Thank you for having me.
I just joined. My name is George. I am 59 years old, live in the Deep South of the USA, teach college; I am originally from Eastern Europe (legally). I have rectal cancer, stage IV. Nothing in lymph nodes, but three metastases in the liver. The lab data show that the liver function is OK. No pathology in other organs.
My first symptoms appeared in early 2016. I had diarrhea and some rectal bleeding.The diagnosis, based on colonoscopy, back then was rectal cancer (adenocarcinoma) stage 1-2a (small tumor penetrating into the tissue, but no metastases). My treatment included radiation, light chemotherapy (Zulota [sp.?] in tablets), and surgery (upper rectum resection and temporary ileostomy) on Dec. 6, 2016 and again on Dec. 21 because of the subcutaneous necrosis and prolapse). After the second surgery, my lab data turned out pretty bad (creatinine was 4 times normal), I had signs of aerobic infection, and I was severely dehydrated, so I had to stay in the hospital for another week. However, my status improved rather quickly. I am at home now, receiving an intense IV chemo (port, pump, mixture of three meds), and physical (rehabilitating) therapy.
My overall physical condition seems to be improving every day. I have no obvious side effects of chemotherapy. I hope to return to my regular work as the next semester begins (in August).
I am very grateful that I have found your Web site. Although my doctors and nurses are wonderful, and my wife is taking a great care of me, I believe that advice from the people who have colorectal cancer is invaluable.
Thank you all so much, again. My all best wishes to you.