Red's Benign Tumor

My two-year old dog, Red has a cyst-like bump on her ear. Last week, it looked like a pimple and today it had grown and was a bit bloody. I took her to the vet. My other dog, Blue, plays with Red by grabbing her ear and I assumed it was just a small infection that would need antibiotics. However, when I got to the vet, the vet wanted to do a biopsy - actually a needle aspiration of it. She then examined the slide, while I held Red's ear to clot the bleeding from the biopsy. I was sitting in the same office, actually, as when they took my previous dog, Cashew, to get X-rayed and then told me the news about her cancer. I kept thinking about that and I wished I had brought Red in last week. It was difficult.

It turns out it is benign and quite common in dogs under two. Her breed is not known for it, but the vet has seen it before. It usually clears up on its own, so no additional medical care is necessary. I will bring her back in two months to make sure it has cleared up and if it hasn't they will cut it out, while it is still same. Red was so brave. I held Blue on the table so she could be there with her. I think Red was scared of the attention and procedure, in general, but except for a small whine didn't seem to care about the needle going into her.

I, of course, am glad she is o.k., but it brings back the reality of my upcoming six month tests.

Colonoscopy Preps

About four months ago, I posted on colonclub.com a query about colonoscopy preps. The usual responses were forthcoming about the unpleasantness of the experience without any real good suggestions, until today. Someone indicated there was a new prep - Pico Salex - which was reasonable tasting. Usually GI doctor's have a preference, but I plan to inquire for next one in a few months.

EndoNurse Magazine, online, a publication for gastrointestinal nurses, has technical information on bowel preparation and clinical studies about effectiveness and patient tolerance including a 2006 Bowel Prep Update, Which Bowel Preps are Best for Your Patients,- http://www.endonurse.com/articles/bowel_preps/586_661feat2.html and Bowel Preps: the Current and Future Outlook.- http://www.endonurse.com/articles/bowel_preps/586_561feat1.html

Relay for Life

From the American Cancer Society Website: Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Visit www.relayforlife.org for up-to-date information.

The one for my city was held on Saturday, May 31. I did not join a group, but went on my own. It was amazing!!! It was held at the local high school track. There were tents pitched everywhere! The majority of people there were teens/young adults, enjoying being able to stay out all night. The message of courage was everywhere. To remember someone, you could write/color on a white bag. A candle was place inside the bag and lined the track. On the stadium bleachers, the word HOPE was spelled out with the bags. At night, all the candles were lit and you walked around the track reading each bag and seeing HOPE. It was very poignant.

Angel

I went to a funeral yesterday for someone who I had known - albeit briefly - through a colon support group. Her name was Angel, which is appropriate. There were pictures of her from her life before the colon cancer and to see someone young (she was 31) and vibrant was particularly hard. One of the people paying respects read a poem that talked about thinking of death as an adventure, not something to be feared. I liked that sentiment. Her oncologist also spoke and said how she had touched his life. She would often refer to him as her "boyfriend", but could never replace the love of her life - her husband. He was mentioned by several people and the person I have spoken to more. He was a real fighter for her. I had not realized that at first her insurance company declined the cancer treatment expenses, indicating it was a pre-existing condition. It required they hire a lawyer to fight it. They won, but what a difficult battle to go through. One of the speakers indicated that Angel would often talk about issues in the marriage - buying a house, cleaning, etc. - but never once had an issue that she had married the wrong person. It was a wonderful testament to love.

It is natural to think about the other person, as well as yourself in these situations. I reflected that my next set of tests are coming in July and I am a bit afraid. I am glad that I have an oncologist who I feel is competent as well as understanding.

Insurance Commissioner

I joined the American Cancer Society Action Network, which is the political arm of the ACS. They are the organization I was involved with over the past year or so that got funding for under and un-insured colonoscopies and an insurance mandate to cover routine colonoscopies. Washington state is starting to address the need for better healthcare coverage. Several proposals are being floated for ballot vote this November. All are flawed, but anything that provides better access for people is good. I was invited to a small meeting with the insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler, where he reviewed and wanted input for his proposal - basically an "umbrella liability" coverage for all state residents to be funded by a payroll tax. Anything over $10,000 would be covered by the state, so employers and non-covered people would have limited financial exposure and/or could buy cheaper coverage as it would only be for $10,000. There were some points not totally worked out, but I liked the idea of the plan. Website for this proposal is: http://www.insurance.wa.gov/consumers/reform/index.shtml

Personalized Chemotherapy

Article Date: 03 May 2008 - 0:00 PDT - Can a blood test improve treatment outcomes for colorectal cancer patients? Recently published studies indicate that personalized chemotherapy dose management -- measuring drug levels in patients' blood and adjusting them for optimal dosing -- can substantially reduce severe toxicity and improve efficacy in colorectal cancer. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/106152.php

Catching Up

I haven't posted in a while. I guess as I get more time between me and the cancer treatment, I have learned to integrate all the fears and emotions. My outlets for dealing with the disease have taken more of a form of helping others.

I have two friends, who sadly, have been diagnosed - one with rectal and one with colon cancer. I've been touched by this. I also realize that although rectal and colon cancer may have the same characteristics under the microscope, they are treated very differently. My friend will be undergoing chemo and radiation prior to surgery. Her concern about the surgery is that she may end up permanently having a bag and is considering the quality of her life. One on hand I want to tell her she must have to increase her odds and on the other hand totally relate to the prospect of having a constant and quite inconvenient reminder. I know for me, I focused on the having a port installed as the worse thing that can happen. Its odd how our minds connect to something.

My other friend has No Evidence of Cancer and her CEA during chemo has gone down from 50+ to just under 5. This is very good, but I still worry a bit. Under 5, is considered "normal" by the testing labs, but as I understand it under 2.5 is normal for non-smokers. She had quite a few challenges with the chemo, but continued to work. She is a real fighter.

I have also become an "ambassador" for the American Cancer Society. It is the political activist arm of the ACS. Two of the activities I have participated in at a local level were the passages of bills by the state to cover un and under-insured people for colonoscopies, as well making insurance companies cover routine colon screenings.