Now it's the other end
Since it's been almost 5 years (March) since I was diagnosed with anal cancer, I was hoping I would be finished with doctors. I had a stereotactic breast biopsy Tuesday. My oncologist called today. He said it wasn't cancer, but precancerous DCIS. If I waited six months to a year, it could turn into cancer. So I have to have a lumpectomy and radiation. He said the radiation is nothing like I had before - thank goodness! I trust my oncologist. He told me not to worry. If I could get through having my arse fried, I can deal with this. Now to wait for surgeon's office to contact me. The area is small - 9mm so it was caught early. I wouldn't think it would be any more painful than having a port installed and removed. I had local anesthetic when port was removed. Just numb me up good!!! So the saga continues...
I asked him if it was related to the anal cancer and he said no. It's breast disease. I didn't think it was related since it's calcifications, but wanted to make sure.
I saw my oncologist before I had the biopsy so he could explain the results. At that time, I felt that he thought it was precancer. I told him about the incomplete colonoscopy. I had the feeling he thought I didn't need it because he said I don't have colon cancer. He was more concerned where the anal cancer was. He said he could refer me to a gastro dr. However, I'm not going to deal with that now and he agreed.
BTW - I wasn't charged for the colonoscopy. However, the anesthesiologist charged $2100 for about 15 minutes.
Ann
Comments
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Ann
Thank goodness this was caught early and will not require major surgery. Still, I wish it wasn't something you have to go through. But it sounds like you are in good hands.
I agree about putting the colonoscopy on the back burner. At this point, it seems unnecessary and you don't need something else to deal with right now. This is all going to be okay. It is. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope you'll keep us posted. Take good care.
Martha
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TraceyTraceyUSA said:Ann
I'm so sorry you have to go through this but I'm glad that it's precancerous and they have found it early (one advantage of all the tests we go through.)
Sending well wishes your way,
Tracey
Thanks for your well wishes! Yes, I'm glad it was found early. Previous mammograms have been fine and then this popped up.
Ann
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Marthamp327 said:Ann
Thank goodness this was caught early and will not require major surgery. Still, I wish it wasn't something you have to go through. But it sounds like you are in good hands.
I agree about putting the colonoscopy on the back burner. At this point, it seems unnecessary and you don't need something else to deal with right now. This is all going to be okay. It is. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope you'll keep us posted. Take good care.
Martha
Yes, I'm glad it was caught early. Since I survived anal cancer treatment, this should be a walk in the park. I wish I didn't have to go through it either. It's difficult to understand why.
Yep, I'm putting my rear end on the back burner for awhile. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
I was so sorry to hear about your oncologist. That's another why question - someone that helps save lives and his life is taken.
Good luck with your kidney issues!
Ann
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AnnAZANNIE said:Martha
Yes, I'm glad it was caught early. Since I survived anal cancer treatment, this should be a walk in the park. I wish I didn't have to go through it either. It's difficult to understand why.
Yep, I'm putting my rear end on the back burner for awhile. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
I was so sorry to hear about your oncologist. That's another why question - someone that helps save lives and his life is taken.
Good luck with your kidney issues!
Ann
You have shown that you are a very strong person, so you WILL get through this.
Thank you for your thoughts about my doctor. I will never understand why he was taken.
Martha
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Ann.....
Its funny how our perspective changes throughout life. I smiled at your comment about this being a walk in the park after being treated for anal cancer.......so much truth there! I was diagnosed with breast cancer just 1 year after the anal cancer. Unfortunately treatment required a mastectomy, but fortunately no radiation. My doctor said that there was not a relation to the anal cancer as well. In fact, it was a rare, slow growing cancer that I had probably had for years prior to the anal cancer and one that does not show up until late stage. I was lucky to be having my follow-up PET scan for anal cancer, as that is how it was detected!
I look at many things in life with a much more relaxed attitude since anal cancer treatment. It seems to have set the bar for things to get anxious about very high!
I will be thinking of you and pray that all goes well as you continue to move forward on this path!
katheryn
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Marthamp327 said:Ann
You have shown that you are a very strong person, so you WILL get through this.
Thank you for your thoughts about my doctor. I will never understand why he was taken.
Martha
Thanks for your vote of confidence! Yes, I WILL get through this! I just wish the surgeon's office would hurry up and call so I can get this over with.
Ann
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Katheryneihtak said:Ann.....
Its funny how our perspective changes throughout life. I smiled at your comment about this being a walk in the park after being treated for anal cancer.......so much truth there! I was diagnosed with breast cancer just 1 year after the anal cancer. Unfortunately treatment required a mastectomy, but fortunately no radiation. My doctor said that there was not a relation to the anal cancer as well. In fact, it was a rare, slow growing cancer that I had probably had for years prior to the anal cancer and one that does not show up until late stage. I was lucky to be having my follow-up PET scan for anal cancer, as that is how it was detected!
I look at many things in life with a much more relaxed attitude since anal cancer treatment. It seems to have set the bar for things to get anxious about very high!
I will be thinking of you and pray that all goes well as you continue to move forward on this path!
katheryn
I knew there was someone here who was diagnosed with breast cancer, but didn't remember who. So sorry you had to have a mastectomy, but it sounds like you're doing well. Guess we're not supposed to understand why things happen the way they do. It was bad enough getting our rear ends fried, but we're still here!!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers as I embark on another journey...
Take care!
Ann
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Surgery completed...
I had a lumpectomy on January 26th. The surgeon didn't have to take as much out as she first thought. Margins and node were clear! The surgeon even called me on a weekend to tell me pathology results. Surprisingly, I didn't have any pain after surgery. Wow! What my poor boob had to endure before surgery - smashed, wire localization and dye. I don't have to see the surgeon again.
I have an appointment with radiation oncologist February 29th - so another journey begins...I was hoping to be finished with doctors soon...Ann
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Hi Ann!AZANNIE said:Surgery completed...
I had a lumpectomy on January 26th. The surgeon didn't have to take as much out as she first thought. Margins and node were clear! The surgeon even called me on a weekend to tell me pathology results. Surprisingly, I didn't have any pain after surgery. Wow! What my poor boob had to endure before surgery - smashed, wire localization and dye. I don't have to see the surgeon again.
I have an appointment with radiation oncologist February 29th - so another journey begins...I was hoping to be finished with doctors soon...Ann
I am so happy to see an update from you and it sounds like the news is very good! How nice of that surgeon to call you on a weekend to tell you the path results so that you wouldn't fret any longer. I hope your appt. on the 29th. goes well and that the next part of your journey is an easy one. About wanting to be finished with doctors, I agree! Sadly, I just keep racking up more new doctors and appointments. I am very tired of it too!
Take care, my friend, and please let us know how things go for you on the 29th.
Martha
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Thanks, Martha!mp327 said:Hi Ann!
I am so happy to see an update from you and it sounds like the news is very good! How nice of that surgeon to call you on a weekend to tell you the path results so that you wouldn't fret any longer. I hope your appt. on the 29th. goes well and that the next part of your journey is an easy one. About wanting to be finished with doctors, I agree! Sadly, I just keep racking up more new doctors and appointments. I am very tired of it too!
Take care, my friend, and please let us know how things go for you on the 29th.
Martha
Guess I'm signed up for a few more years with doctors. I'll have to take Tamoxifen and have mammograms every six months on this boob for two years and every year on on the other boob and then probably back to every year on both after the two years. After enduring everything, we're still here! I'm sorry you're dealing with health issues.
Will post again after appt on the 29th. It sounds like this place has state of the art equipment. It's also near Cracker Barrel Restaurant. I might add that it's affliated with the oncology practice my oncologist is in. I read the radiation oncologist's biography on their website. He's younger and better looking than my previous one - Lol! However, I'll have to say, despite his bedside manner (or I should say lack of), that cancer is gone so he did his job, although I know others were involved in the radiation plan.
Take care!
Ann
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AnnAZANNIE said:Thanks, Martha!
Guess I'm signed up for a few more years with doctors. I'll have to take Tamoxifen and have mammograms every six months on this boob for two years and every year on on the other boob and then probably back to every year on both after the two years. After enduring everything, we're still here! I'm sorry you're dealing with health issues.
Will post again after appt on the 29th. It sounds like this place has state of the art equipment. It's also near Cracker Barrel Restaurant. I might add that it's affliated with the oncology practice my oncologist is in. I read the radiation oncologist's biography on their website. He's younger and better looking than my previous one - Lol! However, I'll have to say, despite his bedside manner (or I should say lack of), that cancer is gone so he did his job, although I know others were involved in the radiation plan.
Take care!
Ann
My gastroenterologist is SO good looking! Unfortunately, he is my one doctor who told me he doesn't need to see me again unless I have more problems.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Martha
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Congratulationsmp327 said:Ann
My gastroenterologist is SO good looking! Unfortunately, he is my one doctor who told me he doesn't need to see me again unless I have more problems.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Martha
My colon rectal surgeon released me from my annual exam in 2015. He will be doing colonoscopies every three years. I had a colonoscopy in December and he found one pre-cancerous polyp. I have had colonoscopies for the last 15 years and except for one time they have found polyps. They find either regular polyps or pre-cancerous polyps. Colon polyps are common on my mother's side of the family.
Mike
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Azannie
i also have had incomplete colonoscopies For the past 3 years. I have had barium enema twice and a ct scan recently. I would be happier if they could complete the colonoscopy as I have had polyps several times in the past. Some polyps were precancerous. I still have many problems with painful bowel movements, vomiting from the pain of defecation, constant gas and belching And partial blockages. Yesterday was a particularly bad day as I started out pooping and puking. And ended it the same way. I went from 126.8 lbs to 121 lbs in one day. My doctor blames everything on radiation. yesterday I was ready to have the surgery to take it all out. I have more and more days when I think I could have a decent life without the colon.
i hope the treatment for the breast leaves you with minimal side effects. My thoughts are with you as you travel this new journey.
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PhoebesnowPhoebesnow said:Azannie
i also have had incomplete colonoscopies For the past 3 years. I have had barium enema twice and a ct scan recently. I would be happier if they could complete the colonoscopy as I have had polyps several times in the past. Some polyps were precancerous. I still have many problems with painful bowel movements, vomiting from the pain of defecation, constant gas and belching And partial blockages. Yesterday was a particularly bad day as I started out pooping and puking. And ended it the same way. I went from 126.8 lbs to 121 lbs in one day. My doctor blames everything on radiation. yesterday I was ready to have the surgery to take it all out. I have more and more days when I think I could have a decent life without the colon.
i hope the treatment for the breast leaves you with minimal side effects. My thoughts are with you as you travel this new journey.
I am so sorry to hear about your continuing issues. I feel your pain with the intestinal blockages and I can understand why you would be willing to live without those intestines. My heart goes out to you.
Martha
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Mp327mp327 said:Phoebesnow
I am so sorry to hear about your continuing issues. I feel your pain with the intestinal blockages and I can understand why you would be willing to live without those intestines. My heart goes out to you.
Martha
thanks Martha. I'm so grateful to have people who understand.
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Ann.....AZANNIE said:Thanks, Martha!
Guess I'm signed up for a few more years with doctors. I'll have to take Tamoxifen and have mammograms every six months on this boob for two years and every year on on the other boob and then probably back to every year on both after the two years. After enduring everything, we're still here! I'm sorry you're dealing with health issues.
Will post again after appt on the 29th. It sounds like this place has state of the art equipment. It's also near Cracker Barrel Restaurant. I might add that it's affliated with the oncology practice my oncologist is in. I read the radiation oncologist's biography on their website. He's younger and better looking than my previous one - Lol! However, I'll have to say, despite his bedside manner (or I should say lack of), that cancer is gone so he did his job, although I know others were involved in the radiation plan.
Take care!
Ann
Thank you for the update and please continue to keep us posted....I've been thinking about you. While all the doctor appointments can be bothersome, I also find some sense of reassurance in being watched a little closer. I do not take Tamoxifen but know many that do with little side effects. I have been on Arimidex for 4 years now and did have a few minor effects during the first few months but now have virtually none to speak of, (or they've just become that easily managed) Most people have exagerated temporary menopause symptoms, even if after the fact, for a brief adjustment period to both drugs, and there are always a few with some that are more of an issue, but I will pray you have smooth sailing!
Katheryn
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You Got ThisAZANNIE said:Thanks, Martha!
Guess I'm signed up for a few more years with doctors. I'll have to take Tamoxifen and have mammograms every six months on this boob for two years and every year on on the other boob and then probably back to every year on both after the two years. After enduring everything, we're still here! I'm sorry you're dealing with health issues.
Will post again after appt on the 29th. It sounds like this place has state of the art equipment. It's also near Cracker Barrel Restaurant. I might add that it's affliated with the oncology practice my oncologist is in. I read the radiation oncologist's biography on their website. He's younger and better looking than my previous one - Lol! However, I'll have to say, despite his bedside manner (or I should say lack of), that cancer is gone so he did his job, although I know others were involved in the radiation plan.
Take care!
Ann
I'll be 3 years post anal cancer diagnosis in May (treatment June-July). I hear you ... definitely haven't missed the drama of doctors, tests, treatment, scans, surgeries, or passing a flaming cactus out of my butt daily (aka pooping). But your prognosis sounds so good and your attitude is strong and humorous. Not only will you get through round 2 I'm sure you will bring some positive energy and optimism to the other patients you will meet. Good luck!
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AnnAZANNIE said:Thanks, Martha!
Guess I'm signed up for a few more years with doctors. I'll have to take Tamoxifen and have mammograms every six months on this boob for two years and every year on on the other boob and then probably back to every year on both after the two years. After enduring everything, we're still here! I'm sorry you're dealing with health issues.
Will post again after appt on the 29th. It sounds like this place has state of the art equipment. It's also near Cracker Barrel Restaurant. I might add that it's affliated with the oncology practice my oncologist is in. I read the radiation oncologist's biography on their website. He's younger and better looking than my previous one - Lol! However, I'll have to say, despite his bedside manner (or I should say lack of), that cancer is gone so he did his job, although I know others were involved in the radiation plan.
Take care!
Ann
Best wishes for your new round with cancer. It's sounding really positive for a good outcome. That and your positive attitude will be your ammunition to get you through!
Liz
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Update
I had an appt with radiation oncologist the 29th. I like him. He explained everything. I was given copies of papers I signed (side effects) without even asking. I remember signing something the first go around, but didn't get a copy. Now I ask for copies of everything. The facility opened in September so new and improved equipment - Truebeam STX. There's also a patient portal.
CT planning and tattoos were today. Treatment begins the week of March 14th for 7 weeks and so another journey begins...still can't believe it...
The dr said side effects appear about week 3 (unlike the nurse who said I won't turn red when I asked when during previous treatment and in a way she was right, it wasn't red but purple). So I'm hoping this journey will be smoother sailing. Thankful I don't have to have chemo which would make a real difference in the way I would feel.
Ann
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