On July 17 I was taken to emergency with extreme pain

[LiberalFighter]

Was in the hospital from Wednesday morning to Saturday late afternoon in July.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer.

I had another PET Scan and doctor informed me that the size of the rectal mass was reduced down to a third of the size. There were other things he reported but didn't hear it all and the files are not easy to follow. But treatment appears to be going well.

I had four chemo treatments. Then the PET Scan. Will be having four more chemo treatments followed by another PER Scan. Will have a total of twelve chemos. At least that is the current treatment.


From my file.
1 CLINICAL INFORMATION: Rectal carcinoma. Rectal mass biopsy 7/18/2024 demonstrated findings
suspicious for malignancy. CT abdomen and pelvis 7/17/2024 demonstrated a large distal rectal mass with posterior extension through the rectal wall into the mesorectal space, perirectal adenopathy, left internal iliac lymph node, nonspecific right inguinal lymph node, large right adrenal mass and a sclerotic lesion at the mid sacrum. Initial treatment strategy.

TARGET LESIONS:
* Rectal lesion. CT image 264. MEASUREMENTS [max SUV, axial size], Current: [27.1, 58 x 45 mm].

* Right adrenal gland lesion. CT image 151. MEASUREMENTS [max SUV, axial size], Current: [12.1, 70 x 57 mm].

* Posterior superior right middle lobe lesion. CT image 118. MEASUREMENTS [max SUV, axial size],
Current: [3.6, 10 x 6 mm].

* Right inguinal lymph node. CT image 253. MEASUREMENTS [max SUV, axial size], Current: [10.6, 24 x
19 mm].

[Doodley]

1. My thoughts are with you. I hope it continues to shrink. How's the pain now?

[LiberalFighter]

4. I have pain in the rectum. I think the shrinkage has helped.

I take two 10 mg of oxycodone two to four times a day. It is usually three times. I include Tylenol before going to bed.

[Doodley]

13. I am very sorry to hear that. Pain can be so all-consuming. I pray for you.

[Solly Mack]

2. Hoping for the best.

[2naSalit]

3. Yikes!

At least the treatments are showing signs of progress.

[LoisB]

5. I am so sorry this happened to you. It sounds as if the treatment is working. Wishing you the best possible

outcome. Hugs.

[babylonsister]

6. Sounds like everyone is thorough,

which is good. You've been through the wringer; I hope you're doing well.

[iluvtennis]

7. Sending continued healing vibes your way.

[wendyb-NC]

8. It's good it was discovered and you are being treated

I'll send good thoughts that you are healed completely and positive energy to keep you healed. Peace.

[summer_in_TX]

9. Oh man, horrible.

It sounds like you are getting very good care, and the fact that the tumors are responding id a real blessing.

Hope your treatment goes well and that you are able to stay ahead of the pain. 🙏

Sending you a

[Marie Marie]

10. So sorry to hear what you are going through...

may your chemo treatments bring you continued improvements.

[Bluethroughu]

11. Sending healing vibes, I'm sorry you are going through this.

[Ilsa]

12. I'm hoping for the best for you,

the best doctors, best chemo, best mrdicine, best nurses, best support for you.

[orleans]

14. very sorry you are going through all this

[calimary]

15. Thanks for letting us know, LiberalFighter.

This is a strange new journey you’re on, for sure. Please keep us posted as best you can. Sounds like you’re already getting lots of prayers and good wishes sent your way, and I’m honored to add mine!

I’ve found that this little collective of friends we’ve never met face-to-face can be a massive source of strength and support. We’re all pullin’ for ya, for sure!

[onecaliberal]

16. Hugs.

[brer cat]

17. That is terrible news, although very positive outcome so far

from your treatment. I hope you continue to do well and sending you wishes for a complete recovery.

[XanaDUer2]

18. Thinking of you

Nt

[LiberalFighter]

19. Thanks to everyone for your support

In the meantime I'm trying to gain weight back. I tend to be a picky eater. And really don't eat much. So that involves eating more of my favorites and try to include other options I have never done before to increase calories and other value for my body.

And increase my energy.

[XanaDUer2]

20. How are you?

[LiberalFighter]

21. For what I'm going through I guess okay.

Though not where I want to be.

Will be going through my eighth chem treatment on Tuesday. And a PET scan will likely follow the next week to see where I am. Then I think another four chemo treatments.

I'm not on the computer like I use to be. It is mostly on my cell phone. Trying to do more.

Still able to do our Retirement Chapter newsletter and mailing. I've gotten some newsletter volunteers to know the process to fold the newsletters and track them. I still function as the Retiree Chapter Recording Secretary.

[Sparkly]

22. How are you doing?

I hope the treatments worked, you're in remission, and you're pain free!!

No doubt, going through the experience of chemo is difficult, draining and psychologically life-altering. I hope you've come out the other side, with many more years to enjoy.