Ron Rinker's Anal Cancer Journey

Ron Rinker...passionate pool player...and 30+ years HIV/AIDs survivor. Ron was diagnosed earlier this year with anal cancer. All cancers are horrendous; anal cancer even more so as the location and healing process cause excrutiating pain and continuous discomfort. See Anal Cancer Foundation's website for more info. And UCSF has in-depth info on Anal Cancer.

Ron's 'journey' began with severe constipation, then a colonoscopy which identified 'something' in the anal canal, not diagnosed until he had further exploratory surgery. This was delayed due to 2 anal abscesses combined with insurance snafoos. Finally, early February the diagnosis was established and treatment started in March. Scripp's new Proton Therapy center was chosen (in San Diego, California), as this newer radiation treatment uses laser pencil beams to target only the tumor and minimal surrounding tissue/organs, versus traditional x-ray radiation. A HUGE improvement over traditional radiation for anal cancer. 

A reduced dosage of chemo was used, due to Ron's HIV/AIDs compromised immune system.  Radiation and chemo have been completed, and early results show the cancerous tumor may have been eliminated.  Then the 'post radiation' healing process takes place...this has resulted in 2 ER visits, both resulting in hospital stays (this last time for almost 2 weeks). This area of the body is extremely sensitive to radiation, and the irritation/inflammation causes all sorts of reactions.

In spite of the painful journey Ron is experiencing, he has kept a positive attitude (most of the time!). He had to move temporarily to a friend's home in San Diego, to be closer to his Scripps resources, and this has helped tremendously to have 'moral support' around him!  Financially, this has wiped out his assets...and the bills keep coming in. So....we turn to gofundme and the incredible resources available to help Ron.

There are several organizations that are interested in Ron's progress, since there have been so few anal cancer patients with HIV/AIDs who have chosen Proton radiation treatment. Ron's journey and results should help others who have the option for Proton therapy over traditional radiation.  

Your donations are most appreciated, helping to make a very stressful time period a little more tolerable for Ron, allowing him to focus on strengthening his health and wellness; and to be able to share his 'successes' with others.

Thank you in advance!