I was diagnosed with Anal Cancer December 2019 I had operation in February 2020 followed by chemoradiation from mid March until end of April 5.5 weeks every day this was a very aggressive treatment . When I had my first scan after that in June there was a small amount of activity after a scan in October that activity had increased, more scans then was told I would need a lymph node dissection as the activity was in the right groin, that was performed at beginning of December 2020 recovery was slow but was ok except left me with lymphodema in right leg and genital area. Further scan in February this year showed activity back in anal area and lymph nodes again on right side. I was then told it was incurable but they would try and maintain it. To say I was shocked is an understatement and I’m still trying to come to terms with it. I am about to have my 3 chemo cycle for a full day and a pump attached for 96 hours after which I feel totally washed out. I saw the oncologist on Friday who seemed optimistic that treatment might be working he’s arranged an MRI for end of month and if I’m responding to treatment will have a further 3 cycles.
how do others cope with this news and treatment, sometimes as my cancer is one of the rare ones only about 1200 per year feel out on a limb
Sandra x
Hi Tony73
I’m so sorry to hear this, it makes it hard when you have a rare type of cancer, mine is rare there are only around 1200:cases a year, but yours is far less than that.
I know what you mean about having to accept it, I hope you are doing ok at the moment. Stay as positive as you can, I know how hard that is a well. All the best .
sandyB47
Hi there I know where you are coming from as I also have a rare cancer that started off as ovarian cancer mine changed 3 times in the space of 9 months but I am still here fighting on as Tony73 has said keep positive and it's really hard to do each day but trust me you will do it you have come into a fantastic group of people who on here will support you day and night however you are feeling xxx
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