April 1rst

Some of you know… some of you don’t.

I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer (so glamorous, huh?… but no cancer is). I just found out last week that I had cancer and am learning more each day.

History: Lost a significant amount of blood out my ass (got a call it like it was) on St. Pat’s Day when returning back to work from lunch. Luckily, I made it to the bathroom. J Called doctor and they had me come in immediately. Had a colonoscopy a week later, last Wednesday. Got back preliminary pathology reports on Thursday indicating invasive cancer. They didn’t know if it was colon cancer or rectal cancer so they sent me in for a CT scan. Had CT scan on Friday. Met w/surgeon Monday AM. He said I have rectal cancer and cancer has spread to my lymph nodes. Does not appear to be any cancer in my liver or lungs which is good. Tumor is about the size of a tennis ball.

Doctors are being very aggressive in their treatment. Plan of action is chemo and radiation for 5 weeks followed by chemo/radiation recovery for 6 weeks. Following that, I will then have then surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes followed with another round of chemo. Don’t know how long that round will last.

Met with Radiation doctor Monday afternoon. Met with both Chemo and Radiation doctors yesterday, Wednesday… had a bit of a breakdown. Reality sucks! I’ll have radiation M-F and a chemo pump (which I’ll wear and have with me the entire time) for 5 weeks. Having a second colonoscopy today (wish this was an April Fool’s joke, but it’s not) because surgeon wants to see everything first hand. Following colonoscopy, have to go do lab work for chemo port surgery. Scheduled to have chemo port put in on Monday. They hope to start chemo and radiation on Tuesday.

Yesterday was a long day… at doctors offices for the entire day. I am still exhausted this AM. Lots to digest.

I am actually excited to have a doctor free day tomorrow. I appreciate everyone’s well wishes, support, and prayers, and I’ll keep you posted.

jenny