Side effects following treatment

Hi LolaM48fc52 welcome to the forum and well done on getting through treatment. I had what i describe as an avalanche of mucous which started about 5 days pre end of treatment, the hospital provided me with nappies to get to and from the hospital for treatment. I was told we naturally produce it all the time and the treatment can make it go into overdrive trying to heal its self. I used sanitary pads if i went out other than hospital and while at home i went commando and had bath towels on the bed and chairs etc. There isnt really anything you can do im afraid. Xx

Wow! Exact same experience and timeline! I purchased nappy liners in rolls of 100. I pop a couple on top of my pads when out as they draw some of the moisture away. When home and commando I use two together between my legs, saves on washing all the towels! Cheap and effective

Hi Lola,

Your experience is similar to mine too! I was diagnosed with anal cancer in early September 2025, but due to one met on my liver, I am undergoing six cycles of chemotherapy first (just completed first cycle of paclitaxcel and carboplatin).

Just before I should have started 10 sessions of radiotherapy in mid-November, I developed a fistula between my anal canal and vagina. I completely sympathise with you as I found that complication very distressing. The radiotherapy had to be cancelled and I had an emergency loop colostomy on November 17. It was a game-changer for me, relieving pain and other symptoms.

I've been having the mucus regularly for some weeks now from the fistula opening at the entrance to my vagina. It's either clear or a creamy colour sometimes, but it's manageable and I'm using up to four extra long panty liners a day to absorb it. At night, I find the 60cm x 60cm disposable bed pads from Boots are helpful to lie on and allow air to circulate. During the day, I use the M&S period pants with the panty liners inside as they fit well.

My next appointment with my oncologist is on January 8th when I will ask about the mucus then and provide an update.

Kathy

Hello LolaM48fc52 

I am sorry to hear you are having these problems, I had leaking (and still have) but panty liners are sufficient.  I don't know what it is either, it isn't urine but I think it is coming from the uretha.

I am afraid I can't offer more advice but I am pleased our other forum members have picked up on your post with some tips.

And I am really pleased you have posted to the forum, welcome, there are so many supportive people on here!

Irene xx

Thank you for your reply, I hope things are improving for you 

Thank you for your reply and I hope things improve for you soon 

Thank you for your reply, it’s quite the journey isn’t it! Hopefully things improve for you soon.

Thank you for your reply and I hope things improve for you soon

Hi LolaM48fc52 , even though I don’t have any personal experience of this I just wanted to jump in & say I’m really sorry that you’re going through this right now. 

I see from the other replies that it doesn’t seem an uncommon side effect although it would be worth mentioning it to your treating team, they may be able to advise. 

I hope things start improving for you really soon.

Nicola