Hello -

I am a gay male, married to my wonderful husband since 2017 (together since 2012). I am currently battling rectal cancer. I was diagnosed as of Januarya 29th, 2024. Went through six weeks of chemoradiation treatment (Xeloda pills twice per day) and radiation five days per week - both for six weeks. Those finished on April 8th, 2024, and as of April 22nd, I began my eight cycles of chemo (Folfox) which is a three day chemo treatment where I am in the clinic on the first day for about six hours and then leave with a pump for 46 hours. I just turned 43 years old this past May.

Like you, I have a strong history of GI related cancers on both sides of my family - predominately on my father's side. I was trying with my old PCP to get a colonoscopy scheduled for two years since I turned 40 due to this familial history of mine. He refused as "there really is no concern for you since there are no signs" - I finally switched to a new PCP in September 2023 and she immediately referred me out to a GI physician and I made contact with them in October and scheduled my colonoscopy for January 29th. I did have signs with bleeding and obstructions when relieving myself. These signs really started around May 2023. I have had a long history of hemorrhoids so I kept brushing it off as that. By October, I could tell something was wrong.

Said all that to say - if you ever feel the strong need for something to take place (such as I did the moment I turned 40) - do NOT give up on it and do whatever you have to, to get what you want, done.

This has all been a huge shock (as it is with anyone) and a huge interruption to life and life's plans. I am launching two new businesses while trying to juggle all of these treatments - that, in and of itself, is a task and undertaking I wish on no one - not even the greatest enemies out there.

I look forward to dialogue with you and any others out there that may wish to join! I hope you are doing well!