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Hello there!! My name is Jenni, and I am currently on a journey to beat Anal Canal Cancer. I was diagnosed in late January 2021. This is my platform to share my journey so that others who are on the same path can find comfort in knowing we are not alone. I have experienced fears, doubt, and grief and I am here to offer support to you. Let’s learn from each other by sharing our journeys, offer advice, and above all else encourage each other to stay positive.
YOU CAN DO IT!! NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!!!! BE STRONG!!!!
About
Here I am ringing the bell after treatment!
HI!
Thought I would share a little about myself. I am 49, married for a second time, with three kids of my own and one bonus kiddo that is my husband’s. Originally from Ohio, my family moved here when I was five. I am a hairdresser and have practiced my craft for 30 years. When I am not working, I love to spend my free time kayaking with my husband Nick, taking road trips with our camper, and spending time with friends, kids and family. I am a huge animal lover! We have 2 cats…. for now.
I have lived a generally healthy life. No real health problems, no medication taken daily. I haven’t had multiple surgeries or even had to go to the doctor very often. Except for the normal wear and tear from my job, no complaints!
Four years ago , I started to have diarrhea. Not just occasionally, but chronically. I noticed it got worse with stressful moments or situations and then would subside, but it never went away completely. I chalked it up to “taking after my mother” and that I would have IBS for the rest of my life. I adjusted my diet…felt like I tried everything! Gluten free, dairy free, the BRAT diet, cut out alcohol, nothing seemed to really help at all. Along with the chronic diarrhea, came hemorrhoids. The uncomfortable feeling in my bottom became increasingly more problematic, more painful, and I finally scheduled an appointment with a colorectal surgeon.
January 29,2021 , a hemorrhoidectomy and colonoscopy was what I was scheduled for. That isn’t what the Dr. ended up doing. He found a mass in my anal canal as well as mild diverticulosis in my sigmoid colon. The journey to fight and literally kick this cancer out of my own bummy began!
I underwent chemo and radiation therapy from February through April 2021. The final two weeks were a very difficult time. By May 2021, I was already on the mend, laughing again and enjoying life. I know not everyone will win their battle, but I really encourage you to give it your all.
As I neared the completion of my treatment, my doctor recognized that the radiation had really wreaked havoc on my bottom. “Do you want to take a break from treatment?” he offered. I wanted to stop for all the world, but I also knew I didn’t want to repeat this experience. I said no. And then he leaned in and said in a resolved conspiratorial voice,
“GOOD. Cancer likes it when we take a break.”
This really stuck with me, and I repeated this like a mantra every day for the remaining two weeks.
It didn’t take long for all the results of my testing to come back, 3 days. We met with the Radiation Oncologist as well as my Oncologist and together , they delivered the verdict. Stage 2 Invasive Squamous cell Carcinoma. The cancer was contained and had not spread to any of my lymphatic system. Nick …
After receiving the initial news I had a mass in my anal canal , the waiting for a more in depth diagnosis seemed to take forever. In reality, it was only a week and a half before the plethora of appointments started. I needed to have an MRI, CT scan, and last but certainly not …
Hello all! Welcome to my blog!!! I am hoping this website brings help , comfort and support to all in need. For certain, my life absolutely changed on January 29, 2021. I went in for a colonoscopy and hemorrhoidectomy , when I awoke, the surgeon delivered the news….. A mass, about the size of a …
You are always welcome to ask me any question and I’ll do my best to answer. If you’re feeling encouraged to finally seek treatment or at least get a proper medical opinion, you’ll want professionals! I highly recommend exploring these links.
