Wait... what?

[This is a copy of the update I wrote on FaceBook when I got the diagnosis and my friends set up a GoFundMe.  I decided to keep it as is rather than rewrite.  The later updates provide clarity]

 I wish I could talk to everyone in person but things are moving really quickly, so here it is: On February 28th I had a colonoscopy. I have Rectal Cancer. My family history is all over the place health-wise, but this is a new one. 

 Normally, screening colonoscopies start at age 50. I was about 3 years shy. Since the colonoscopy, I’ve had a CT scan and an MRI and met with a surgeon and an oncologist. Things are happening really quickly but my team has a plan. 

 The Plan
March 6th, I will get a port for chemotherapy and meet with my radiation oncologist. March 8th, I will have a PET scan to make sure the Cancer hasn’t spread. 
March 13th, I will begin 5 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor and reduce the incidence of postoperative recurrence. 
After chemo and radiation, 6 weeks of rest before surgery. 
Surgery will be a Robot-Assisted, Laparoscopic Lower Anterior Resection. They will cut out the part of my colon that has the tumor and anastomose (connect) the two cut ends. In order to allow that connection time to rest, I’ll probably get a diverting ileostomy. 
After a few weeks of postoperative recovery, I will begin a few months of chemotherapy (no radiation) once again. 
After the postop chemo, they will reverse the ostomy and I will be ‘cured’. 

 The prognosis is 7 to 9 months of some serious shit, but then I should be back to normal. Well, as normal as I was before all this. Cancer sucks, but it’s not all bad news… 

 I’m excited to see what super power I get from the radiation. I’m not sure if I get to pick or if it’s random. I’m gonna bring my own spider just in case. 

 I’ll finish the chemo and have 6 weeks to drink some Muscle Milk and do some curls. I fully expect to be rocking a six-pack at The Fort on Memorial Day weekend. It’ll be the first time my abs have been seen since the 90s. 

 I’m gonna print up some “I Have Cancer” business cards and milk this for all it’s worth. We all know how insufferable I could be before the cancer… 

 The Surgery (oh yeah, it’s a video)

Diverting Ileostomy

 Chemoport

 Rectal Cancer Treatment

Comments

  1. Ray HopkinsMarch 27, 2017 at 2:02 PM

    Chris. Not sure we have met in person, but I know you mom and I will be reading along your journey and you will be in my prayers.

    I can't say I know about your journey, but my Father in Law went through his own battle over the last 2 years. Ports, tests, Chemo, drains, and all sorts of shit that just makes you want to scream.

    I am listing you with my American Cancer Society Team, TEAM CMMD out of Chester County PA. you are in our collective thoughts and prayers and we will keep tabs as you go.

    FUCK CANCER! FUCK CHEMO! FUCK BEING SICK! FUCK BEING SCARED AND HAVING SCARED FAMILY! Though smile knowing you are surrounded by love and energy and when you have a down day, let yourself have it and then ask when you need us to pick yo up!

    Be well and when we meet, I hope to shake your hand and hear of your victories, big and small as you battle this all.

    ReplyDelete

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