I have what?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By: LeeAnn Brownell

Diagnosed with rectal cancer one week after my 29th birthday.

I was diagnosed with Rectal cancer 1 week after my 29th birthday.

It was a far cry from Crohn's which the doctors had initially suspected. Although I was blown away by the news, I think I took it relatively well. My mother went nuts but rightfully so. She couldn't understand why I wasn't crying but it was a relief to finally know what the problem was.

I must give Dr. Paul Johnson credit. His delivery couldn't have been better. He was very caring and compassionate and had a treatment plan clearly laid out. I have to add as well that he is one hell of a doctor, can't get any better than him! I asked him when I would feel better and he told me in the new year and I went with that. The way I looked at it was Crohn's would be for life, this cancer business was only going to be eight months.

And so the story goes. I had chemo and radiation followed by a surgery and then followed by more chemo. My final treatment will be April 14! I was very fortunate! There was no spread to any lymphnodes or anywhere else. I found the radiation to be very fascinating, even taking along one of my friends for a "day in the life of ...".

I had heard that Halifax had a great cancer centre but had no idea just how great. The staff were wonderful and my oncologists, Doctors Cwajna and Virik, were out of this world. With their busy schedules, they always made me feel as though I was their only patient. You can't get any better than the best and that was what I had. I did not have one bad experience at the NSCC. Everyone was lovely - staff and volunteers who work there.

The hardest part for me was to tell people. At first they didn't believe me - which is strange because who in their right mind jokes about cancer? Then they cried and got scared. From day one I just had a gut feeling that everything was going to be OK. Although I did lose it on my first visit - walking through the Cancer Centre's doors in the Dickson was a bit overwhelming. I didn't think anyone should have to be there but let alone a 29 year old! I was mad that I wasn't still swimming in my friend's pool. Once I shed those tears though I was able to move on and realize how lucky we are to have such a top notch facility.

I always knew that I was surrounded by a superb group of friends and family but you have no idea just how great everyone is until something like this happens. The support and love that I was shown was second to none and I don't think I could have gone though this with such a brave face had it not been for them. It wasn't always easy though - going for scans to make sure there was no spread is hard on the head. I am thankful that my friends and family were always there to listen. Whether it be to me crying or to my gruesome stories (chemo and radiation can make your body do some pretty funky stuff).

I have forever known the importance of laughter and thank God I have a good sense of humour because that was my saving grace. It is so important to help this cause. With continuing developments and improvements to medicine and technology we can strive to make everyone as lucky as me!!!