First meeting with the Oncologist

The stage is IIIA: (t1-3, N1, MO) The PET scan was clear and the cancer has not spread to any other of my organs.  It has however spread into 1 lymph node.  I'm not sure if it's in my groin or which specific lymph node it is in.  I think I understood it is a nearby lymph node (diameter 1.6 cm).  But, because of this, it makes it stage IIIA.

I have a really busy cancer schedule for the next couple of weeks.  Tomorrow Willie and I get to go to a chemo class at 3PM.  Then on Thurs. I have a CT scan at 9:45 and an appointment with a surgeon at St. Marks at 3PM.  On May 31 at 11 am I meet with the radiologist and then on June 4 at 10:30 am, I begin 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. The chemo/radiation is standard for my cancer and the treatment is the same for stage 1, 2 or 3.  Surgery is  no longer the standard option for most people with anal cancer.  In people who do need surgery, the type of operation depends on the type and location of the tumor.  The drug(s) used for chemo are:  Fluorouacil and Mitomycin.  I will go in on Monday the 4th and sit in the comfy chairs for a couple of hours pumping in toxins to kill the cancer.  Then I leave with a bag/pack that dispenses chemo in me the rest of the week that I carry around.  I go back on Friday for that to come out.  Then wait 3 weeks and do that again.  Basically 2 rounds of the drug and 6 weeks of daily radiation (which is painless and only takes 10 - 15 minutes).  I will have a "port" put in next week for the chemo to go in.

Fun chemo side effects include the more common:  Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection (this can occur several weeks after the medication is given - 2 to 3 weeks is common), decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, hair loss, headache, weakness, muscle aches, increased tearing an irritation of the eyes, dry flaky skin.   I know, sounds wonderful!  :-)  I can't wait.

More importantly, I am going to reach out and attack this and kill it out of my body with these nasty drugs.   I feel like it's not a movie anymore, it's become a war.  Now that I know the plan of attack, I feel more powerful.  Not knowing was the worst.  I hope that is the worst.  I think it will be the worst.  Anything else I can handle.

Tonight, when I got done around 4:15 with scheduling talking to the dr. and scheduling all my appointments, I spent the next 4 hours on the phone calling as many people as I could and explaining.  I didn't feel like blogging was the way to go today.  I still have more calls to make, but for now, I'm okay posting this information just to log it in.  I can't tell you how much it has meant to me hearing from everyone the love, support, prayers, gifts, passion, and tears.  It is amazing what wonderful people I have in my life.  I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

Tomorrow I will be working as usual.  Then off to chemo class at 3PM with Willie.