Michael Montez

Alison’s Health Update

Last updated: October 22, 2026

PROGNOSIS: Not yet known. Her doctors will be able to tell us more after the PET/CT scan and treatment planning.

TL;DR

  • Alison has cancer. A colorectal tumor was found in September.
  • Her gynecologic oncologist (a surgeon who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive organs) says the cancer clearly started in gynecologic tissue and has grown into the colorectal wall. The exact organ isn’t known; treatment is the same either way.
  • The tumor is about 4 cm and appears to have grown into the back of the uterus. Multiple nearby lymph nodes look suspicious on MRI.
  • Scans of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis show no sign of spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. A PET/CT scan has been ordered to check further.
  • If the PET/CT shows no other areas, the plan is surgery first at Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, tentatively in early November.
  • We’ll update this page as we learn more.

What happened

Alison’s colorectal bleeding started in August and got worse. A CT scan on September 13 showed a colorectal area that needed a closer look. A colonoscopy on September 28 found a mass, and biopsies confirmed cancer (adenocarcinoma).

What we know

Type of cancer. A colorectal tumor is usually colorectal cancer. Alison’s is not. On October 21 her gynecologic oncologist reviewed the case with pathology and medical oncology and concluded it is clearly a gynecologic cancer that has grown into the colorectal wall. It may have started in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), an ovary or fallopian tube, or nearby pelvic tissue. Her doctor notes the treatment is the same either way.

Size and extent. An MRI on October 13 showed a tumor about 4 cm long that appears to have grown into the back wall of the uterus. Multiple lymph nodes near the tumor and one farther out in the pelvis look suspicious.

Spread. CT scans of her abdomen (Sep 13) and chest (Oct 19), plus the pelvic MRI, show no sign of spread to distant organs. A PET/CT scan has been ordered to check the rest of the body.

Treatment plan. If the PET/CT shows no cancer elsewhere, her surgeon favors surgery first to remove the tumor and the affected organs. Treatment before surgery was considered, but the tumor’s size and ongoing bleeding favor surgery first. A tumor board will also review her case. The typical hospital stay is 2–3 days, and recovery takes about 4–6 weeks.

Genetics. A lab test on the tumor led her doctors to recommend genetic counseling, which looks at whether an inherited condition played a role. If the results matter for blood relatives, we will contact those family members directly.

What’s next

  • PET/CT scan (date not set).
  • Tumor board review.
  • Follow-up with her surgeon to finalize the plan.
  • Surgery, tentatively planned for early November, depending on the PET/CT.
  • Genetic counseling.
  • Follow-up with her GI doctor.

Timeline

  • August — Colorectal bleeding begins and gets worse over the following weeks.
  • Sep 13 — Visit to Providence Portland Medical Center for worsening colorectal bleeding. CT scan shows a colorectal area of about 4 cm; colonoscopy recommended.
  • Sep 28 — Colonoscopy. Small growths removed; one was a common precancerous polyp, which only means regular follow-up colonoscopies. Biopsy taken from the colorectal mass.
  • Oct 7–8 — Biopsy result: cancer (adenocarcinoma). A specialist review finds the cells look gynecologic, not colorectal. Her GI doctor says MRI, CT, and review by an oncologist and surgeon are the next steps. A second biopsy is taken on Oct 8.
  • Oct 13 — Second biopsy confirms the gynecologic pattern; genetic counseling recommended. Pelvic MRI shows the tumor’s size, its growth into the uterus, and suspicious lymph nodes, with no distant spread seen.
  • Oct 16 — Bloodwork, including two tumor markers; both in the normal range.
  • Oct 19 — CT scan of the chest: no sign of spread to the lungs or chest.
  • Oct 21 — Consult with a gynecologic oncologist at Providence Cancer Institute. Confirms a gynecologic cancer, orders a PET/CT, and recommends surgery first if the PET/CT shows no other areas.
  • Next — PET/CT, tumor board review, and surgery planning.

How to Help

  • If you’re local to Portland and would like some face time, text or call us and we’ll block out some time.
  • If you’d like to visit after surgery, text or call for the best days and times.
  • Please don’t visit if you’re sick, even with a cold.
  • Meals help after surgery. Please check with us first about what she can eat.
  • For about 6 weeks after surgery, Alison can’t lift more than 4.5 kg (10 lb). Help with groceries, errands, and chores is welcome.
  • Texts, cards, and emails are welcome. Please don’t expect a quick reply.
  • Please share this page rather than passing on news secondhand, so everyone gets accurate information.
  • Consider donating blood. Surgery patients rely on the blood supply.

Recommendations

We’d like to urge everyone reading this to take care of their own health:

  • Establish care with a primary care provider (PCP), and use your yearly visit to stay current on recommended cancer screenings.
  • If cancer runs in your family (several relatives on the same side, cancer diagnosed before age 50, or a relative with ovarian or pancreatic cancer), ask your doctor about genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can tell you whether testing makes sense and which test.
  • Don’t ignore new bleeding when you go to the bathroom, or a change in bathroom habits that doesn’t go away. See a doctor, even if you think it’s minor.
  • Colorectal cancer screening now starts at age 45 for adults at average risk. If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, ask your doctor.

Change log

  • Oct 22, 2026 — Added the Oct 21 gynecologic oncology consult, PET/CT, and treatment plan; filled in How to Help; added Recommendations; updated prognosis.
  • Oct 21, 2026 — Added prognosis line, How to Help section, and links to medical terms.
  • Oct 20, 2026 — Page created.