05/12/11

I spoke with the Radiation Oncologist today. (John Halligan) He is very positive about my outcome, and another compassionate and concerned healthcare professional. Again, like the other Doctors I have spoken with, I am having such a good prognosis since I went in as soon as I had signs of a problem (blood in my stool). If I had waited much longer, since it was in my rectum, and very close to the anus, I would have been looking at a colostomy for the rest of my life, more aggressive adjunctive therapy, and a less optimistic prognosis. So please, if anyone’s body is trying to tell you something go in and get it checked out, a little embarrassment is well worth the alternative.
They are going to wait for me to heal up from my surgery and we are tentatively planning on starting the radiation therapy the week after Memorial weekend.
I have several appointments beforehand for prep work. I will have to go into have some tattoos to mark the areas that they will aim the x-rays at. I have my PET scan tonight, they will put in the chest port tomorrow, and chemo classes on Monday.
There are some possible long term side effects, but he says they are NOT likely since I have not had any surgery in which they actually opened me up and I am young and healthy. Some of these might be, having to urinate more often, more bowel movements, I will stay fertile, and ‘everything’ will still ‘work’.