Itching

What treatment have u had

I’ve had 5 weeks of Chemo radiation for anal cancer . 

How was it

im due to start end of month

Well done Goldie65  - I'm about to start week 5 of treatment.  Right now it feels like there is something living up my butt and taking little nibbles - it's always uncomfortable but it's only painful when I pass a BM.  I've yet to experience itching but what I have found is that my bottom appreciates being aired.  I sit upstairs on the bed with my bottom out and I'm also still using coconut oil (not before treatment). 

I hope you get the advice you need here and also from your treatment team when you see them tomorrow.  Keep us posted.  And well done - nearly there. 

Hi Spencerbear , 

I don’t think it’s been as bad as I thought it would be , having said that I’ve still a little way to go and have been advised it can get tough when treatment finishes . 
My main issue has been nausea and vomiting , but if you let your team know they’re really good at helping you .  
My bottom has been sore and itchy . 
This forum is very supportive and you get advice to help . 
Its a short period in our lives and hopefully we’ll be well after .

Best wishes x

Hi Ali , 

I think I need to let more air to my bottom . I’m similar to you in how my bum feels. 
Well done you too , nearly there ! 
Wishing you all the best x

Hi Goldie65 , 

Wow you’re so close to the finish line now!! I bet you can almost taste the freedom from those daily hospital visits. I expected to feel absolutely elated at my last session but felt strangely emotional, I think because this had been all consuming since my diagnosis & for the 5 weeks I was in treatment then I was sent home to begin my recovery & I wasn’t quite sure how to process it. 

Regarding the itching I took antihistamines & lots of the creams that my radiotherapy team provided, it took the edge off enough for me to get some sleep etc. Mention the itching to your treating team tomorrow if the antihistamines aren’t offering any relief they may be able to suggest something else or a higher strength antihistamine. There are 4 different over the counter antihistamines that treat different allergic reactions so it may be worth trying a different kind. personally I found Piriton helpful. 

Good luck with your last 3 sessions. 

Nicola 

Hello Goldie65

Your comment about the chemo tablets really struck a chord with me; even now I can't believe I managed to swallow them, I retch and vomit when taking relatively small tablets and I think it must have been mind over matter with these.

Fortunately I didn't have itching but you have had some good advice already which I hope helps.  And three days to go - I am sure you thought you would never get to this point - well done you!

Irene xx

Did u not get anti sickness meds

Hello Spencerbear

I note that you are new here and it might be helpful if you do your own post - if you have worries and concerns they won't get lost in here and your questions are ones we all experience at the beginning of treatment.

In any case a warm welcome to the forum although I am sorry you had to join us.  This is a small but very helpful forum with people who have been though or are going through the treatment that you will be having and there is support here in abundance should you need it.

Irene xx