Great to find this site! After browsing posts I was happy to find other people who have been treated in Orlando by doctors in the colon and rectal clinic. My Doctor was Dr. Williamson. He did a trans anal excision on a stage 1 cancer 5 weeks ago. (I think I have the terms right). I know it was extremely low. I stayed on the 9th floor of MD ANderson for 4 days. I know others of you have been on that floor. I was and still am very pleased with Dr W. and his care. I have had one follow up exam with blood work and then in July he had me schedule more blood work and a CT scan. He said there was almost zero chance of met. to the liver BUT it does happen. After reading on this site I am glad I am getting scanned.
I have felt like a 1/2 survivor since I was only stage 1. I mean I really have only survived diagnosis and surgery. (not to mention 2 icolonoscopies in 6 weeks time because my first doctor missed 2 polyps!). People look at me and say "you're cured! thats great!". But inside I think. "But its not over yet." And I see now stage one can be scary for others as well. I hadnt met other stage 1 people on other sites. SO this is nice.
So many of you are going through all this Chemo and radiation and I find you so brave and wonderfully supportive of each other. Hope I can be a positive force here!
Nancy
