New to this

hi everclearpc82--
I am so sorry to read of your situation. Mike has provided a great list of questions and his advice to have someone accompany you is absolutely correct. I would add a few more questions to ask your doctors.

1) Is surgery an option for the liver and/or lung mets?

2) If so, would this be done prior to or after getting the standard treatment (chemo & radiation) for the anal cancer?

3) Can we pursue a clinical trial, keeping in mind that one usually has to have had the chemo/radiation prior to getting into a trial?

4) Can I get your assistance should I decide to be seen at MD Anderson in Houston (Dr. Catherine Eng is located there and is one of the leading experts on anal cancer).

5) If going to Houston is not possible, will you agree to pursue a phone consult with Dr. Eng after she has received all of my test/scan results?

6) Are you familiar with the Hainsworth study (google Dr. J.D. Hainsworth--he came up with a protocol for treating metastatic anal cancer to the liver)?

7) Are you familiar with Dr. Bernard Cummings who is also very knowledgeable in the treatment of such cancers (he is located at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto).

I would also recommend that you register on the website for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN.org) and print out the latest treatment protocol for Anal Cancer. Become familiar with this information and print out a copy for your doc(s) also. That way you will know that they have a clear understanding of the latest treatment regime.

I'm sure your head is spinning right now and it's easy to get into informational overload. We all felt that way in the beginning. But I'm glad you are educating yourself. Get answers to your questions and if your docs don't know, then it's time to seek another opinion. My choice would definitely be Dr. Eng at MDA. I think she knows her stuff.

I wish you all the very best and hope you'll come here for support. We are here for you.

Sorry to hear this report
I am still hoping you are not stage four. But we have others who have posted here who have been diagnosed stage four and are pulling through with the new protocols. You are definitely on my mind and in my prayers. Keep us informed of your treatment. Posting is therapeutic for all of us and good for helping others who may log on later exactly where you are at right now in your diagnosis. No matter what, it gets better when you have all the information in front of you and are able to make a decision with your doctors as to the best course of action and even better than that when you can begin to take action. Good luck.