5/3/2023 Update
Hi All of You,
I had my ileostomy reversal operation on the 7th of April and have been awaiting the awakening of my large bowel. I have no control of it so I wear an adult diaper. My surgeon told me it takes 1 to 12 months to get things back on track. I will have multiple visits with UVA over the next three years to ensure the malignancy is not returning.
I was able to start a fireplace stone installation this week since the individual stones weigh less than 5 lbs. The work is 4 miles from the house which allows me to get home multiple times (4) a day to clean up. My weight restriction for lifting will terminate June 1st and I will be able to get on with life other than having the need to be within 20 minutes of the house or a job site shower.
I am most grateful for the prayers and support that you have so generously given me. May there be a most special place in heaven for all of you.
God bless,
Chris
I sincerely ask for your help in my battle to Kick Cancer. Hi, my name is Chris Valenzuela and I have colorectal cancer. I am asking for your assistance to raise the necessary money for my cancer surgery, treatment, recovery, and income loss during this time. I, like most who are diagnosed with cancer, was completely shocked by the news. After reflecting on my life and the encouragement from family and friends, I have faith and hope that the outcome will be positive. I believe I can successfully face this challenge and move forward with my life as a cancer survivor. I have, up to this point, thoroughly enjoyed my profession as an artisan stone mason. Working with all kinds of stone, masonry, concrete and general home renovation is my passion. I enjoy building inspiring spaces both in and outdoors that create energize social settings, focal points, as well as create relaxing and reenergizing moments in people’s busy lives. I’m currently semi-retired, am a small masonry business owner, am self-paid and cover my own medical expenses. I believe in clean living and grow and consume organic and humanely farm raised foods for myself and gladly share the bounty with neighbors and others in my community. I supplement my diet with wholistic and natural vitamins and minerals which have allowed me to navigate the biological changes associated with ageing and an active lifestyle. I enjoy light running, hiking, kayaking, bike rides, and I’m a lifelong avid photographer. My stonework is always physically challenging, and it only makes the finished product more gratifying for me. I know that treating and recovering from cancer is a journey. So far, I have completed and paid for the referrals and diagnostic procedures (Colonoscopy, CAT scan, MRI) to identify the source of my colon cancer, the biopsy needed to confirm the malignancy and the pre-operation visit with the surgeon at UVA, Traci L. Hedrick, MD. I recently completed the MRI of the cancer, and the results are in Pathology to prepare a surgery plan. I know that the average cost for colorectal cancer surgery and recovery according to the CDC is $40,000 to $80,000 depending on the stage. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/programs-impact/pop/colorectal-cancer.htm In the office visit, the surgeon said she is hopeful that she can remove the tumor orthoscopicly. That is my surgeons plan to date, and this may change as the Pathologist reviews the MRI. My surgeon said my recovery may be brief or it may require a more extended time period to include a one to three day stay in the hospital. Radiation has not been suggested. I assume (hopeful) the CT scan did not illuminate spreading beyond the interior colon wall. I also assume (hopeful) the depth of tumor penetration into the colon wall is not deep and the subsequent removal procedure will positively affect recovery time. I am keeping a positive attitude about this. When I was told I had cancer, I was rocked, it caused such a mental distraction that I was unable to focus on anything else. Work and household chores took a slide. I take it day by day now. Thank you! I can’t tell you how much this means to me. Your contribution will help relieve the financial strain from this. May God Bless each one of you. Update: Saturday, October 8, 2022 Yesterday I received my first infusion of Oxaliplatin and 4000mg of Xeloda in two doses per day. I am up this morning due to intense pain on the back side of my ribcage. It comes and goes. I just checked and I am supposed to call this into Oncology. The cold sensitivity is noticeable, and I will wear gloves indoors and out. I will drink hot liquids and keep the wood stove going. The nausea and headaches are just part of this and expected. I am going to work this coming week to see how I can tolerate and adapt to the adverse circumstances. Thanks so much for the prayers and support. God Bless, Chris
Update: December 14, 2022 I could not tolerate the Chemo. It caused four heart attacks and a visit with the Cardiologist. They were upset that I did not go to the Emergency Department. I figured I could tough it out. So, now my options were narrowed. Back to the Surgeon.
I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy performed without sedation so that I could view the affected area since I was balking at surgery and a MRI could not identify any mass. The surgeon told me it should look smooth but with a scar. It does not look like that.
I have surgery scheduled on the 13th of January. I will have the Colin removed and a temporary colostomy bag attached. A later surgery will reattach the plumbing so to speak. The first surgery will be done robotically and take 5 hours with a four day hospital stay. Then no work for Chris the rest of the winter. I owe you my life. I am indebted to you. God Bless All of You!
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year,
Chris
Procedure: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Providers: TRACI L. HEDRICK, MD (Doctor), STEPHANIE DEDRICK, RN (Nurse), EARSALINE DENNIS, Technician (Technician)
Indications: High risk colon cancer surveillance: Personal history of colon cancer
Patient Profile:
History of a T2/T3 distal rectal cancer s/p neoadjuvant therapy – unable to tolerate 5FU.
Medicines: None
Procedure:
After obtaining informed consent, the endoscope was passed under direct vision. Throughout the procedure, the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturations were monitored continuously. The GIF-HI 90
(2957457) was introduced through the anus and advanced to 10 cm from the anal verge. The flexible sigmoidoscopy was accomplished without difficulty. The patient tolerated the procedure well. The quality of the bowel preparation was good.
Findings:
– The perianal and digital rectal examinations were normal.
-A4 mm polypoid lesion was found in the distal rectum. The lesion was sessile. Oozing was present. This was biopsied with a cold forceps for histology.
Complications: No immediate complications
2/6/2023
I had Colo-Rectal surgery on the 14th of January with an ileostomy bag employed for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks I will have a surgery to reverse the ileostomy and I will be back to normal. That will require a month of healing. I remain unable to work and generate any income. I really appreciate those family and friends who have stayed with me to ensure my wood heat, diet, and hydration is maintained. Spring seems like a long way off but I’m sure it will arrive sooner that imagined. Thanks for your continued support. God Bless All of you.
2/7/2023
I realized my error and corrected the Excel file. I have two appointments on 2/15/2023, one at UVA imaging for a MRI and an office visit with my surgeon for a post op inspection. I am most grateful to the friend who has assumed my mortgage from last fall through my recovery in late spring. I now realize the Campaign total was too optimistic. The CDC estimated max total of 80 K was realistic. To your own health eat a whole food diet and avoid sugar along with the presented foods that have been adulterated in production. In other words if it is possible buy food produced in your community. Know your farmer. Plant a garden. Thanks for everything, God’s Grace is evident on this site.