GiGi's Anal Cancer Story - "I believe"

Hello, October 28, 2012

My name is Genevia but affectionally known as GiGi. This is my story of anal cancer diagnosis. For me, finding this site has been a blessing and I want others to know my experience and that they are not alone. I'll update this post as the future unfolds. I appreciate your prayers.

Me:
I'm a happily married 45 year old, caucasian female. My husband and I have a blended family of 6 children and 10 grandchildren. Of our children, I have 2 grown sons, 27 and 23 and one grandson, 6. We live near Nashville TN and I will have all my treatments at Sarah Cannon (that's Minnie Pearls real name) Cancer Center.

How This All Started:
If you've just happened to this site doing some research or newly diagnosed then understand that anal cancer is a cancer where terms like pee and poop are talked about often and openly so prepare yourself to let go of any feelings of embarassment. Life is what matters..not where our cancer is located or the process of treatment or recovery.

So, sometime late 2011, I had started noticing some red streaks in my poo but it was bright red so I wasn't too concerned, knowing a prior colonoscopy showed an internal hemorrhoid. My poo also had what I call a divot in it..as it if was passing by something solid on it's way out. My doctor agreed and basically said to eat more fiber. In early 2012, I started having some discomfort when stool would move into my rectum. Upon telling him about it, he referred me to a gastro doctor who did nothing other than hear my story and again, advised me to eat more fiber. I continued through the summer with increasing red streaks and pain. On August 27, 2012 after hurting all weekend with what felt like bad constipation (through I was going regularly) and bloating, I had a BM where it was totally covered in red, some dark red blood. I knew something had to be done and was honestly quite frightened at what I saw. I went immediately to a walk in clinic and that doctor scheduled me for another colonoscopy. That was Sept 19, 2012. The surgeon told us that it was not a hemmy but instead was likely cancer. I was devastated. That's all he would say other than he had done a biopsy on a tumor of 3cms and it was early and very treatable. On Sept 21, 2012 (two days later) he called me to confirm it was cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Anal. I had a CT that same day which showed nothing else unusual and the multiple doctor scheduling and visits began. Another surgeon on Sept 28 2012. That visit consisted of a digital rectal exam, the intelligent finger exam and conversation about treatment. Likely, chemo and radiation only. Surgery is typically not done unless chemo and rad fail because of the risk of removing the splinter which would result in a coloscopy bag for the rest of my life. Oncologist on Oct 2, 2012. He explained everything..what is squamous cell, the treatment plan, side effects, survial rate (mine is 90% after 5 years). What he didn't explain, I asked from a list on my phone that I'd compiled over the last month. More appointments were scheduled. PET (that's the scan which requires a radioactive IV injection which makes any cancer glow), the radiologist and more oncologist appointments. I was scheduled to start chemo on Oct 22, 2012 but it was delayed because the radiologist wasn't ready yet. They want to start the treatments on the same day. The chemo extensifies the radiation while done at the same time. If it helps, I'm in.

Treatment Plan
My PET showed no spread in lymphnodes or otherwise which if I'm correct makes me a T2NOMO. Chemo is Mitomycin in the oncologist office and then I'll be hooked up to a pump for 96 hours infusion of 5FU (Fluorourial) for week 1 and same chemo repeated in week 5 or 6. 30 treatments (not days) of radiation, done M-F, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. I also had a Bard power port installed for the chemo. I start everything on Oct 29, 2012.

Things to know:
Trust in the Lord - He has the authority over all things and will be your fortress if you believe in Him.
Be informed - equip yourself with information and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Find a doctor that cares and will explain everything.
Know this cancer is curable
Surround yourself with positive minded people
Prepare yourself for friends who will avoid you because they don't know what to say or do. They are scared too.
Prepare yourself for people you hardly know to reach out to you in a way you'd never expect.
Prepare list before treatments. If you're not sure what those are, post your request here and folks will reply because everyone is different and what works for one will not work for others.
Have someone with you during any doctors visit. They say so much that you don't remember everything and that support person can help you later.
Register on this site because there are lots of people here that will help you and guide you through everything.

Emotionally
Cancer is never an easy diagnosis and the helplessness I've felt can be overwhelming at times but not all the time..know that. I've surrounded myself with positive people but honestly that wasn't hard because I live my life that way to begin with. My church family has surrounded me and we've had special prayer for me and my family a couple of times at church. I also know prayer warriors are approaching the throne with my name. For all these things, I'm grateful beyond words. A couple of very dear friends are at my beckoned call (not that I've called) and ready to help me at a moments notice. I may need them later..for housekeeping, meals, doctor visits, etc.

Work:
I work for a great company and we have great benefits. I've taken off work and will be off for about 10-12 weeks. I will then work from home for a while after that. I commute about an hour so until things are healed and under control, I don't plan on making that trip everyday. Again, a great company that I'm so grateful for.

I hope this helps someone searching for information and relieves some stress surrounding anal cancer.

I can't say enough how important my faith is for me during this. The Lord is my Saviour, my provider and my defender. He is or can be the same for you if you believe.

God Bless and I appreciate your prayers.