Lori's Profile Page

Biography

“The World is full of People who will go Their whole Lives and not actually Live one day. She did not intend on being one of them” (a quote found on Curly Girl card)

A cautious optimist by nature I have always known that anything can happen to anyone. I was diagnosed with anal cancer just before my 50th birthday. No symptoms but went in for a colonscopy. This was my third one as my maternal uncle had colon cancer at age 50 so I have always been catious….Um oh yeah real cautious. I am also BRCA1 positive as my mother had breast cancer at age 46 and sister at age 34. So after having genetic testing at the age of 44 and coming back with a positive BRCA 1 test I did what any normal somewhat now fear driven woman would do. I underwent a hysterectomy and bilateral prophylectic mastectomy with reconstruction. Uh huh I did…and never looked back. I was back to work in 11 days …because I felt good enough to do so …those were the days!

So I then went on my merry way of life knowing that I probably would not get breast cancer or ovarian cancer. But anal cancer??? Come on??? What??? Huh???I never had so much as a yeast infection?? Just shoot me now I thought!

Well…here I am 9 months out of chemo and radiation. What a sleigh ride….........You know it is not so much having cancer it is getting through it and living with it. It is very tough…not for the feint of heart.

This blog I came upon right after I was diagnosed. I did not post on it as I was so shellshocked I just couldn’t. but it was so helpful. I was amazed at how everyone could pour out their hearts. It really helped me so much. Now I will post so others know they will get through this. I am not sure whatI can say that has not been said. But if anyone is in Arizona that wants to get in touch with me or needs any information, I can say that I am very educated about this cancer and continue to learn more all the time. I will do anything to help you. Send me a message via this site and I will contact you.

Thanks to all of you who have posted and offer such kind words of support. We must continue to educate people about this cancer.

Cancer Symptoms

Not a one. No symptoms.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

No surgery as cancer was Stage 1.

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

30 treatments from 6-23-2008 through August 4, 2008
Burning, blistering..think Iwo Jima

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

June 23 to August 4. Two rounds of Mitomycin C and 5FU( I know why they call it that!!)......Fatigue, mouth sores, loss of all hair.

Comments:

Hi Lori, Hi there I,m here and loving Phoenix and loving every minute of it! I will be here till next Tuesday (March 20) morning, and was wondering if we could meet on Monday ( Mar 19) for lunch. Please call me at 623-466-0686 and we can figure something out, we are just shopping and relaxing so I am very flexable! Hugs and Sunshine and Smiles Val

Posted on March 12, 2012 at 7:40:08 PM by Private User

Hi Lori;

Dear, your words are never trite..I love to hear from you. I do a lot of reading, on my Sony E Reader, the weather has improved here, so that helps.

I am fortunate to have such a kind and compassionate note, dropped in my mailbox.

How are you doing?

Love Barb

Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:19:28 PM by Private User

Hi Lori!

I hope you have enjoyed the holidays and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday tomorrow! May you have a great day! Also, Happy New Year!

Hugs—
Martha

Posted on December 30, 2011 at 5:54:38 AM by Private User