​ANAL CANCER-A BUM RAP

We at A Bum Rap are also members of other international anal cancer support organizations and our aim is to offer help, support & advice to whoever may need it-wherever you may be in the world.

Here are the stories of just a few of us:

 

HELENE H.

Ottawa, Canada

I was diagnosed with stage 1 anal squamous cell carcinoma just above the ano-rectal junction in January 2010 when I was 43 years old.

I underwent surgery (Dr Robin Boushey, ColoRectal Surgen) and then combination chemo-radiation (Dr Jonkers & Dr El-Sayed) at The Ottawa Hospital-General Campus/Irving Greenberg Centre.

I do not have a colostomy bag.

Currently, I am considered N.E.D (no evidence of disease) and continue to see my medical professionals, which include my colo-rectal surgeon*, my radiation oncologist* and my gynaecologist on a yearly basis

*Officially discharged from the care of my Colo-Rectal Surgeon October 2013 & radioation oncologist Sept 2014!

Back seeing myColoRectal surgeon annually for DARE, Anoscope &/or FexSig as of 2016.

I see my gynae annaully for cervical & anal pap smears & digital anal rectal exam DARE; gynae also does HPV testing.

 

I am the Founder/CEO of Anal Cancer-A Bum Rap.

I am an admin for the Facebook page ANALCANCER-ABUMRAP.

I am an admin for the Facebook based Anal Cancer Chat, Anal Cancer Clinical Trials & Anal Cancer Men groups

I am a member of IANS (International Anal Neoplasia Society).

I am an international advocate for Anal Cancer Awareness, Pelvic Radiation Disease Awareness...especially in relation to sexual function....and AIN (Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia) screening in Ottawa, Canada.

I am a patient advocate & attend Colo-Rectal-Anal cancer related conferences whenever I can.

I volunteer with the Colo-Rectal Cancer Association of Canada.

Find me on Twitter @ABumRap

 

 

CHRISTINA R.

Toronto, Canada

I was 54 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in 2013 but I was diagnosed with pre-cancer (AIN Anal intraepithelial Neoplasia)  2 years prior. I was passed from colonoscopy doctor to another colonoscopy doctor and then finally to the right specialist that has a high definition scope. I did not know the right questions to ask and it was too late for me by the time I got to the right doctor. My pre-cancer became cancer within 3 months. There are treatments available for pre-cancer patients, get the facts from this site and ask the right questions! (Please click the AIN tab under Anal Cancer).I went through radiation and chemo treatments  for stage 3 anal squamous cell carcinoma in July and August 2013 in Toronto at Princess Margaret Hospital. It was the longest 2 months of my life. The radiation burns were just awful. I am now much better and am willing to share with anyone that may have this cancer.

Christina does not have a colostomy bag.

 

 

Dawn M.

Toronto, Canada

Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, aged 53 in 2014: Stage 3b.Orignally a T3 NO MO.Changed after MRI to T3 N2 MO

At first I thought I had a hemorrhoid, a bump just inside the anus. I tried over the counter cream and when it didn't go away within 10 days or so I went to the my GP.

Sent to my GI (I had a colonscopy and endoscopy 2 years prior and was told I had the H pylori virus and was given a strong antibiotics for 3 days. I also had benign plylop removed. IBS was diagnosed also.)

GI did a flex sigmoidoscopy and biopsied what appeared to be a cauliflower looking tumour.One week later I was diagnosed with anal cancer.

Was treated with 2- x 96 hours of 5FU and Mitomycin along with 7 weeks (35 days) of radiation.

Succesfully Finished treatment Sept 23 2014. Clear CT scan January 2015.

Dawn does not have a colostomy bag.

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I know MANY other Anal Cancer patients who are willing to help YOU.....please reach out to us for help.