Diagnosed 4/8/09 with BOTH Adenocarcinoma of Rectum and Adenocarcinoma of Esophagus. Started Chemo

I'll be posting on this board and the esophageal board as I've got both.

On April 7th, 2009 I had rectal bleeding from 7pm thru 5am prompting my visit to a gastroenterologist on the morning of the 8th. I had dismissed prior blood in stool as being related to hemorrhoids for over a year. Aside from an obvious need for a stat colonoscopy, regular questioning by the physician's assistant regarding my heartburn I had for over 15 years made for an investigative (and life saving) upper endoscopy. I had been simply popping antacid tablets successfully quenching the fire. It is almost as if the major bleeding I had was a swift kick in the rear to go do something about it. Thanks to that, the esophageal adenocarcinoma was found early on.

4/9/09 Colonoscopy confirmed rectal tumor, Endoscopy revealed suspect tissue near a section of Barrett’s Esophagus. Biopsies taken of both.

4/9/09 Gastroenterologist immediately sent me for a CAT Scan that same afternoon.

4/10/09 Biopsies came back positive for two different Adenocarcinoma's (Rectal and Esophageal) just 10 days shy of my 40th B-Day!

4/14/09 Endoscopic Ultrasounds of Rectum and Esophagus at South Miami Hospital resulted in prelim staging of T-3 for both tumors. No Metastasis, No Lymph node involvement confirmed.

Then the blur of multiple doctors’ appointments began:
Clinical Oncologist, Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, Radiation Oncologist, Colo-rectal Surgeon and second opinions for each specialty at University of Miami Hospital's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Differing opinions abound on my rare situation of treating these two different cancers at the same time. Variances from Standard of Care for each malignancy were offered by each physician. Head spins while attempting to earn an overnight PhD researching the internet for answers.

Surgeons have differing surgical approaches. Some offer minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Others favor traditional open approach.

4/27/09 UM Sylvester repeats Endoscopic Ultrasound due to discrepancies of measurements and exact location of esophageal tumor as reported by South Miami Hospital.
GREAT NEWS: esophageal tumor found to be a T-1 (not T-3 as SMH had reported)!
This means no radiation to the chest!

More and more meetings to arrive at treatment plan. My case is discussed in numerous cancer boards in multiple hospitals. (Yes, I obtained a 3rd opinion as well from the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Fl)

5/1/09 Port placement in upper chest for chemo

5/5/09 CT simulations complete. Permanent tattoos for pelvic radiation.

5/7/09 Chemo and Radiation begins (just 30 days from diagnosis):
FOLFOX of 5FU via pump on port 24/7 and Oxaliplatin added once a week
Radiation of rectal tumor 5 days a week (28 treatments)

These "C" things have received their eviction notices. Sheriff will be escorting all malignancies out with no mercy!

I'm ready for this! Hit me with treatment hard! Gotta get over both of these "C" things soonest.
Wonder how my body will tolerate treatment.
Doesn't matter though...
LET’S DO THIS!