My Journey With Colon Cancer

Just like the title says this site exists to document my journey with colon cancer. We all have pivotal life moments and we often don’t record them for “posterity” – we simply don’t record our own stories. So I’m doing it here on this site. I’ll continue adding stuff from both the start as well as current info.

CT Aspiration / drain moving around day. Arrive at 12:45.

I first went in for a CT when I got there. What they did was take a couple of pictures and then they put contrast in each drain and took a couple more pictures

After that CT I was sent to a patient holding area to allow time for the CT to be read.

After CT was read the determination was made to replace the side drain (12 gauge) to upsize to 14 gauge. The other 2 drains are already 14 gauge.

The IR team ultimately decided to also replace the front interior drain (that’s the one that goes in my stomach). At the end of the day they put a new drain in my side and a new drain in my stomach. As of right now, as I type this, which is almost 7:00 PM, neither one of them is draining at all so I don’t know.

So around 10 a.m. I called the number I was provided by Wellstar Scheduling and spoke to the scheduling person. They put me on hold and had to make calls to interventional radiology (IR) and also consult with Dr. Gearhart’s office. After being on hold for around 30 minutes or so, they came back on the line and my appointment is for April 17th, tomorrow at 1 p.m

Today’s appointment was with Interventional Radiology to upsize my drains.After I got my wristband and I was sitting in the waiting room, I received a call from the charge nurse. She canceled my appointment. The reason was that there were no larger drains to be had as I already have the largest drain you can get so I left.

A little while later Dr. Gearhart called me. She had already talked to the IR people earlier in the day (or the prior day) and had arranged for me to get the drains moved around to break up any clots and get them working again. That’s what they were supposed to do.

A little bit before 6:00 I received a call from Wellstar Scheduling and they gave me a number to call to make an appointment with IR, which, given the time of day, meant I had to do it on the 16th.

Dr. Gearhart called and confirmed with me that the drains ain’t really draining. So she said she would go ahead and arrange for large drains to be put in to facilitate the process. These insertion are scheduled for 4/15/2026 at 1 PM. UGGGGHHHHH

Appointment with Dr. Gearhart at the Digestive Health Center (which is where she does clinics on Tuesdays). Essentially she was displeased with the amount of fluid the drains have removed. She internally relocated 2 of the 3 drains (the front ones) some. We will a phone call with her of Friday 4/10/2026. She indicated that surgery wasn’t currently an option as the small intesting would still have some adherence to the abdominal wall due to the recent surgery. She also indicated that the next option would be to use larger drains. Not good at all,

Abdomen CT scans – these were at the Wheeler Road imaging location where they are complete assholes and operate nothing like the hospital or the Cancer Center. CT results attached – overall quite a mixed bag. Dr. Gearhart’s office called when I was walking out of the scan and set up an appointment for 2PM on 4/7/2026. Also Kathy Poehler wanted to see me at noon at the cancer center. She prescribe antiobiotic (Bactram) for some apparent infection around my life side drain. She also ordered new labs including a new iron only lab – results below.

Saw Kathy Poehler. Basically this masses have shrunk but not enough so the drains can not be removed. Followup with a CT scan and another visit. These will be on 4/6/2026. She also ordered a blood lab. Results of that are attached. I also mentioned to Kathy that my CT scan read said had a cardiac stent (which I don’t). She will try to get this CT re-read.

CT Scan of abdomen/pelvis per Dr. Gearhart. This is a follow-up to surgery and the complication during my 3/13-3/21 hospital visit.

On 3/12 started developing a fever. By 3/13 fever was as high as 103. We went to ER and I was admitted to hospital after a mere 2 1/2 hour wait.

Surgery post-op visit with Dr. Roman at the Cancer Center. Today was an interesting visit for sure.

Plan:

Port:

Vitals not posted but everything was good.

Surgery post-op visit with Dr. Gearhart at the Cancer Center. Kathy Poeler assisted. The 27 staples I have in my abdomen were removed. The stitches in my butt were removed (quite painful). Dr. Gearhart also removed the drain tube.

One issue was swelling in my left side.

Dr. Gearhart thinks it is fluid but after reviewing blood work they ordered a STAT CT scan with contrast. That CT scan will be on 3/12/2026.

No pathology on the sigmoid/rectum was available as of this appointment.

Vitals: BP 115/69 – BMI 28.64 – Weight 211 – Temp 98.7 – Pulse 90 – O2 99% – Resp 20

Blood work was ordered. Results:

Surgery week notes go here – to be updated

Pre-surgery lab at the Cancer Center. Blood work still gradually improving. I have a sinus infection issue which I imagine contributes to the high white blood cell count. Here’s the results:

Started the ERAS program. 4 Ensure Surgical drinks and doing the breathing device. Will continue same program through Saturday 2/21.

Pre-surgery phone consultations with Emily Schreiber. She is the Nurse Navigator for Dr. Gearhart and the ERAS (Enhance Recording After Surgery) program which I am participating in. She went in depth on everything that will occur prior, day off and after surgery.

Chemo #12 – the final one!! Rang the DAMN BELL!!

White Card DOL Doctor Visit. Kevin Williamson from CSRA Patient Services was there (they paid for the visit). They took BP, temp. Brief visit with Dr. Naseem (who is the DOL rep) doctor. Kevin will complete paperwork and send it up to DOL.

Chemo #12 – the FINAL one!! Nurse was Raven – she did a great job as always. Debra took the final batch of peanut butter cookies and candy bars for all the nurses. She also took some snacks to help restock for the other patients.

Final infusion:

BP 126/84 – BMI 29.72 – Weight 219 (UGH!!) – Temp 98.3 – Pulse 70 – Resp 20 – O2 100%

Pre Surgery Call from Debora Graham (Anethesia). She sent over documents via email.

Chemo #12 Blood Work – overall results look good (PUT PDFS at bottom of this date)

Appointment for Dr. Gearhart. First met with Susan Poeler who went over most everthing related to the surgery. Met with Kedra to go over nutrition. Had a EKG. Met with Dr. Gearhart who reiterated she will do this robotically if possible.

BP 130/66 – BMI 29.9 – Weight 220 (UGH!!) – Temp 97.6 – Pulse 70 – Resp 18 – O2 100%

CT Scan with Contrast. Two sets of results. One for abdomen and overall and another one specifically for the chest. Overall the results look good.

Results PDFs:

Pump removal. Nurse was Liana. BP 134/72 – Temp 98.1 – Pulse 70. Blood pressure has been more elevated recently so I need to look into why that is the case.

Chemo session #11. Nurse was Sara. BP 131/73 – BMI 29.18 – Weight 215 – Temp 98.1 – Pulse 73 – Resp 20 – O2 100%. Everything went well with the chemo. I also had a prior appointment with Dr. Roman but couldn’t get in prior to chemo appointment. Dr. Roman came up to the Infusion Suite and said everything looks good and that we are sticking to the 12 chemo sessions. She doesn’t want to see me until 2 weeks after my surgery to remove my sigmoid colon and rectum.

Chemo week #11. Blood work day.

Pump removal

Chemo session #10 – nurse today was Sara.

Vitals: BP 128/78 – BMI 29.18 – Weight 215lb – Temp 97.8 – Pulse 67 – Resp 16 – O2 100%

No issues with treatment and no significant after-effects.

Chemo #10 Week – lab day

Surgical consult with Dr. Susan Gearhart

Pump removal by Haley

BP 122/62 – Weight 216 – Temp 97.9 – Resp 18 – BMI 29.32 – Pulse 69 – O2 100%

Chemo session #9 – nurses Sarah and Kalani

BP 120/64 – Weight 213 – Temp 97.8 – Resp 16 – BMI 30.62 – Pulse 69 – O2 100%

Meet with Dr. Roman – she is looking at removal of sigmoid (remaining colon) based on the MUTYH mutation plus the 7 polyps removed.

Pre-chemo lab. Had to wait 1 hour and go to the receptionist to get seen. My name seems to be William “Fuck Him He Can Wait” Futreal. Of note: I had a “normal” blood test!!

2nd flexi-sig performed to repair prior damage. 5 new clips were placed. This was done around 1 PM at the Digestive Health Center where the original procedure was performed. So the gist of this is that they made me waste a day at the Emergency Room AND get admitted to the hospital overnight when they should have just told me to come in because I ended up at the same place!

I was discharged and FINALLY got home around 5:30 PM. Kasee and Luke came to see me and Luke got me a Wendy’s burger so that was very nice of them.

I called the Digestive Health Center around 7am to report the bleeding. They told me to go to emergency room. Arrive at 8:30 AM. After some major fuckups finally got in at 8:15 PM. They also claimed I left at 5PM against medical advice so they had noted me a discharged. A total clusterfuck.

Upper GI endoscopy and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Dr. Danel Castresana.

7 polyps were removed.

Started fairly massive rectal bleeding – bright red.

Pump re4moval. My nurse was Kalani

BP 138/75 – Pulse 76 – Temp 98 – Resp 18

Received Heparin and FLYNETRA (for low ANC count)

Met with Kevin (in-house visit) from the SRS White Card service (fill in) – they provide medical services and compensation to SRS workers. He’s getting the process started.

Chemo #8. Nurse was Raven (she’s great).

BP 126/74 – Weight 206lb 12.7 oz – Temp 98.1 – Pulse 72 – Resp 16 – O2 100%

Something to note on this treatment – the cold sensitivity started almost immediately after. Usually its a few hours later but for #8 basically a few minutes later.

Pre-Chemo Blood work – everything looks ok – mostly normal – a few highs and a few lows.

Chemo pump removal

Weight 213 – BP 127/79 – BMI 30.62 – Temp 98.3 – Pulse 68 – Resp 16 – O2 98%

Chemo #7. My nurse today is Raven. Everything administered and great nurse to have.

BP 124/73 – BMI 29.67 – Weight 206lb 12.7 oz – Temp 98.2 – Pulse 65 – Resp 18 – O2 100%

Pre-chemo lab. ANC count was up to 3.3!! I’ve started taking Sam’s Markers Mark version of AG1 which is what I am attributing this jump back up into the way normal range. Overall the blood work looked solid to my eyes.

Nurse today is Lauren. ANC count was 1.1 which is lower than the 1.5 threshold from chemo. Dr. Roman moved chemo to next week – based on our conversation sinus infection is likely cause of the ANC numbers. Took a swab for COVID/Flu/RSV. She said PET scan looks good but she needs to see sigmoidoscopy results to confirm stage 3 (she didn’t actually say that but she implied it).

COVID, Influenza A & B, and RSV all negative.

BP 140/77 – BMI 28.05 – Weight 206lb 12.7 oz – Temp 97.8 – Pulse 72 – Resp 18 – O2 100%

Pre-chemo blood work. This was actually my best blood draw ever!

PET Scan – Glucose 87

Pump removal by Megan. BP 122/65 – BMI 27.33 – Weight 201.8 – Temp 98.7 – Resp 18 – O2 98%

Chemo #6 – my nurse today was Cindy. BP 126/72 – BMI 27.33 – Weight 201.8 – Temp 97.5 – Pulse 69 – Respiration 16 – O2 100%

Pre-chemo lab work.

A visit with Kathy Poehler PA to discuss ostomy diets etc.

Laura did my chemo pump removal. BP 134/63 – Temp 98.0 – Pulse 69 – Respiration 16

Dr. Roman Visit

Chemo session #5. Angela was my nurse. BP 124/80 – Temp 97.9 – Pulse 90 – Respiration 16 – Weight 201.8 – BMI 27.33 – O2 100%

Dietician – nothing of substance here – she made a quick referral to Kathy Poehler (Dr. Milgrim;s PA who I have previously seen for wound care) to discuss foods etc. that may help control output.

Pre-chemo blood work

Echocardiagram

Today was MRI of rectum. Results seems to be good. The “Impression” from the initial ready by Michael Torkzad stated “No Pathology Found”.

Chemo pump removal. BP 124/77 – Temp 98.1 / Pulse 73 / Respiration 18 – Nurse was April

Chemo session #4 (currently of 12) -nurses were Raven and Denise. Weight 197.1 – BP 110/69 -Temp 98.2% – O2 100%. No iron today as I have received 5 out the 5 prescribed doses.

Pre-chemo blood work

Due to the recommendation of Dr. Henson based on my MUTYH mutation, getting an ultrasound of my thyroid. Results were ok from what I can tell and Andy confirmed.

Dr. Henson – tested positive for the MUTYH mutation. This mutation can cause thyroid cancer so I am getting an ultrasound on my thyroid. Andy and Michael need to get their testing done. Kasee and Kory need to get their testing done. I also need to get an endoscopy on my duodenum just in case. I’ve already scheduled the MRI and the ultrasound. Here’s the genetic report: INSERT HERE

Dr. Roman – confirmed the work of Dr. Henson. Additionally she consulted with Dr. Allen (pulmonary) and doesn’t see the need to pursue that currently in light of the MUTYH diagnosis. She is ordering an MRI of the rectum due to the MUTYH diagnosis. She has already contacted the endoscopy team and will coordinate scheduling with them as she will temporarily suspend chemo for 1 round in conjunction with this procedure.

Iron Infusion – Megan was my nurse.

Moving back to the upstairs bedroom!!

Some type of pulmonary appt – we’ll see and it turns out my original inclination was right – this was a total waste of time as I have no actual pulmonary issues. The attending confirmed this when he said “I’m not sure why you are here.”

Removal of the chemo pump – very quick procedure as always. Here’s some pics of the cancer center from today (bonus – my cup on unsweetened tea from Arby’s)

Chemo Day – Weight 194 lbs BP 123/73 Temp 98.0 – Nurse is Denise

Pre-chemo blood draw. Grace drew my blood today -she did a good job.

Iron infusion day – nurse is Libby. BP 122/72. Weight 194.8.

Today was the first day I went with no bandages on my surgical wound. Felt weird but seemed to go well.

Removal of chemo pump -bp was 107/70 temp 98. Definitely felt much better than yesterday – all the aches and chills seem to be gone.

Here’s what the pump looks like after its done:

Sort of a lost day -chills and aches and running a fever at times. Very different than my first treatment.

Chemo treatment 2 – Denise was my nurse -weight 190.5 (empty stomach) – bp 126/68 – blood oxygen 100%

Pre-chemo blood work

Well my weight is up to 192 which I think is great considering what my body went through.

Today visited the Lung Nodule Clinic (Pulmonary) and saw Dr. Allen for a consult. The lymph node Dr. Roman is concerned with is between both lungs and between my heart and diaphram above the liver. The node can not be biopsied because of its deep location. The traditional ultrasound camera insertion method also is a no-go because the lymph node in question isn’t near an airway (Dr. Allen said it is 5 cm from the nearest airway).

He sees two options if Dr. Roman wishes to know more about this lymph node currently. 1) insert a robot camera which is normally used for lung nodule diagnoses and have it go through my lung to get to the lymph node. Dr. Allen said this was extremely non-traditional and very risky but he would be willing to do it if this was the best option. 2) have interventional radiology go through my side with a needle – go through my lung and then get a sample from the lymph node. He felt like this might be the better option.

Next steps: he is going to consult with the radiology team and the oncological team and make a determination. I’ll wait to hear these results.

Weight: 192.6 👍👍👍👍

Bloodwork

Dr. Roman

Dr. John W. Henson IV – Dr. Roman referred me to him and I got a walk-in visit.

We discussed the MUTYH mutation I have with the gene from both Daddy and Momma (which can be proven by either them getting tested or indirectly by Andy and Michael getting tested. Minimal risk to Kasee and Kory provided there mother didn’t pass a mutation on to them.

It is also possible that I have both mutations on a single chromosome?

I had blood drawn for this “germ line” testing;

Here’s his card:

Here’s his book (or one of his books):

State of the abdomen scar – still healing pretty well but still a bit to go:

Removal of the chemo pump – quick and easy – took about 5 minutes – if only all visits were this short!

Even though all I had no was pull the pump out from my port (and flush with saline and get a Heprin injection) they still print this wonderful set of labels that went unused!

No side effects from the chemo other than some mild fatigue. Took Zofran as a preventative for nausea.

No side effects from the chemo other than some mild fatigue. Took Zofran as a preventative for nausea.

First chemo day. First blood drawn.

Medicine Summary:

dexamethasone (DECADRON) Last given at 10:36 AM for Cancer of transverse colon

dextrose (D5W) Stopped at 1:38 PM

dextrose (D5W) Stopped at 1:38 PM

fluorouracil (ADRUCIL) injection 5 g/100 mL Last given at 1:39 PM for Cancer of transverse colon

fluorouraciL (Adrucil) Last given at 1:28 PM for Cancer of transverse colon

iron sucrose (VENOFER) injection 100 mg/5 mL Stopped at 9:49 AM for Iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood

loss

leucovorin (WELLCOVORIN) injection 200 mg Stopped at 1:13 PM for Cancer of transverse colon

oxaliplatin (ELOXATIN) injection 100 mg/20 mL Stopped at 1:12 PM for Cancer of transverse colon

palonosetron (ALOXI) Last given at 10:27 AM for Cancer of transverse colon

sodium chloride 0.9% (NS) Stopped at 10:54 AM

Next I started off with the obligatory saline with iron. Of note here is I definitely see why the port was inserted.

Next was nausea medicine and a steroid.

Next up was the actual chemo – 2+ hours of it. Double barrel IVs.

Arrived at 7:48an and left at 1:55 pm

And I’m sporting a pump in a purse for the next 2 days!

First round of chemo starts in the morning – got my prescriptions ready.

Port insertion successful – total time around 3 hours. Despite all the warnings of the resident beforehand -no pain at all. Very smooth. BUT today I learned that fentanyl is used in actual medical procedures as it was used for my twilight sleep! After the IV sedation wore off, the burning set in from the lidocaine into my sleeping hours. We arrived at the MCG imaging center a little before 10AM and left a few minutes before 1 PM.

Photo of port area late afternoon:

Wound check with Katherine Poehler PA. Wound is healing well and no Wound Vac is needed. Ordering Astrogel from Amazon to keep wound moist. No follow up needed on wound care unless there are signs of an infection.

Also in attendance was Dr. Milgrom (my surgeon) [add details]

PET scan at Georgia Cancer Center.

Shaved head from over 3 weeks off hair growth. It was a battle but my razor ultimately won! Before and after photos:

Wound care visit to Georgia Cancer Center. Saw PA Katherine Poehler and Dr Guru. They removed 19 staples and applied initial wound dressing which was iodine heavy for sure.

First time shaving face since mid-June (don’t know the exact date). Before and after photos.

Discharge around 1:30 PM – Happy Day!!

Emergency surgery – 5 hour duration (details)

Here’s what they took out – colon, part of small intestine, part of stomach. WARNING – graphic – do NOT expand if you have a weak stomach. Dr. Milgrom the chief surgeon air-dropped these to my phone from his photo library.

GRAPHIC PHOTOS!

Went to Emergency Room at MCG around 9:30 AM (details)

Very sick. I actually was very sick for WAY too long but my dumb ass attributed it to “the flu” or other nebulous excuses. What it was was actually the infection setting in from my colon cancer – and the beginnings of sepsis. I woke up multiple times during a lot of nights absolutely drenched in sweat – sweating to the extent that I had to change t-shirts and I could wring sweat out of the shirt I was wearing. I blew it off – my gut started expanding and I blew it off as well. HINDSIGHT: I can’t believe how damn stupid and how deep in denial I was.

Here’s a few photos Debra took of me lying around – slowly dying of the incoming sepsis that was building in my body. INSERT PHOTOS