AsSeenBySusan

 Scan Results

I knew when I was told at my first visit with my radiation oncologist that my cancer was a Stage 1, that the diagnosis might change. At that point I had had only the anoscopy in August which had diagnosed the 1.5 cm sessile lesion as cancerous. And since then I had read enough to know that one test does not an accurate staging make. But I hoped.

I was also told that I'd get a PET scan that would reveal if there was more cancer in my body and inform the oncologists how best to treat it. After a week's wait, however, I was told that the PET was denied by my insurance; so instead, I was scheduled for a pelvic CT scan with contrast and a chest MRI, which purportedly would give the doctors enough information they needed to proceed with chemo and radiation treatment. Another week passed before I completed those scans. And then another day's wait until I met with my medical oncologist to review the results. I was not prepared for what he said.

My cancer is now Stage 3, is slightly bigger at 2.5-3.0 cm, and is growing down into the tissue below it. I was stunned. The tears welled in my eyes until they spilled down my cheeks as I listened to the doctor explain the treatment protocol. Again, I had a friend with me taking copious notes, so I could allow my tears to flow as I listened and asked follow-up questions. The statistics for this stage of anal cancer is 70-80% for a cure. The doctor thought that was positive; personally, I would prefer a higher percentage. 

After that it was a matter of more waiting in the days ahead for him to submit a referral for treatment to my insurance, and to order the prescription for my oral chemo meds from a mail order pharmacy since local pharmacies do not stock them. His estimate for when treatment could begin was a week or so, but in counting the days myself, I knew he really meant 7-10 days. 

More waiting. More tears.

My deepest appreciation to my friend Jackie Scholl who sat by me, taking notes and comforting me on this very trying day.