Dealing with health conditions after cancer

Good luck you need it ️

I had early stage 2 bowel cancer picked up in screening, i had surgery, needed a stoma, needed chemo due to lymph nodes, nothing went to plan with my treatment. After 9 months I had the stoma reversed, little did I know the worst was yet to come! I have been left with LARS, lower anterior resection syndrome, this has been ongoing for almost 3 years and I can say it has been so much more life limiting than the cancer, I also have chemo related neuropathy in my hands and feet that has not got any better. I can barely eat anything, I have accidents when out abd I am terrified goung anywhere. The neuropathy prevents me from doing so much, cooking, hanging out washing, drying my hair, anything in the garden, if something has a vibration going through it like a leaf blower or power washer I cannot hold it,my balance is getting worse due to me not feelung my toes and I just love walking. Yes, so life after cancer for me is not good, mentally it really gets you down. I actually dread to think what I would be like if my cancer was caught later, I dont think I would be here.

Hi I had pelvic radiation as I had cervical cancer . I also then had brachytherapy. I think I was lucky and actually did treatment ok whilst having it . I did have bouts of indigestion and heartburn . I was given tablets but also brought some in chemist . I was also advised to eat an apple a day but not the skin , apparently it’s very good stopping heartburn etc and recommended by a nurse . My biggest problem once I finished treatment was wind really bad wind and very embarrassing ! .i also have problems with my bowels which I found very embarrassing to talk about . I didn’t have diarrhoea but have a lot of mucus which I sometimes have no control over so have to wear pads when going out etc . Have told my consultant and been told it due to radiotherapy and if it’s no better on my next appointment they will investigate more . I also cannot eat the same things I ate before but a small price to pay . Once I finished treatment and had first checkup I really felt a bit lost as for months I was up and down hospital seeing nurses doc etc and then nothing . I had my cancer nurse for backup but I found that quite hard . 
val 

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Hi Dylan,

I'm a bit late to this but for those with peripheral neuropathy in their feet, this may help.

I have always walked a lot and have had foot problems (and special orthotics) since before cancer and treatment.

I was fortunate that my oncologist reversed many of the p.n symptoms from my Immunotherapy by stopping the course (it was post chemo & op and was supposed to avoid bladder cancer recurrence) and giving me steroids to damp it down.

My hands are OK but feet were still quite sore. However I went to a podiatrist to see if I needed to change my orthotics and she has rebuilt my gait and also posture using a foam base which says it is specially made for peripheral neuropathy (it is yellow and the words peripheral neuropathy are written on it). We have both been very pleased with the difference this has made.

I know my nerves are still damaged but think the walking has improved blood flow at least so I have fewer numb bits. This is important for many reasons, especially mood but also as an osteoporosis patient I can't afford falls.

These orthotics are not cheap (though worth every penny to me) but knowing they exist may help patients get hold of them via the NHS.

All the best,

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