Please send the welcome wagon! New incomplete diagnosis.

[Medfly32]

Hello,
I will read around and get used to things but I want to get any
immediate support as I wait for my official diagnosis. I know
you people will have a lot of strength and hope of which I am in
dire need. I was just brought into this world 12/15/13 through
an emergency room visit for what I thought/hoped was hemorrhoids.
They have said most likely stage IV with liver spots and most immediately
lots of trouble going to the bathroom, and lots of trouble with my mood
anxiety and depression. They have not confirmed the origin but seems like
rectal cancer from all indications. "ulcer like" thing that goes 3/4 way around anus
and is a ump causing pressure between anus and vagina. So graphic but with you,
I hope its ok.Just released from hospital 12/19 and have port for chemo but not
much info on what is next... Love and prayers to you all and I hope in return.
Best,
Med

[weisssoccermom]

Welcome to our forum....sorry you had to find it but know that we all will try to help you as best we can.
First of all, did you have a colonoscopy while you were in the hospital? If not, is one being scheduled?
I am assuming, based on your post, that a biopsy was done of the mass. Is that correct? From that the doctors will be able to tell you what type of cancer you have.
Yes, it 'sounds' like rectal cancer but......keep in mind that there are different types of rectal cancer. Most people on this board have rectal adenocarcinoma - a cancer which is a 'cousin' to colon cancer. There is another type of rectal cancer.....one that is a 'cousin' to anal cancer. It is not an adenocarcinoma but rather squamous cell cancer. Although it is also cancer, it is treated entirely differently.....different protocol, different drugs so you'll really need to find out, from the biopsy, what exactly is going on.
What type of doctors did you see in the hospital? I would hope that, since they either have confirmed cancer or highly suspect it, that they have referred you to an oncologist. Please note that you should feel comfortable and trust your onc.....if not, 'shop' around for another one. The oncologist will be the 'go to' doctor during any cancer journey and you should really like/trust your onc as well as feel that you can talk to him/her. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if that's what you want.
Since you already have a port and they have apparently told you that you will need chemo, I am guessing that the biopsy has already come back positive for cancer. I can't imagine why they would have put a port in for any other reason. I'm really sorry that all of this has had to rear its ugly head right around this time of year. Hopefully, you will be able to get in to see an oncologist and get a 'plan' formulated ASAP and start moving forward with your treatments. Good luck and please keep us informed as to the next steps.
Jaynee

[chrissyrice]

You are so welcome here, but sorry that you are joining this club.

From your post, it's not clear to me whether or not you have had surgery yet?

You have options, as stated here by Jaynee's post. It would be good to read it carefully and hope that you will get some great information from many others as well.

Chrissy

[Val*pal]

Med,
I am so sorry you have been diagnosed with rectal cancer. However, believe it or not, you can do this. Once the treatment begins you'll feel more positive. It's definitely a rough journey, but you've come to the right spot for lots of info and support. God bless you.

Val

[Medfly32]

Hello,
Thank you valpal chrissy jayne.
I had a sigmoid and they said I will get a colonoscopy too at some point. I have appts. with 2 diff oncs 12/31 and 1/31.
I have had no surgery. They said most likely chemo and poss rad too first. I have an appt with rad 12/26 and dont know if
that is a consult or to start rad, but as you said without complete dx is still not determined, they said something about anal
cancer or rectal and your information about the different types is very helpful to understand. I expect to hear something tomorrow,
praying for miracles. It is amazing the information that is on this board. I wonder does the mass have to respond to treatment to make me
eligable for surgery? that is something I have in my mind what if it doesnt? or do most stage IVs get surgery at some point anyway. He said a
colost was probably not going to be nec. but again I know very early to make or be attached to any of these calls. Any experience or info appreciated...
Love and prayers,
Med

[GreenMonkey]

yes, we are here for you! you will feel better once you have your diagnosis and can begin treatment. sending you strength! you are not alone...

[Cherie]

Your in the right place....

[weisssoccermom]

Again, Med, you are going to have to wait for a definitive diagnosis and a decision on whether or not this is rectal squamous or rectal adenocarcinoma.

It is good that you have your appts set up but I have to wonder why the onc appts are so far apart. Is it possible to get the second appt earlier than 1/31? I ask because if the rad onc feels that you are a candidate for radiation, you will want to start as soon as possible and that could be hampered if you want to wait for the second onc appt. Remember that the rad onc only is in charge of the radiation treatments.....you would need the medical onc to dispense the chemo.

There's a lot to think about and get accustomed to. My first piece of advice is to get copies of ALL of your tests.....colonoscopy, CT scans, biopsy reports, etc. Keep them all in a notebook, separated by dividers. Once you have that diagnosis and know exactly what you are dealing with, make sure you get all the necessary bloodwork prior to beginning any treatments. IF you have rectal adenocarcinoma, a CEA test would be included in that protocol. Not sure if with squamous cell rectal cancer the CEA test is also included.

I might also suggest that you involve your GP in this process and make sure that your GP is copied on all the tests. That way, you hae one constant doctor that you can turn to for information (ideally your onc is the best doc but it is always good to have your GP on board as well).

[Medfly32]

Well today they said, my pathology says melanoma. So I have read some about that
and am of course very scared. My next steps are PET scan, but I am just wondering
if anyone knows anyone with this... I need to keep positive so please be careful I know
it is dire, but I need some hope. Help!!!

[jeroling]

Dear Med,

Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. I know you're scared and anxious, but DO NOT underestimate the power of positive thinking and faith. Reach into yourself for inner strength to believe that good things/miracles can happen. To lean to whoever or whatever power you believe in for peace and strength.

[Medfly32]

thank you jerking, i can't believe I long for the dx of yesterday...
I thought I was jointing this club but perhaps not. your words have helped me.
I will continue to pray. please pray for me...
Dianne

[Bev G]

Dianne,

I am really sorry to read of your pathology report. I have just looked up rectal melanoma. If I understand your request properly, you don't want to hear anything scary, so I will just say that we know of people long outliving their suggested survival. I will pray for you. Apparently rectal melanoma represents only 1% of rectal cancers. You are most welcome to be here, of course, but you might want to see if there is a board similar to ours for melanoma.

Wishing you very well,

Bev