I wish you well, Lori

    Hello
    Hi everybody, thanks so much for the well wishes, and thanks for the warm welcomes.

    I had surgery in Jan '07 to shave off a small external "skin tag" but woke up with a large deep area removed. The general surgeon left for vacation right afterward, so a couple of weeks later when he got back he called me in and gave the Dx of SCC that had penetrated the wall, and so the whirlwind started.

    The oncs figured it to be stage 1 or 2 but the original surgeon didn't take cancer precautions and said it spilled into the bloodstream. I had 5fu/mito inpatient x2 rounds of 96 hour drips each, and rads, cut a few days short in the end, with a couple of breaks during Tx due to side effects.

    Cancer in other areas had also been found and surgeries for those were done after the AC treatment was finished. GYN onc surgeons removed the cervix and then in a later surgery removed parts of the vulva, inner and outter labia, and a small part of the vaginal wall.

    Whew, long story!LOL
  • sistermoon
    sistermoon Member Posts: 12
    #10
    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.
  • BeaRose
    BeaRose Member Posts: 45
    #11
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    new here
    Welcome to the land of information. I have had many questions answered here that my Dr's were unable to answer. It is wonderful to know there are many others who know exactly how you feel. I hope your tx goes well and there are very few bumps on the way.
  • pjs62
    pjs62 Member Posts: 95
    #12
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    sistermoon
    Hi there!
    I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. What you're feeling is very normal....I know when I was diagnosed July 2010 I went thru the same emotions.
    I met with colon, radiology, & chemo drs. Then within 2 wks started treatment. As of Oct. 2010 I was in remission....or so I thought.
    Not to bring fear but to bring awareness to you....are you going to a well known cancer center? Do you live close to a major center who specializes in this type of cancer? The reason I ask is this: I didn't question as much as I should have & now my cancer is back. (the cancer center in our area dosn't specialize in anal cancer & the drs don't have the knowledge that drs at major centers do). This time around my 1st drs said major surgery is only way to be rid of it. So I did alot of research & asked many questions before deciding on a different cancer center for 2nd opinion. I'm glad I did because although yes its still there I have a few different options for treatment. Had I gone to this center in the first place my cancer may not have returned.
    So please write done any questions you have, research online, check with your local American Cancer Society. Remember "you're never alone".
  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #13
    azgal said:

    Hello
    Hi everybody, thanks so much for the well wishes, and thanks for the warm welcomes.

    I had surgery in Jan '07 to shave off a small external "skin tag" but woke up with a large deep area removed. The general surgeon left for vacation right afterward, so a couple of weeks later when he got back he called me in and gave the Dx of SCC that had penetrated the wall, and so the whirlwind started.

    The oncs figured it to be stage 1 or 2 but the original surgeon didn't take cancer precautions and said it spilled into the bloodstream. I had 5fu/mito inpatient x2 rounds of 96 hour drips each, and rads, cut a few days short in the end, with a couple of breaks during Tx due to side effects.

    Cancer in other areas had also been found and surgeries for those were done after the AC treatment was finished. GYN onc surgeons removed the cervix and then in a later surgery removed parts of the vulva, inner and outter labia, and a small part of the vaginal wall.

    Whew, long story!LOL

    Azgal
    Wow so sorry for everything u have been thru. How are u doing now? I would love to hear your whole story, every bit of information will help the newcomers. I read every post here and on the colorectal boards also when i was dxed. Thank god I did. I feel well armed with info to fight this war because of the others that went before us. Take good care of yourself.

    Carrol
  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #14
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    Welcome sistermoon
    A second opinion is invaluable. They are the ones who set the treatment protocol for me. Even though my provider agreed with it at that time, when it came to the second round of chemo they were going to omit the second round of mitomycin. If I had not done my research and also double checked on infusion day what was going to be administered beforehand, I would not have gotten that second round of the mitomycin. Believe Me i would never have asked in the past, but that is something that I learned here. U have to look after yourself. Good luck, be prepared, u wll be ok.

    Carrol
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #15
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    sistermoon
    Welcome sistermoon, so sorry for the diagnosis, I know its over whelming. The 1st thing the general surgeon said to me is that this is a curable cancer. I completed treatment 6-30-09, and so far so good. You have every right to have all the emotions your feeling, I know its very scary. There are many many survivors here that have gone through this treatment and are now fine. I wish you well and please keep us posted. Lori
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #16
    azgal said:

    Hello
    Hi everybody, thanks so much for the well wishes, and thanks for the warm welcomes.

    I had surgery in Jan '07 to shave off a small external "skin tag" but woke up with a large deep area removed. The general surgeon left for vacation right afterward, so a couple of weeks later when he got back he called me in and gave the Dx of SCC that had penetrated the wall, and so the whirlwind started.

    The oncs figured it to be stage 1 or 2 but the original surgeon didn't take cancer precautions and said it spilled into the bloodstream. I had 5fu/mito inpatient x2 rounds of 96 hour drips each, and rads, cut a few days short in the end, with a couple of breaks during Tx due to side effects.

    Cancer in other areas had also been found and surgeries for those were done after the AC treatment was finished. GYN onc surgeons removed the cervix and then in a later surgery removed parts of the vulva, inner and outter labia, and a small part of the vaginal wall.

    Whew, long story!LOL

    azgal
    You have really been through a lot. I am so sorry the cancer precautions were not taken and it spread to other areas. It seems that they must have gotten it all and you are well now.

    I had a second primary cancer of the lung, as I was a 35 year smoker before the anal cancer dx. I quit on 5-4-09, before starting the anal cancer tx. In a follow up scan a nodule was found in my lung and I had vats for the lower right lobe on 9-23-10, so far so good.

    I wish us all well. Lori
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #17
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    Hi sistermoon!
    I'm sorry you have a reason to be here, but this is a wonderful group of people who will help you get through this. We've all been there, done that and are here and willing to share what we know to help newbies. Please keep us posted on when you begin your treatment. You can SO do this! Sending you prayers and hugs.
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #18
    sistermoon said:

    New here, too
    I was just diagnosed with anal cancer on Wednesday. I'm going for a series of consults (GYN, Radiation, Chemo) next week, and will probably start treatment the week afterward.

    I'm a bundle of conflicting emotions - fear, anxiety and anger. Why did this happen to me? Am I going to survive this? It's comforting and encouraging to read the stories of so many of you who have overcome this. Thank you for sharing. I'll be stopping by here often.

    Hi sistermoon
    Welcome to the group. You've come to the right place. The folks here are great - no topic is too sensitive to discuss and the help and support is priceless. Hope all goes well for you. Remember, this is a curable cancer.
  • sistermoon
    sistermoon Member Posts: 12
    #19
    RoseC said:

    Hi sistermoon
    Welcome to the group. You've come to the right place. The folks here are great - no topic is too sensitive to discuss and the help and support is priceless. Hope all goes well for you. Remember, this is a curable cancer.

    Hi, Everyone
    Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Your warmth and caring makes me feel so hopeful:-)

    First of all, pjs62, I'm very fortunate to live in Buffalo, NY. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, one of the best treatment facilities in the world, is five minutes away from my house. They have a very extensive colorectal department. I've been very impressed by the staff. I've met with the radiation oncologist (who spent over an hour just answering my questions, letting me cry and holding my hand) and the chemo doc. I've had very extensive blood work, and I'm seeing the GYN oncologist on Tuesday. They want to see whether there are any tumors near the vaginal area before developing a treatment plan.

    Z, the radiation oncologist told me the same thing - this is a very curable cancer. He says that, since I don't have any other physical health issues, a combination of chemo and radiation should work very well for me. He estimated that, if we begin treatment the week of 10/25, I should see significant improvement by Christmas.

    Phoebesnow (one of my alltime favorite singers!!!), this is my second opinion. In fact, the initial provider that I saw gave me a tentative diagnosis of vaginal cancer. I'm very reassured by the fact that no one's dictating to me. I'm being given options and allowed to make informed choices. I'm a psychiatric social worker by profession, and I've had to help patients make decisions about medication and hospitalization. I'm getting a better appreciation of what it's like to be on the other side of the desk, and I'm hoping this experience will make me even more empathic.

    Again, thank you all for the warm welcome. You've already helped me in so many ways!!!
  • pjs62
    pjs62 Member Posts: 95
    #20
    sistermoon said:

    Hi, Everyone
    Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Your warmth and caring makes me feel so hopeful:-)

    First of all, pjs62, I'm very fortunate to live in Buffalo, NY. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, one of the best treatment facilities in the world, is five minutes away from my house. They have a very extensive colorectal department. I've been very impressed by the staff. I've met with the radiation oncologist (who spent over an hour just answering my questions, letting me cry and holding my hand) and the chemo doc. I've had very extensive blood work, and I'm seeing the GYN oncologist on Tuesday. They want to see whether there are any tumors near the vaginal area before developing a treatment plan.

    Z, the radiation oncologist told me the same thing - this is a very curable cancer. He says that, since I don't have any other physical health issues, a combination of chemo and radiation should work very well for me. He estimated that, if we begin treatment the week of 10/25, I should see significant improvement by Christmas.

    Phoebesnow (one of my alltime favorite singers!!!), this is my second opinion. In fact, the initial provider that I saw gave me a tentative diagnosis of vaginal cancer. I'm very reassured by the fact that no one's dictating to me. I'm being given options and allowed to make informed choices. I'm a psychiatric social worker by profession, and I've had to help patients make decisions about medication and hospitalization. I'm getting a better appreciation of what it's like to be on the other side of the desk, and I'm hoping this experience will make me even more empathic.

    Again, thank you all for the warm welcome. You've already helped me in so many ways!!!

    sistermoon....
    It is a blessing you live so close to a great hospital. Your drs sound alot like my 'new' drs....they take the time to listen & show they really care.
    I'll keep you in my prayers as you begin this journey....please keep us informed with your progress. The ladies I've 'talked' with on this board are so supportive & its great knowing 'you're not alone'.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    #21
    azgal said:

    Hello
    Hi everybody, thanks so much for the well wishes, and thanks for the warm welcomes.

    I had surgery in Jan '07 to shave off a small external "skin tag" but woke up with a large deep area removed. The general surgeon left for vacation right afterward, so a couple of weeks later when he got back he called me in and gave the Dx of SCC that had penetrated the wall, and so the whirlwind started.

    The oncs figured it to be stage 1 or 2 but the original surgeon didn't take cancer precautions and said it spilled into the bloodstream. I had 5fu/mito inpatient x2 rounds of 96 hour drips each, and rads, cut a few days short in the end, with a couple of breaks during Tx due to side effects.

    Cancer in other areas had also been found and surgeries for those were done after the AC treatment was finished. GYN onc surgeons removed the cervix and then in a later surgery removed parts of the vulva, inner and outter labia, and a small part of the vaginal wall.

    Whew, long story!LOL

    Don't know what to say . . .
    Thank you for sharing. When my gastrointestinal doctor found my cancerous tumor he said. "YOU NEED SURGERY, Sandy. YOU NEED SURGERY." Then a CT scan looked showed a picture of multiple masses in my pelvic bowel and I thought I was a goner. A friend of my husband's who is a doctor had a friend who was head of the Colo-rectal surgery department in a neighboring state. This doctor who we did not even know called us on the weekend and told us surgery for anal cancer was not called for and to go only to Sloan Kettering. In the meantime, my Gastrointestinal doctor had told my Internist I needed surgery and he referred me to a general surgeon. Needless to say, these doctors aren't my doctors any more. Reading this makes me realize how lucky I was. I am so sorry to hear your story. I will stop feeling sorry for myself for my aches and pains right now and get down on my hands and knees and pray for your continued recovery and be grateful what a near miss this was for me. God Bless you for posting your story. All the best, Sandy

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