Anal cancer

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I was diagnosed in 2021 and ok so far but I didn't have the chemo as I have cardiomyopathy, copd and diabetes and it was thought it might make me too ill for either treatment. Radiotherapy was more important I was told. Success rate is very high. 

Im getting a leaky bottom pass wind and end up with a spray of watery faeces and irritable bladder my CNS says the bladder problems are not connected to treatment but in your information pack t is listed as a late side effect. I was getting symptoms of a UTI months after radiotherapy but it wasn't. Also getting recurrent thrush is that connected?

  • Hi CJ64,

     

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Hilary one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line

    I’m sorry to read that you have been troubled by these symptoms and are trying to understand their cause. It’s natural to be concerned about ongoing and new symptoms after treatment has finished.

    You mentioned the symptoms that you are experiencing with your bowel. As well as bowel changes, pelvic radiotherapy can cause other late effects. This can include bladder problems. There may be changes affecting the lining of the ureters, the bladder, the pelvic floor muscles, and the urethra which can cause symptoms.

    You might find our booklet about Managing the bowel late effects of pelvic radiotherapy information helpful. Your hospital could possibly have a late effects clinic that your consultant may be able to refer you to for support.

    Regarding the recurrent thrush. Vaginal infection can be associated with pelvic radiation and women, are more likely to develop thrush during pelvic radiotherapy. However, as the thrush is ongoing and recurrent, we would recommend you speak to a member of your clinical team or your GP to discuss this further.

    Side effects of treatment are very subjective and vary from person to person and as we are not directly involved with patient care we don’t have access to NHS clinical notes and records. This means we are unable to predict for sure what could be the cause of symptoms. We would always recommend that you discuss any new, changing, or worsening symptoms with a member of your clinical team or GP.

    You may find joining one of our online community forums beneficial at this time for friendship with others going through similar experiences or for some support if you feel that would help.

    Best wishes

    Hilary.

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    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 send us an email.

    Ref HG/DW

  • Hi thanks for the reply. I had a check up today and yes the bowel and bladder issues are because of pelvic radiotherapy but said it should settle in time. Ive read all the literature given to me so knew it could happen. I get to go every 4 months instead of 3 as they are very pleased with me. I have a great deal of wind which is possibly another side effect. Oh the joy Joy