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Hi Family and friends, On Dec. 9th 2020, our world changed when Greg was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy revealed a 10 cm mass in his rectum. Subsequently he had a CT scan and an MRI to help determine the extent of the cancer. We are going through Karmanos Cancer Institute for his treatment. The size of the tumor was causing him some pain and discomfort so the first part of his treatment was to undergo radiation to shrink the tumor. He had 5 radiation treatments with the first one on Christmas Day. His last one was on New Years Eve day. On January 20th he started chemotherapy which will last about 4 months. His oncologist at Karmanos is Dr Philip. The preliminary MRI results look very good and seem to indicate that the cancer is just local to the rectum and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or any other distant sites. Although lymph node involvement is questionable, to us that means they are “not involved.” However, after evaluation of his MRI at Karmanos, they think the scan is inconclusive regarding lymph node involvement so he’s been diagnosed as Stage 3. We had a very positive consultation with Greg’s radiation oncologist who told us they are following a “curative” treatment plan. Their plans are to cure Greg’s cancer!! After chemotherapy, Greg will need surgery, likely resulting in the need for permanent stoma due to the location of the cancer. Of course they will need to evaluate the surgery plan after his chemo to determine how the cancer reacts to it and to determine when and exactly what extent the surgery will need to be. Greg has a long road ahead and we know with love and prayers from our family and friends, he will absolutely beat this! We will continue to post updates here at this site to keep you all informed as we learn more about his treatment and condition. Thanks for all the love and support you have all shown us so far. It means so very much to both of us! Love, Colleen and Greg Jan. 3, 2021 (updated Jan. 22nd)
