International Anal Neoplasia Society Conference

Before I get to the main topic of this post, I wanted to update my status.  I saw my colorectal doctor this morning for my 6-month follow-up, including DRE and anoscope, and in her words, “I can’t tell you were even radiated”--trust me, I was!!  That is the first time in 6 ½ years she’s ever said that, so I was very happy!  She also said no colonoscopy this year, which was good to hear.  I was prepared to argue strongly against that, so fortunately, it wasn’t necessary.  I am good for another 6 months until the next follow-up.

Now, on to other really big things!  I received a call from Justine Almada of the HPV & Anal Cancer Foundation last week regarding the upcoming annual conference of the International Anal Neoplasia Society to be held in Atlanta on March 13^th. through the 15^th.  She was hoping to find local AC survivors to speak during Saturday’s Community Presentations portion of the schedule and my name surfaced.  I really didn’t have much time to think about it and said “yes.” 

Not ever being comfortable with public speaking, I questioned my commitment to her after I hung up the phone.  I am not only going to give a public presentation to doctors and other healthcare professionals, but the topic is Anal Cancer!  Oh lawd!  The good news is I am to tell my story in my own words, so needing to spew out all sorts of medical terms, etc., is not expected, or at least that is my understanding!

I have been given 10 minutes for my part of the 90-minute session.  I thought 10 minutes would be a piece of cake, as I usually have no problem talking for that long—just ask my husband.  LOL!  As I found out when I began writing it up, that can be a very long time, especially when I am nervous, which tends to make me talk faster.  Hopefully, I won’t sound like an auctioneer! 

I have had to dig out the journal I kept during treatment and for the first three years or so afterwards.  It has been a somewhat painful trip down memory lane, as it all becomes so vivid again when I read what I wrote at that time.  However, I keep reminding myself that not being able to recall all of those details off the top of my head is good, as it means I’ve forgotten a lot of the bad stuff.  I am still fine-tuning my presentation, but it is close to being finished and, if I don’t talk too fast, should take right around 10 minutes.  After I have attended this part of the conference and spoken, I will post my presentation for all of you to read and you can critique!

One of the doctors who is speaking at this event is Dr. Catherine Eng from MD Anderson.  I know many of you are familiar with her, some more than others.  She will give a presentation on Saturday afternoon titled “New Approaches to Treatment of Anal Cancer,” which I would really like to attend.  I asked Justine about this and she is trying to get me a “free pass” to hear Dr. Eng, since I am not a member of this organization.

As I said above, I have never been comfortable with nor have I done much public speaking.  However, I know that several of my AC friends have done so, appearing on television shows and giving presentations to groups in their communities.  So, I think I can do this!  When I saw my colorectal doctor this morning, I told her I was speaking at this conference, and she didn’t hesitate to tell me how proud she was of me and that I would do a great job.  Her vote of confidence means a lot to me.  She also stated that perhaps she would check into attending, at least Saturday’s presentations.

I am doing this because I think it is very important for all who will attend to hear survivor stories such as mine.  I want to make several points.  1)  Misdiagnosis is common and this disease needs to get on the radar of healthcare professionals; 2) Treatment is grueling; 3) Support from other survivors is priceless; 4) Both awareness and HPV vaccination rates need to increase.  I don’t know if anything I say will make a difference, but it’s certainly worth a try. 

Honestly, I wish I had gotten an invitation from the International Ice Cream Connoisseur’s Society to speak at their conference instead, as I am a total expert when it comes to frozen treat consumption.  It would be a much easier topic to speak on, to be sure.  However, no such luck, so butts it is!  Wish me luck and send lots of positive vibes my way on March 14^th., as I will need all the help I can get!  Thank you in advance!    

Martha