GREGORY’S STORY

It was important for Gregory to share to bring awareness to his diagnosis. He remains grateful that his cancer was caught when it was and maybe the sharing of his story will help someone else.

On August 12th, 2021, three days after his 26th birthday Gregory was diagnosed with stage 2-3 anal gland adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer is rare on its own and even rarer in someone so young. Gregory was battling some sense of unwellness and pain the months prior to diagnosis but sought to self-medicate what he thought was just a case of hemorrhoids, however after finally agreeing to see the colon rectal surgeon at RWJ it would quickly become clear this was a much bigger problem. The days that followed the diagnosis were a series of meetings with several different doctors and specialists to try and determine the best course of treatment. The team at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey ultimately decided the best course of action was to begin an aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment for 6 weeks, and then determine whether surgery or more chemotherapy would be necessary. Treatment would soon begin, and the side effects quickly began to take their toll on Gregory. Gregory at the time of his diagnosis was a full-time student at Thomas Edison State University studying communications and pursuing their degree after taking some time off the years prior. Unfortunately, due to Gregory’s cancer and the side effects from treatment he had no choice but to take a leave of absence for the time being to focus on his battle. This paired with Gregory being unable to work due to treatment has caused a great deal of stress both mentally and financially. After the initial 6 weeks concluded Gregory’s cancer team made the decision that another round of aggressive chemotherapy would be necessary. Gregory is set to start his CAPOX treatment on November 30th and will continue to be treated for the next 4-6 months, with surgery planned after this round concludes.

This entire process has been an absolute whirlwind for Gregory and his family and friends who have all been wonderful in creating a support network for him. Gregory has always carried a positive attitude during times of adversity and this time is no different. Gregory is just beyond grateful to have found so much love and support from his friends, family, and community and can never thank them all enough. 

MAY 26th, 2022 UPDATE

I wanted to give you an update that’s overwhelmingly exciting! After finishing my second round of Chemo in March and having several scans and a procedure during April and May today I was given the news that I am NED (no evidence of disease) meaning there is currently no active cancer! I now enter an extensive watch period over the next five years with our main focus being on the first two due to a high chance of resurgence, but once we make it through that I’ll be able to claim the title of being cancer free! I wanted to thank Steps Together for everything you did for me and my family it truly meant so much, and helped in ways I’ll never be able to put into words. You’re a gift to this community!