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Rectal cancer, side effects after radiation.

Ynot
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Hi there, I have rectal cancer T2. I am on the Star Trek trial and had five days radiation last December the beginning of. He got rid of some of the cancer that I had to have a small operation to remove the rest. I am still suffering from the same side effects as I had after the Radiation, fatigue tiredness I am pulling up till 10 times a day. My ecologist tells me that I shouldn’t be having these symptoms now, so why is this so.

radiation, fatigue tiredness I am pulling up till 10 times a day. My ecologist tells me that I shouldn’t be having these symptoms now, so why is this so.

my oncologist informed me that I am now cancer free but as a bib and braces he wanted me to go on the Papillon treatment. I have had two treatments of this and the last one was yesterday

I have to closely manage my toilet issues I am taking drugs to soften the feces and drugs to harden depending on what’s occurring. Sometimes it hurts when I urinate and sometimes I have to stand up children that rather than sit down. I am also now getting pains in my stomach I have had blood test done through my GP and they have tested for prostate cancer and ulcers but they are clear.

I have got severe depression and anxiety and I am on appropriate medication 150 mg sertraline and 40 mg Propronolol.

please please please tell me why these symptoms persist and is there anything I can do to relieve them.

Kind regards Tony.

  • Hi Ynot,

    Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community. My name is Sharon and I am one of the cancer information specialist nurses.

    I can see that you have joined the bowel cancer and life after cancer forums and I hope you are finding these helpful.

    I am sorry to hear that you are still suffering with side effects of your cancer treatment. Quite often side effects of treatment stop a few weeks or months after you finish your treatment but sometimes people can have long term effects which can go on for longer. You particularly mention fatigue and this can be difficult to manage. This information on coping with fatigue might be helpful to looks at ways you can help manage this.

    You say that you have recently had Papillon treatment and I wondered if the stomach pains and urinary problems had started with this treatment? You may also have some Papillon treatment side effects which can cause pain and discomfort, and bowel and bladder problems.

    There is information on managing late effect bowel symptoms on the Macmillan website and you might also find the information on using public toilets useful for when you are going and there is also a toilet card that you can download if you are out and need the toilet urgently.  

     As you are having ongoing problems it may be worth going back to your Oncologist or Clinical Nurse Specialist and talking to them about how you are feeling. The Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Hospital should be able to support you with understanding the problems you have and supporting you with ways of coping with them.

    It is good that you have gone back to the GP and he is investigating your symptoms, you should let them know if your symptoms have not gone.

    You mention that you are being treated for depression and anxiety and you say that you are on antidepressants. Do let the GP know if you feel your depression is getting worse and they can support you with this. There is some information on managing  anxiety on the NHS website and you should find information on getting support there too.

    It might be helpful to make a list of the questions and concerns that you have and go through them with your team. As you are on the STAR-TREC trial they will want to record your side effects and any concerns you are having so do speak to them.

     I hope this is helpful.   

    Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there is anything else we can support you with.

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us

    Best wishes

    Sharon

    Ref SC/ FS

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