Treatment start date

That one is new to me. My poos generally are normally shaped. Is that a thing??? X

There isn't a laughing emoji but there should be - your comment make me laugh out loud and it is SO true!  x

Hopefully I'll be starting radiotherapy soon too (supposed to be getting 3 little tattoos in the next week), so appreciate both your questions and everyone's answers. Will be sure to get a sitz bath too. Hopefully your hospital team will be able to help with your pain. All the very best for tomorrow x

Skinny poos and feeling a bit tired were what led me to my GP, nothing else.  My tumour was preventing the passage of normal-sized stools.

No holds barred on conversations here, Feather 653, feeling bashful about bodily functions is a thing of the past (for most of us anyway!) x

Good morning Feather 653

It's really good that you see your doctor every week. I always leave feeling a little lighter on my feet that then helps me through the day. 

I'm sure that there are more possible side effects on their way but I take it a day at a time. 

Yes I do live on my own however I am  staying at a hotel in Swansea whilst undergoing radiotherapy, another 18 sessions to go!

Do you have family nearby and good friends take up their offers of help for shopping or for emotional support or to just tak about things other than your diagnosis. You are still you try to hold on to that.

It's a wonderful idea to count down the days and physically mark them off. Try to stay as motivated as you can and find things that bring you joy. 

I am finding energy lacking as each day passes but yes I get up and wash myself put on all the relevant creams then come down to restaurant for breakfast. 

As a lot of us echo on here just do what your body is telling you don't push yourself too hard, however you may react totally differently to things. I've always been a guy at 100 miles an hr on my feet all day with boundless energy and am now doddering about but it's down to the fatigue of your body which will hopefully pass

Only a day to go for you until you start treatment. 

Wishing you all that is good and you have got this. Keep strong 

PaddyBud x

I’m obsessed with mine Irene as I know what foods do what and when I have a good shaped I know I’ve eaten well that day before. I’m finding peanuts dry roasted give me perfect poos!  Beans on toast e good too and bananas. I eat vegs but they don’t bulk the stools enough. I only discuss it on here and with my husband otherwise people might find me a bit strange

Thanks so much for your message. 

I'm so lucky I have lots of people to talk to me. Some won't leave me alone. I joke about it but I appreciate it so so much. I've even developed 'relationships' with strangers who I have connected with on social media who are going through cancer and it brings me a lot of comfort. 

Day one complete today. It's been a long old day but another step in the journey. 

We can do it. 

Hope you are managing to connect with people too.

Hi Feather, 

Glad you've got it started and now just keep ploughing through!

My bum had been wracked with pain for 2 years before treatment while various doctors and nurse practitioners rolled their eyes at me and acted like i was just being dramatic. The radiation and chemo didn't hurt any more, but as the weeks went by the effects of it became painful and I needed pain meds and coping strategies. Fortunately we've got tons of the strategies here, wish I'd known about this forum while I was in treatment!

I drove myself the first week, but after that was very grateful to have friends and family drive me. It's an hour each way and probably could have done it, but once I was on regular pain medication it wouldn't have been smart.

Peri-bottles, then Sitz baths, and finally my lovely husband installing a bidet attachment were how I managed toileting. 

You guys seem to have more responsive nurses over there- hit them up for coping strategies! 

And keep checking in here.

Hugs

Suz