What now?

We met with Dr. Evans on April 5th.

She again went over her surprise of the biopsy results.  She explained that in the rectum you typically find squamous carcinoma.  And that adenocarcinoma is typically found in the colon.  She actually said she's never seen adenocarcinoma in the rectum, but she also said that she hasn't seen it all.  Due to her surprise of the biopsy results she is sending out the slides for a 2nd opinion.  She is also referring me for a 2nd opinion with a rectal surgeon at UCI.

She explained that the difference between the two cancers is basically in how they are treated.  With squamous carcinoma you receive chemo & radiation & she said the cancer cells "melt away."  With adenocarcinoma you are also given chemo & radiation but then surgery will be performed as well.  So we are praying that there is some miracle that the initial biopsy results are wrong & that this is only squamous carcinoma & not the adenocarcinoma.

Dr. Evans also reassured us that this is treatable & that I am going to be ok.  I'm trying to stay positive with the fact that this isn't a death sentence, that I will be able to watch my girls grow up.  Even though the road we are about to go down is scary & unsure right now, I am holding on to faith & hope that I will be ok.

She also referred me for a PET/CT scan, an endoanal ultrasound, to meet with a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist & for genetic counseling/testing.  Yep, it just got real.