Hi,everyone
I'm incredibly relieved to have found this group. Reading through some of the comments has been a tremendous help. AC isn't the nicest topic to discuss and I dread the inevitable question from family and friends when asked about the type of cancer I have. That said, it is getting easier the more I talk about it.
I”m British, 51 years old and live and work in Spain, and I'll be receiving my treatment through the Spanish National Health System, so there may be some differences in my treatment plans to the UK.
I was diagnosed with anal cancer after a colonoscopy on January 13th. I’m glad to say that things moved very quickly from there, and the following day I had some MRI”s followed by a TAC.
By Monday, I met with my oncologist, who informed me that my tumor is 6.5 cm and hasn't spread. Fortunately, I won't need surgery, so I’m focusing on the positives amid this whirlwind experience and trying to take one step at the time.
I was already feeling quite a lot of pain when going to the toilet (it does already feel like passing shards of glass), and due to feeling so uncomfortable standing or sitting for any length of time, I’m having to lay on my side most of the day and I’m taking paracetamol and Noloctil for pain relief.
I have an appointment with the Radiation team next Monday and have been told that all being well, I'll start treatment on February 10th. I am feeling very anxious and scared but I also feel so lucky and family and friends have been so kind and supportive.
I’m guessing things will get a lot worse before getting better?
Many thanks for taking the time to read my first post,
Mix
