Houston, Texas, God how I hate …
Houston, Texas, God how I hate that place. I was told by a friend that I should be thankful that we live so close to …
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I am a 58 year old mother of a 17 year old son that is the world to me. I have two grown step-daughters (but they are like my own) and two adorable granddaughters (2 and 3 years old.) Last August I was treated for anal cancer. I had surgery, chemo and radiation and have had good check ups until last month. I asked my oncologist if I could have a PET scan because I hadn't had any scans since I finished treatment and to our surprise found cancer in my liver. I am waiting now to hear if MD Anderson in Houston can help me and what kind of treatment I will have. I don't think I am a candidate for surgery because of the number of tumors. Needless to say I am very distressed and would like to talk to anyone that has time to talk to me.
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Hope you are feeling better. Have you heard anything from the doctor in Houston?? Hugs, Sharon
carlos
Hello Bustermom. My mother is 68 and was diagnosed with Stage IV anal cancer this past New Year's Eve. She started combined chemo/radiation treatment last month but the side effects landed her in the hospital a week ago and her treatment is now on hold until she recuperates. They have not suggested surgery for her yet.
Since anal cancer is a more rare type of cancer and there aren't any large support groups out there anal cancer I thought it would be good for us to connect. I would like to hear more about your experience with anal cancer and the treatments you've been receiving for it. How difficult was the chemo and radiation for you? I’m truly shocked at just how devastating the effects of the treatment have been on my mom. I’m glad to hear you did well after the treatments at least for a while. That gives me at least some hope.
I'm truly sorry about your situation and I know it must also be very hard for you and your family. You are very lucky to have so many family members who love you. My mother is divorced and has lived alone for 15 years (since I left for college) and I am an only child who lives over 600 miles away from her. She has no other immediate family members as her only brother died earlier this year. Our lack of a family support network has made this all the more difficult.
I have done a lot of research about the disease so I may be able to help you out in that way. I will keep you in the loop if I find anything that may help you in your situation.
Apparently the liver is one of the most common locations for anal cancer to spread. Has it also spread to your lymph nodes? If is hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes they may still be able to remove the cancer in your liver through surgery. If it's also in the lymph nodes they'll probably suggest another course of chemotherapy but with a different drug.
I found a good article on anal cancer that you may find interesting: http://www.denverpost.com/movies/c...
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and am here if you need someone to talk to.
Btw- Good for you for being proactive about requesting the PET scan! You really have to stay on top of doctors and take charge of your own health in these situations and it sounds like you are doing that.
Guerreraflo
Guerreraflo