dreaded anal cancer...

[Guest guest]

Hi all, This is just to follow up with everyone here. It's been a

wild three months since my anal cancer biopsy in August.

Due to the most wonderful Berry @ UCSF guiding and ecouraging

me I found Dr. Ross Cranston at UCLA. I had previously had a biopsy

in Palm

Springs that came back squamous cell cancer. I was referred to an

oncologist here in Palm Springs who was all set to do chemo and

radiation. I have since seen Dr. Cranston and he's getting another

biopsy because

the original biopsy was compromised. I had high resolution anoscopy

with Dr. Cranston today. If I have to have surgery the suspect area

is very small, the size of a Q-tip. He will then take care of the

high grade dysplasia with infrared coagulation (a type of laser) He

explained that high grade dysplasia is often confused with cancer and

chemo/radiation is given needlessly. There is much to be learned in

this area and I encourage anyone who can to get to UCSF or UCLA ASAP

for further evaluation and less invasive treatments. At the very

least call and find out who they know in your area. I almost went

thru chemo and rad on the advise of my colo-rectal surgeon and

oncologist all because of a biopsy that was sub-optimal(!). Because I

went to out to LA to see Dr. Cranston and spoke with Berry @

UCSF (gotta love that man) I most likely will not have to. And, if I

do, it will be at UCLA

where they have a kinder and gentler treatments.

This was one of the most enlightening experiences in my life, the

experience of MD's that are truly passionate about their

speciality...wow. Also, Berry and Cranston are really good kind men,

comfortable and apssionate in their knowledge. Health care in it's

finest moment....wow...maybe I'll get butt implants and get back in

business <g>