I was diagnosed with stage 2 HPV anal cancer in 2007 after developing a lesion the size of a half dollar. After being diagnosed by my colorectal doctor, I was referred to an oncologist. We discussed treatment and decided on 15 doses of radiation as well as 15 of chemotherapy. Already having a compromised immune system, the treatment was extremely challenging. Upon completion, a CT scan revealed the cancer had not been abated. The oncologist and I further discussed my completing another 5 doses of radiation.
At that point, I was required to sign an agreement that I would not hold the hospital or the radiation oncologist liable, as the extra doses may cause long-term side effects. Upon completion, it was determined that the cancer was still active. We discussed an ostomy pouch at this time. My health had deteriorated to the point that the specialist refused to perform the procedure, and I was immediately admitted to the hospital in an attempt to help restore my immune system to follow through on the procedure. After 28 days of receiving round-the-clock care, we were scheduled to go ahead with implementing the ostomy system. The day of the scheduled surgery, my infectious disease doctor reviewed the most recent scan to find the cancer was indeed in remission.
That was 17 years ago, yet the long-term effects have indeed done irreplaceable damage to my digestive system. We also tried 20 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to address the damage caused by the radiation, but unfortunately, it was without success. As a result, I struggle with incontinence as well as fecal discharge; there is no remedy, and an ostomy would not resolve the issue. For the past 17 years, I’ve worn Depends in lieu of men’s undergarments. My quality of life has been changed dramatically since my diagnosis and the treatment I required to treat it.
I now go every two years for a colonoscopy and wait for the results, wondering if the cancer has returned.
