I’m 7 weeks after 28 sessions of radiotherapy and chemo tablets. Besides fatigue, now the digestive tract is getting used to food it’s making my bowel movements more frequent up to 3-5 times a day.
My anus is so painful that each movement brings tears to my eyes. I also have a constant burning sensation and feeling of wanting to go. Flaminal no longer soothes the anus and morphine deadens the pain but makes me even more sleepy. I now have some swollen haemorrhoids to add to the situation. How can the anus heal if you have bowel movements so frequently? Any advice or experience of how long the healing takes, anything I could do to help things heal would be appreciated.
I have my first oncologist telephone follow up next Thursday when I’ll ask these questions but information from someone who’s had this experience would be good to hear.
Hi Nana42 and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and your ongoing journey. This is such a challenging time for you but I do hope you will find lots of support and comfort here on the Online Community.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various support groups and services so can I recommend you join our Anal cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you need to join the group. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via web chat. This service provides cancer information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
Hi Nana42 and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to read about the problems you're having at the moment and it must be very painful for you.
As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join and post in the anal cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help
x
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