squamous cell rectal cancer??

redbud
redbud Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I've just joined this group and am wondering if there is anyone out there who has also been diagnosed with squamous cell rectal cancer? I'm in treatment now but this type of cancer is rare enough that there are no exact protocols to go by and I am, as I am sure many of you are, wondering how to make sure I get the best medical care. After reading the really good article on colorectal cancer in yesterday's New York Times, I thought I would reach out and see if there is anyone out there with experience with this type of colorectal cancer. Thanks and take care.

Comments

  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #2
    HI redbud!

    I think KathiM, one of our prolific and well-versed contributors here, had this rare cancer, as well as a couple of others. I think Kathi is in Holland right now, but be sure to seek her out in another week or so if you don't hear from her. I think Kathi has been questioning just how rare "rare" is on this type of cancer cuz we keep running into it, even if females, where it is supposed to be even rarer. Anyway, someone will come along soon and post. Welcome to the semi-colons.
  • redbud
    redbud Member Posts: 4
    #3
    Patrusha said:

    HI redbud!

    I think KathiM, one of our prolific and well-versed contributors here, had this rare cancer, as well as a couple of others. I think Kathi is in Holland right now, but be sure to seek her out in another week or so if you don't hear from her. I think Kathi has been questioning just how rare "rare" is on this type of cancer cuz we keep running into it, even if females, where it is supposed to be even rarer. Anyway, someone will come along soon and post. Welcome to the semi-colons.

    Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly! Gosh, I don't feel so alone in all of this. I'm looking forward to hearing from KathiM and others. Thanks for your welcome.
  • kbienapfl
    kbienapfl Member Posts: 61
    #4
    Hi Redbud, My name is Kathy (not the KathiM that has been referred to). I too was treated for squamous cell rectal cancer. Diagnosed July 2006, Age 46, Stage IIb. No surgery. We hit it with 5-FU and radiation with the hopes of reducing the tumor prior to surgery. By the end of treatment no tumor was left to be removed. That was the good story!

    Unfortunately, they tell me my cancer has been growing for 10 years. Since my treatment of a year ago, a lung met as appeared and I am currently being treated for that. The professionals tell me I had the met all along, just wasn't large enough to show in scans. This, I guess is even more rare, as squamous cell rectal is not supposed to travel to lungs. Lucky me, eh? (I've always been told I'm a rare gem!)

    Not to worry about me....I'm going to hit this as hard as I did the last.

    Therapy options are quite personal. I am glad I followed the route recommended to me. The radiation can be difficult and rather painful. Just know you have to fight hard and stay strong. You will get through this.

    What questions can I answer for you?

    Kathy
  • redbud
    redbud Member Posts: 4
    #5
    kbienapfl said:

    Hi Redbud, My name is Kathy (not the KathiM that has been referred to). I too was treated for squamous cell rectal cancer. Diagnosed July 2006, Age 46, Stage IIb. No surgery. We hit it with 5-FU and radiation with the hopes of reducing the tumor prior to surgery. By the end of treatment no tumor was left to be removed. That was the good story!

    Unfortunately, they tell me my cancer has been growing for 10 years. Since my treatment of a year ago, a lung met as appeared and I am currently being treated for that. The professionals tell me I had the met all along, just wasn't large enough to show in scans. This, I guess is even more rare, as squamous cell rectal is not supposed to travel to lungs. Lucky me, eh? (I've always been told I'm a rare gem!)

    Not to worry about me....I'm going to hit this as hard as I did the last.

    Therapy options are quite personal. I am glad I followed the route recommended to me. The radiation can be difficult and rather painful. Just know you have to fight hard and stay strong. You will get through this.

    What questions can I answer for you?

    Kathy

    Thanks so much for writing. Gosh, it sounds like a tough road. Are we all 46 year old femals when we get diagnosed? I got my diagnosis this May, age 46. I'm undergoing chemo and radiation now and will face some decisions on treatment shortly - (e.g., surgery, what kind, etc.) I'm doing relatively well with the chemo/radiation and have less than a week to go. I'm getting different thoughts on surgery. Any idea how many of us are out there? How do they typcially tell there is no cancer left after rad/chemo?

    Also. are there any experts that you know of in this type of cancer?
    I have tons of questions - I think I won't bother you with them all right now - I really appreciate you writing back! Thanks

    Hang in there with your new treatment. Have you started it yet? Best of luck. Take care

    Redbud
  • redbud
    redbud Member Posts: 4
    #6
    kbienapfl said:

    Hi Redbud, My name is Kathy (not the KathiM that has been referred to). I too was treated for squamous cell rectal cancer. Diagnosed July 2006, Age 46, Stage IIb. No surgery. We hit it with 5-FU and radiation with the hopes of reducing the tumor prior to surgery. By the end of treatment no tumor was left to be removed. That was the good story!

    Unfortunately, they tell me my cancer has been growing for 10 years. Since my treatment of a year ago, a lung met as appeared and I am currently being treated for that. The professionals tell me I had the met all along, just wasn't large enough to show in scans. This, I guess is even more rare, as squamous cell rectal is not supposed to travel to lungs. Lucky me, eh? (I've always been told I'm a rare gem!)

    Not to worry about me....I'm going to hit this as hard as I did the last.

    Therapy options are quite personal. I am glad I followed the route recommended to me. The radiation can be difficult and rather painful. Just know you have to fight hard and stay strong. You will get through this.

    What questions can I answer for you?

    Kathy

    P.S. thanks again for writing - It really helps. Somehow it is good to not feel so unique and alone. thaks
    Redbud

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