Hear Benito's story, shared at our 2022 Anal Cancer Patient Summit.
Sharing your story will help dispel the myths associated with the disease. Contact us if you want to be featured on our Thriver Stories!
Video transcription
Hello, my name is Ben.
I live in San Antonio Texas, and I was diagnosed with stage II anal cancer in 2015.
It was a very scary time, emotionally, and psychologically it was very draining for me and one of the things that I did, is that I knew I needed some sort of support so I reached out to the Anal Cancer Foundation and they provided me with a peer, who ended up supporting me throughout the whole process which was absolutely great because this person actually had walked in my shoes.
So, when I was having difficulties physically or emotionally, I would call this person, and he was stationed in San Francisco and he would listen to me and provide me with some solutions which I actually utilised. And they made a difference, I was really surprised just having somebody else to talk to, really made a difference in how my day would go sometimes. And in turn I decided I would do the same, and so I have had the opportunity to support other people with the same diagnosis.
I eventually needed pain management because my pain had become so severe, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I don’t have the words to describe how bad the pain was, because I didn’t know the human body could experience that much pain. But I am a veteran and so I went to my local VA and they took care of me. I was very vocal about what I needed. It is a strong suggestion of mine, that you don’t leave that office until you have your questions answered.
Sometimes I really had to give some pushback, especially when it came to pain medication because they were concerned that maybe I was trying to take advantage of the pain medication, but no, I need this. So be vocal, because I was.
One of the things that helped me the most and was probably also the most humbling is that I allowed people to love me, by allowing people to be there for me. I was pleasantly surprised with how many people were willing to show up. And by allowing those people to actively show me how much they cared and loved me, I gained so much. Just as simple as somebody sitting with me, coming to my home, having coffee with me for 30 minutes kept me distracted where my pain wasn’t the focal point in my life at that moment. I had somebody who engaged me where I had a conversation that allowed me to have somewhat of a reprieve from that excruciating pain.
If you end up with a diagnosis of anal cancer, or any cancer associated with HPV, I implore you to advocate for yourself, let people in, let them be your best cheerleaders, let them cook meals for you, let them hold your hand, cry on their shoulder. Whatever it is you need to do in that moment, do it, please.
Thank you.
Looking for someone to talk to about your anal cancer diagnosis? We are here to help. The Peer to Peer Support Program is a free service provided by the Anal Cancer Foundation that matches anal cancer thrivers (our word for survivors) and caregivers with thriver volunteers and caregiver volunteers.
