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Vital Info

Name:
Mel (meldodson)

Member Since:
March 30, 2011

Location:
Alabama

Birthday:
September 25, 1964

Profile:
Cancer Survivor

Cancer Info

Type of Cancer:
Anal Cancer

Medical Term for the Type of Cancer:
Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Diagnosis Date:
November 29, 2010

Stage of Cancer:
Stage 2

Lymph Node Involvement:
No

Surgery:
Colostomy

Chemotherapy:
Fluorouracil (5-FU)

What I Have Learned From Cancer:
LIfe can change in a minute. Embrace each day like it could be your last. Forgive those who have hurt you and let the negativity go. Surround yourself with positive people.

Alternative Cancer Treatment:
APR with flap reconstruction - July 29, 2011

Cancer Center:
Clearview Cancer Center, Huntsville, Alabama

Tips for others on how to deal with the mental struggles of chemo/cancer:
Humor!

End of Treatment Date:
January 27, 2011

Anal Cancer Symptoms:

I had been experiencing problems for months and the doctor I was going to just basically blew me off. I told the doctor I was bleeding profusely, I was having pain, and I it felt like there was a mass in my ass! He performed a colonoscopy and he said everthing looked fine but I did have some non-bleeding internal hemorrhoids. I was not happy with the findings because I was bleeding and the pain was getting worse. He then had me swallow a camera and came to the same conclusion that I was fine. I called back and told them everything was not fine. The bleeding was getting worse and the pain was also increasing. They finally sent me to a colon rectal surgeon, who after five minutes of meeting me, did a digital exam and told me he was pretty sure I had anal cancer!

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects:

Biopsy and Ultrasound, November 24, 2010
Biopsy, July 2011
APR with Flap reconstruction, July 29, 2011

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects:

Radiation – 28 treatments, burns/blisters

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects:

Mitromycin and 5FU via pump, 1st week and 4th week of treatment. Nausea – 4 week had to be hospitalized

Stats

Posts: 5

Photos: 5

Events: 0

My Supporters: 17

I Support: 15

Comments: 25

Mel's Cancer Blog

The positive side of Cancer

I know some people think there is nothing positive about Cancer but I disagree. Cancer has made me a better person. Not that I was that bad to begin with but hey we all can use improvement. Just a few things:

I finally forgave my ex husband and the woman he had his affair with. It is amazing how much happier a person is when you let go of negativity.

I realized how lucky I am. I have a terrifice boyfriend who has been by my side through it all. I was amazed at how my friends, coworkers and family stepped up to take care of me. I didn’t have to cook a meal, buy groceries, clean my house, or drive anywhere (And this is when gas was sky high!. I even threw up in my friends brand new car and she didn’t get upset, she was worried about why I was throwing up! So my point is, alot of folks go a lifetime without knowing what type of folks they surround themself with. I know!

I realized that life can be taken from you quickly so I am living my life not just sitting an watching life pass me by.

Not being able to work made me realize how much I LOVE my job.

You get the idea, no one chooses Cancer but we must not let Cancer ruin our life, I personally think I am a much better and happier person because for a period of time, I thought I might lose this life and I LOVE this life.

Oh and I almost forgot, Another positive to Cancer for me is, I’m High School Skinny :)

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 6:41:44 AM by Mel (The positive side of Cancer, 7 comments, 1695 views)

Janet likes this.

Mel, you look absolutely fantastic! I’m so happy that you have taken this experience and turned it into many positive things. I think cancer teaches us a lot, first and foremost that life is precious and we need to appreciate each and every day. I’m glad you have been surrounded by love and friendship throughout this journey—people really do step up when someone they love is in need. May you always be happy AND healthy! Hugs to you—
Martha

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 7:11:54 AM by Private User

Mel, you are truly among the lucky ones, both to have such supportive friends (if you read many of these blogs you will realize that others have had terrible problems with disappearing friends and family) – and to realize what is really important. And you’re lookin’ good!

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 8:18:12 AM by Private User

You took the words right out of my mouth. I am a better person (at least inside I feel that way) more forgiving, more thankful and not as much ‘sweatin the small stuff, it’s all small stuff’ after what all of us go through. I, too am college skinny – and exercise at 54 years old is eaiser than my 30’s and 40’s. Great post on a site with so much suffering!

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 9:17:21 AM by Pat C

Hi Mel,

I completely agree with you..there are some good things that come out of having cancer. I also found out what wonderful friends I have. It made me realize how much I love my life, even though my pre-cancer self thought how boring it had become.

Now when I sit in heavy traffic, instead of getting annoyed, I think how much nicer it is to sit in my car than at the hospital waiting room waiting for a radiation treatment.

Life is good.

Mari

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 10:39:04 AM by Private User

One book I just heard about that discusses this is The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo…(turns out it is an Ophrah favorite)

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:30:39 AM by Private User

Thanks everyone for the compliments. I think when you are happy to be alive it shows :)

Posted on October 17, 2011 at 10:27:12 AM by Mel

Wow Mel
I just read this post and got so much from it. I went back to work after getting better, but still had a low blood count and for a while I was fine. Then I let my head get all wrapped up in the small stuff, because I am really tired. Makes me feel bad about myself. Then I read your post and realized I am so lucky to be alive
Betty

Posted on November 4, 2011 at 3:13:04 PM by Betty

Good News didn't last that long!

I had psoted that I was cancer free in April. However, my good news didn’t last very long. I started having pain again in late May. I had another biopsy and my cancer was back and very agressive. I met with numerous doctors getting numerous opinions and they all came down to the same conclusion. On July 29th I had surgery to perform an APR and flap reconstructon. I now have a permanent colostomy but the good news is, I am ALIVE! There are lots of folks who do not have an option, I did, and for that I am grateful! I still have alot to learn but each day does get easier.

Posted on October 12, 2011 at 9:29:48 AM by Mel (Good News didn't last that long!, 1 comment, 1866 views)

Yo likes this.

4 people sent you a hug.

Congratulations on being ALIVE and I’m sorry your cancer came back with aggression. Keep your good spirits when you can. Vent and complain when you have to – then go be alive some more.

Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:21:17 PM by Pat C