After being diagnosed with a 5cm anal tumour in May suffering alot of pain and bleeding i went through 6 weeks of chemoradiation. I finished this in August and the pain and bleeding has gone and bowel habits are returning to normal. I have just had the appointment with the oncologist. Instead of my oncologist I saw the registrar he had a look said the tumour had gone. A slight lump was from chemo and there were some skin folds. He said he would sort CT scan and see me again in 3 months. As well as the tumour it had spread to a lymph node in the rectum he said CT scan would show if this was clear. I asked about MRI and camera but was told no need. Is this normal I know I should feel relieved and happy being told I'm clear but I feel apprehensive.I was expecting alot more checks before getting the all clear. What if its spread and the original tumour gone. Are others experiences the same after treatment or were they more thorough in giving the all clear. Feeling very confused and worried.
Hi Sinbad1965,
Firstly it’s really great to hear your recovery is going so well.
Follow ups seem to have always differed slightly from hospital to hospital & since the pandemic began things have changed further I think. Personally I had both an MRI & CT scan at 3 months post treatment, I’ve never had the camera as part of surveillance only scans & digital rectal examinations. Both my oncologist & surgeon have both assured me that by far the best way to check for recurrence or residual disease is by digital rectal examinations. Also remember that the radiotherapy continues working for quite some time following you last session. Hopefully your scan appointment won’t be too long coming through & if you’re feeling anxious the results & reports should be written up within a couple of weeks of the scan taking place so give your oncologist a ring to see if he would be prepared to discuss the findings over the phone with you.
Hope this helps a little.
Nicola
