Hi Nova,

Thanks for asking about my MRI results. Hopefully I will get my results today. I cant wait to POST my GOOD report. I refuse to believe that the “C” is back…..I feel GREAT I read about your trip to Mexico. Sounds like you had a fantastic time. CHEERS to that!! Your positive energy is contagious and I just love hearing from you. Stay well my friend… Talk to ya soon. Say hi to Elena LOL…

Love,
Elena

Posted on March 11, 2010 at 7:15:03 AM by elenacuomo

Hi Nova,

Thanks to all of you on here, Once again my spirits have been lifted. I appreciate the good wishes and “YOU” always inspire me…Hope all is well with you too!! Have a great weekend!!
Love,
Elena xoxoxoxo

Posted on February 6, 2010 at 8:02:22 PM by elenacuomo

Nova-Yes I did have 5-FU and mitomycin. My oncologist told me from the beginning that I should have nothing more than thinning but I did not even have that. I don’t know why but I just didn’t get that side effect.

Nancy

Posted on February 6, 2010 at 7:25:59 PM by nancyp

Thanks so much for asking. right now pretty darn good. I have a little pain in my spine between my shoulder blades. that’s where they say the cancer has gone to. ugh I don’t want to think about it. I just do my exercises take my pills and hope like hell it just stays there.
Yes do go and take a look. It won’t be hard to find. She really did a great job in creating a unique atmosphere, almost like a ballet studio. Enjoy.

Posted on February 5, 2010 at 2:37:29 PM by weezie

Thank you Nova for the wonderful compliment. I really do want to feel good again. I hope to meet you someday too….

take care

Nancy

Posted on January 21, 2010 at 11:23:04 AM by nancyp

Hi Nova,
I can’t take credit for the “Truth Focus Statement”. It comes from Dr. Alex Loyd’s Healing Codes program. I thought I was getting the nudge to invest in this program for my husband who had 4 stents put in the arteries in his heart almost 2 years ago. It turns out it was for me. The program is helping to reduce my stress level, keep my emotions in balance, and heal all my bodies; physical, emotional, mental and Soul. Of course, I do other spiritual exercises/contemplation, chanting a sacred word for God and journaling. All help with daily life in addition to having this physical road bump to deal with.

Lots of love & a hug, too,
Theresa

Posted on January 21, 2010 at 8:52:22 AM by theresam

Hi Nova,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my blog post.

It’s very encouraging to have you and others who’ve gone before us in treatment stick around to support the newcomers.

My sisters have been with me for the past two weeks. They live in other states and I have so enjoyed having them with me. I’ll post photos of the three of us. Ceal came with me to treatment and the radiology tech almost mistook her for me.

Have fun in Mexico City. I’ll look forward to your next post.
Warmly,
Theresa

Posted on January 20, 2010 at 7:25:13 AM by theresam

Hi Nova,

Thanks for the compliment of my name. And awww so cute your daughter is Elena too….I never liked my name growing up bcuz for some reason, no-one pronounced it correctly. Go figure…Anyways, OK no problem I will be patiently waiting for the next blog..I truly am happy we have each other too. Im not (and Im sure everyone else) a good “C” patient. I know nothing…I ask a million questions to the docs, but Im never really satisfied. Who knows…..SO I thank you all on this blog who share your experiences which helps thru this journey..

ttyl,
Elena

Posted on January 12, 2010 at 4:59:55 PM by elenacuomo

Hi Nova—
Thanks for your comments to my most recent post. I knew when I brought up this topic again that it is controversial. I just think it’s important to keep reminding people that the vaccine is there and that they need to do their homework and decide what is best for them. The Gardasil vaccine has received approval for use in boys and young men, so soon there will be even more to consider. I still feel that everyone must do what they think is right for their particular situation.

Thanks for everything you contribute to this forum. You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate you sharing it with everyone so very much!

Martha

Posted on January 11, 2010 at 4:56:28 AM by mp327

Hi Nova,
It sounds like you do have a lot going on. I’ll post your article on my blog with credit to you and when you do have a site up, I’ll link to it.

Thanks,
Theresa

Posted on January 7, 2010 at 9:24:19 AM by theresam

Dear Nova,
I’m encouraged by your post and to know that life does return to “normal” post cancer treatment. My doc has already talked about vaginal stenosis with me before even beginning radiation, so I know she’s up on things.

Thanks for the comments and I’ll look forward to chatting with you again.
Warmly,
Theresa

Posted on January 6, 2010 at 2:30:28 PM by theresam

Hey Nova,

Thanks for the comment. I am more than willing to help people get through this. I know all the advice I recieved helped me. I am feeling pretty good and getting better by the day. Merry Christmas to you and your family also!

Eva

Posted on December 17, 2009 at 8:38:02 AM by eva

Hi Nova—
Actually, I think your list is quite complete, based on my experience. As you know, I did not have the benefit of a forum when I was going through tx, so was really quite unaware of a lot of the things you have on your list. I have learned most of what I know after the fact, too late to help me, but hopefully helpful to others. I will certainly let you know if I can think of anything else. And again, I so very much appreciate you sharing your knowledge with everyone here who is taking the same journey. Thank you on their behalf.

Love—
Martha

Posted on December 16, 2009 at 6:47:49 PM by mp327

Hi Nova—
Thanks for your response to my post and the info about the elevated cholesterol showing up in many people after tx. However, in my case, this is probably not the cause, as I have had very high cholesterol for many years (LDL). I have eaten healthy for all those years and it only continued to rise. I resisted going on a statin for as long as I could, but my doctor would hear no more! I believe it is hereditary, as my family members on both sides have dealt with it for years. I will, however, ask her about the supplement you mentioned at my next appt. I really don’t like taking any medications. Thanks again for the info.

Martha

Posted on November 19, 2009 at 9:15:07 AM by mp327

Dear Nova…
About the TH level- I am waiting for the results of the T3 and 4 test- My baseline Thyroid test was 1.0 ?? According to my onco “That is normal” I insisted he take addtional tests and should know this week. I think the chemo really takes a toll on your adrenal glands…I did start taking some adrenal support herbal drops but they were so yuckky I stopped….Gee maybe I should just start again…I mean you think after chemo I could take a couple bad tasting drops!!

Glad you like my baby kitty. She is a sweetheart!! She has a big spirit!!

Thanks again Nova!!

Posted on November 17, 2009 at 6:44:07 PM by whyanyone

Dear Nova,
thank you so much for the advice and encouragement! I am taking some biodentical hormones and my thyroid ia “allegedly normal” but I want further testing done as I heard the “low normal range” is not always normal. Mine is low normal. I just called a naturalpath today..I am taking herbs etc but I swear it has not helped!! I think I need more guidance!! I really am encouraged by your story!! It is awesome that you are doing well. I just want to get back some energy. I am really lucky as I work from home and I sleep pretty well…I am walking and do some yoga at home too… Lifting 10lb weights…was an avide gym goer prior to getting this…I have been back but feel so tired at the end of the day I feel like I have to save my energy for work…It is a dilemna. I do think meditaion helps so much and I had jsut finished the Course of Miracles about a week before getting diagnosed!!That was truly a gift as the mindset so helped me through radiation every day!! Radiation was worse them chemo as it made me the most fatigued.

Anyway..I appreciate your advise very much. Also I too am dealing with the vaginal stenosis. I really think more focus should be placed on this after we go through the radiation…I went to a gyno/onco and got some great advice from the nurse practioner who deals with these issues often. She suggested gloved fingers with lubrication instead of the standard “dildo thingamijig” (sorry if this is TMI! but you have to talk about this!! Anyway I found it is never too late to get things working it jsut takes patience!! Bleassings and thanks again!! Lori

Posted on November 16, 2009 at 9:15:26 PM by whyanyone

Nova,

Thank you for the comment. Yes I know these last couple of weeks are going to be rough. I went ahead and took off work for a couple of weeks. I have been blessed to feel like working through most of this. But these last couple of weeks I just want to rest and not have to worry about being near a bathroom. And yes I have the baby wipes and all the ointments and squirt bottle thanks to all of you and your advice. You are all angels. I would not have done as well without all the help from everyone on this blog and I love you all for it!

Hugs
Eva

Posted on October 1, 2009 at 9:24:48 AM by eva

Nova,
Thank you again for the comment and the kind words of encouragement. All of you on this blog make this much easier. No I am not on fish oil but I am up for trying anything. My husband takes it so i’ll just start taking it also. I’m midway through week 4 and doing ok. Have slight burns but tollerable so far.

Hugs,
Eva

Posted on September 24, 2009 at 7:29:38 AM by eva

Nova,

Thanks for commenting and reassuring me that things will get back to somewhat normal. About the biopsies believe it or not all 3 of my doctors (radiation, medical and colo-rectal) are in agreement to the biopsies. I know that it isn’t in the guidelines but I have to say that I am actually happy that they do them because it definately is nice to know that there is not any evidence of cancer. I guess all doctors are different. Thanks for your support and please keep in touch.

take care

Nancy

Posted on September 18, 2009 at 3:14:56 PM by nancyp

Hey Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our local paper finally did an article on anal cancer…..take a look….its okay with some things not exactly accurate but good to get the anal word out. Maybe if we all have our local papers do something?????? www.postindependent.com

also, about two years ago there was something in the Denver Post if you go there and type in anal cancer….Lets let this spread and let other men and women know what to look for and get early diagnosis!

Yes yes yes yes yes. I want to participate. I live in Parker, Colorado and I know you are in Glenwood Springs, one of my favorite places. I have a lot of info I’ve been gathering to help others going through this. I am 5 weeks into my treatment and have 2 weeks left. Stage II. No lymph involvement same treatment you had. It is miserable on some days and others aren’t so bad. But yes, include me.

Thanks so much,
Ellen

Posted on April 23, 2009 at 11:55:23 AM by pita

Wanting to gather info. from others to be able to post on a web site I’m building for those diagnoised with this cancer. Let me know if you would like to participate

Posted on April 18, 2009 at 11:23:54 AM by novasprick