A year on?

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Hello everyone hope you are all well, well as can be expected! I finished my chemo radiotherapy just over a year ago and last week I have started with terrible discomfort down below again all where I was in excruciating pain when weeing and bleeding then I was admitted into hospital 3 times this was all after the treatment. Is this normal to start with such discomfort again I feel so sore and swollen and throbbing it’s awful. I haven’t used any different creams or soaps. I think I read somewhere on here a while ago that someone mentioned something about this can accure a year later I’m wondering if this is it.my bowel sudden feels extra sore and that’s saying something as I have been left with diverticular disease and proctitis secondary to chemotherapy due to the treatment. Any advice would be appreciated. Think I’ll call my surgeon tomorrow too. Take care everyone best wishes xx 

  • Very sorry to hear about your problems. I have had pain with bowel movements, bleeding, mucus, blood clots which started 6 months after the radiotherapy treatment finished, the worst problem I have is that it is too painful/uncomfortable for me to sit down, which has ruled me out from about 95 per cent of activities I used to do. This charity is pretty good I think https://www.prda.org.uk/ and has lots of. good information. I have not found a solution to my problems yet - it is now 13 months since the treatment. The oncologist says my cancer is cured but he does not know why I am having the pain and discomfort that I am having.

  • Hi Kelly, so sorry to hear this I was the same as you at more or less the same time and I had bled a few times so I had a camera up again and biopsies under a general that’s when they found my bowel disease’s caused from chemo radiotherapy. To get out a little I have had to come to terms with the fact I have to use a mobility scooter, although that helps with my complete exhaustion and pain all down below when walking extremely slowly, it is extremely uncomfortable so I have to increase my oxycodone liquid which causes more constipation I also have anxiety since my treatment. It’s crazy but I’m grateful I’m still here to be with our children and grandchildren!! Maybe he needs to do another examination under a general to see what’s happening maybe not yet wait as the treatment continues to work up to a year and more when finished so I was told. Thanks for the link I appreciate that! No one should ever say your cancer is cured so I was always told, it’s NED xx 

  • GreenNanny

    I am so sorry you are experiencing this, it sounds awful, especially a year down the line.  I think it is a good idea to call the surgeon and see what he suggests. I would have thought your pain levels  definitely need investigating.  I have heard that diverticulitis can be painful but I think more in the lower stomach, not in the 'triangle'.

    Radiotherapy, whilst extremely effective for eradicating this type of cancer, can take quite a toll on your body and many (I include myself in this) have had to learn to live with ongoing side effects.

    Please let us know how you get on.  Sending a big hug.

    Irene xx

  • Hi Irene I hope you are keeping well? I’ve spoken with my cancer specialist nurse and she has advised me to do a urine test at my gp which I did the same day 19/2 and they are bringing forward my appointment with miss McDonald my surgeon so I’m pleased but hoping it’s nothing major. Thanks xx 

  • Hello again

    I am fine thank you - biting nails time (scans) next week, they come round so quickly!

    I am relieved that things seem to be happening for you and that they are thoroughly investigating the cause of all your pain.  Wishing you the very best of luck with your appointment and please come back and let us know how you get on.

    Irene xx