Recent anal cancer diagnosis

Hello Poho, 

So sorry about the circumstances that you have found us, however this forum is extremely helpful for tips and advice plus support if you need it.

I was diagnosed at the end of April of this year and my treatment started on the 4th July which seemed like an eternity. Once your treatment starts though I found that all went pretty quickly. My treatment ended last Monday and now it’s all above recovery. 

I hope you get all your scans done asap, there is a lot of them, and that your treatment starts as quickly as possible. Wishing you all the very best. 

Kindest regards, Adele.

Thanks Adele - that’s really helpful x

Hi PoHo

I was advised of a suspicious lump straight after a colonoscopy on 27/4 and started radiochemo therapy on 26/6 it seems like for ever waiting but you can chase for results and 8 weeks is pretty quick really.

it’s also clear that everyone is so different and some have pain before treatment and others after.  

This forum is priceless ask anything and search for help too x Good Luck  

Angie x

Hello Poho

A warm welcome to the forum although I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you had the need to find us.  But you have come to the right place as almost everyone on here has been through or is going through treatment for anal cancer.

There is a lot going on behind the scenes - your treatment isn't decided until all the information from the various scans, biopsies and tests is collated and the multi-disciplinary team (the MDT) then decide on the final plan that is specifically for you.  And if they decide on the standard treatment, it can take perhaps another three weeks whilst you have a planning session with the radiotherapy department where they mark up the area to be treated with tiny painless tattoos.

As well as the fear that accompanies the diagnosis, all this waiting can be very stressful, I remember it so well.  But once the treatment starts you will feel a lot more in control of what is happening to you and although it can be tough, we having lots of tips and coping strategies to help.

I am also a private person, but here on the forum it is a safe haven where we talk about anything and everything to do with our nether regions and no question is too personal or unacceptable. 

And we are here to offer support at any time, should you need it.

Sending a big hug

Irene xx 

Hello PoHo 

I was diagnosed Feb 14th this year and my treatment started 22nd April. I had various scans in between those dates.

This forum has been brilliant for information, hearing other people’s experiences and also has been a great source of comfort knowing you’re not alone. It’s also a wonderful safe space for asking those questions you might feel uncomfortable asking in person - someone here has most likely felt it gone through the same thing.

Hi PoHo ,

I’m really sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis & we all completely understand how difficult it is to discuss our particular diagnosis with others although you’ve come to the right place as we’ve all been where you are right now, so welcome to our little corner of the MacMillan Online Community.

As it’s been already mentioned this is a safe place where we can all share our journeys & share tips that helped us throughout our treatment & recovery etc., so please regardless how personal it may seem if you’ve any questions please just ask, because of the nature of our diagnosis’s we’re quite used to discussing all things bottom & toilet related. 

As soon as both of your scan results are through they’ll be presented at an MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting, that generally consists of a colorectal surgeon, oncologist, radiologist & anyone else that may be involved in your treatment. At that meeting it will be decided with the scan findings which course of treatment is best for you then you’ll be scheduled an appointment to discuss this. These MDT’s at my time of diagnosis (6 years ago) were held on a weekly basis so hopefully you’ll hear something very soon. 

Please remember you’re not alone in this & we’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola 

Hi PoHo yes this is an invaluable forum you don't feel alone you can share all your worries and fears and also it is very positive as we are all at different stages so anything you want to ask about I'm sure there will be someone who has some experience or knowledge take care xx

Dear Poho

I was diagnosed with anal cancer on 27th Sept last year 2023 and my wonderful team got me my scans MRI, CT and PET scan done and by the 8th November I had started treatment.

I had chemotherapy in tablet form and radiotherapy for 5 and a half weeks finishing Dec 15th 2023. Recovery has been slow but reasonably steady and things are now looking good health wise with no evidence of disease as of July 7th this year. 

I wish you all that is positive and just know that you will now be looked after. 

Hugs

PaddyBud 

Thanks so much for sharing, that’s really helpful