I appear to have Cancer

[E_T]

Since shortly before the Surgery that I had on my Left Arm, back in mid-November, I was starting to have problems with some blood in my rectal area.  I waited until after the surgery to start the long process (with the VA) about addressing this problem.


Shortly after the first of the year, it was getting increasingly difficult to sit, or even stand for long time periods.  I had already seen the GI doctor and my Colon Screening was not until March 5th (would had been April, but I had begged and pleaded and they were able to set it then after making several phone calls).  At the time, no one was seeing the blood that I was seeing and the level of urgency on behalf of the VA was frustrating.


While at work, I had to fart and farted a fair amount of blood.  I then spent the night at the VA emergency room and had a Doctor that was blaming my colon rectal problems and possible blood on my poor diet.  But he did find blood back there (was not documented in my medical files) and had me go back to my general provider for follow-up.  My reg doctor had already sent me to GI, but my pain levels were increasing in something was needing to be done.  I was able to get them to FINALLY get a consult in to the Proctologist/Rectal Doctor that I had seen a few years ago.


But in the mean time, I first had gotten them to give me a Doctor's Note for a pillow to sit on at Work and then shortly afterwards, a Doctor's excuse from all work to due to the inability to be able to be able to function at work in any respect.  My part time Job filed the note and tole me to keep them informed and that they hope that I get better soon.  My Full time job, which I had only worked a few Months and did not qualify for them to hold my job or pay me short term disability, asked me to turn in my badge and clear out my locker... I would be able to come back, once I have gotten medical clearance to do so...


That was about the end of the first week, beginning of the 2nd week of Jan.  Since then, I have been having to mostly stay in bed, as the pain is much reduced when lying/sitting on my side.  I am taking the max daily dosage of Ibprophin to reduce the pain and inflammation back there.  I also supplement this with tylonal at times, but the one seems to do the bast at the pain.  I had also implementation other things to help with swift passage of things back there and to help keep things from building up and causing more pain.

In the process, I was able to feel a growth in the rectal area that more than half blocks the rectal cavity and the anus.

The VA finally set up the Proctologist appt on Feb 6th.  The doctor immediately stated that I had a tumor, wanted me to have biopsy/colon screening as soon as the 9th.  But due to transportation issues, had to push it back until Feb 16th.  He also did an Anal Pap Smear.

Right before the Procedure on the 16th, he told me the results of the pap smear was that I had Anal Cancer.  But due to the location, it should be showing as rectal cancer.  He stated that treatment for the two are different and even more need for the biopsy that he was about to do.  Also to see if it is malignant or not...
After, the Doc did tell me the rest of my colon looked good and will see me at the post procedure follow up.


I have my follow up tomorrow and will learn more.  The VA has already scheduled an MRI on March 7th and should be calling to set up a PET scan soon.

[Lorizael]

That sounds very unpleasant, E_T. Here's hoping it doesn't end up being terrible.

[Geo]

Best of luck with your diagnosis, E_T.

[Buster's Uncle]

...This is one of those things where people don't know what to say - which is why I have nothing more original than to say I'm rootin' for you...

[E_T]

It is Anal Cancer.  It is Malignant. 

It IS treatable with BOTH Kemo and Radiation.

I will not have to worry about a colon bag (from having section of Colon Removed).

PET Scan next Monday, MRI Week after.

Kemo & Radiation Oncology Referals/Consults are in, waiting for schedualling to set up appointments.

That's about it for now...

[E_T]

...This is one of those things where people don't know what to say - which is why I have nothing more original than to say I'm rootin' for you...

Everything helps....

[Buster's Uncle]

I just imagine that's why you haven't gotten more well-wishes.  I want to wish-well, but I hate to not have a more creative/eloquent way to say it.



Have they settled whether it's isolated to there yet?

[E_T]

Have they settled whether it's isolated to there yet?

PET Scan next Monday, MRI Week after.

Not yet, these test should provide this info...

[Unorthodox]

The VA

The next good story from that place I hear will be the first, and everyone (politicians) continue to ignores it... 

[Spacy]

As I said on WPC - good luck, and keep me in the loop.

My internet is the suck, but you should (I think) have my professional gmail address if'n you need anything - and that I can get at work. 

[Rusty Edge]

(I'm on a borrowed computer tonight. Mine seems to be well on it's way out. )

This is terrible news. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

[bvanevery]

Good luck.

Might I suggest you also include either medical marijuana or CBD oil to help fight the cancer.  The latter is legal to obtain in all 50 states.  Doing my research on the Reddit forum /r/CBD, I bought some for my Mom's cat from Green Mountain CBD.  They have lab results proving their stuff has in it what they say they have in it.  It's a "whole plant" product and I picked that specifically because the company seemed to be committed to preserving the cancer fighting ingredients.  Now if you have access to a medical marijuana dispensery, apparently a 1:1 mixture of CBD to THC is the preferred way to go to fight cancer.  But if you don't have access, CBD alone is better than nothing.

I am afraid I have no results to offer with my Mom's cat.  She died in less than 2 weeks after we found out.  Chest and liver.  I never even got a chance to use the stuff.  I tried to administer a different CBD product that I bought immediately at retail upon getting the news, but it was really difficult to dose a cat.

Subsequently I've found that this stuff relieves anxiety.  Sometimes I've gotten anxiety, flashing back to my Mom's cat.  Usually happens when I'm in abdominal pain for other reasons, like from food poisoning.  Pain can really warp the mind, so I'd recommend the stuff for that reason as well.

[E_T]

VA is Gov, so no Med Marijuana Scripts from them...

As for dispensaries, I don't even know it they have allowed any to open in the Orlando area as of yet...supposedly, still under consideration after the last election to allow it in the State.

Ironies abound here with this.  I was arrested in '94 for Cultivation of Cannabis.  I was only growing and selling at cost to people whom needed it for medical purposes... 

[bvanevery]

Ironies abound here with this.  I was arrested in '94 for Cultivation of Cannabis.  I was only growing and selling at cost to people whom needed it for medical purposes...

Well there are websites on how to make the anti-cancer stuff yourself, if you have a source of pot.  It's a movement really.

[E_T]

In case anyone wants an update:

PET Scan was this last Monday, MRI is next Wednesday.  Radiation Oncology initial Consultation Appt is next Thursday with the Kemo Therapy initial Consultation the following Monday.  As for when the actual treatments start, it all depends...  I'll see in one/two weeks...