Anal cancer treatment

Hello Jackiehp 

I am really sorry that you have had to find yourself here, but you have come to the right place for help and support whilst having treatment for anal cancer.

First of all I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and can understand that this is a really worrying time after being told that you can't have chemo.  There are quite a few members who couldn't have chemo for one reason or another and it didn't affect the outcome, although this is the first time I have heard the statistics quoted by your oncologist.

I am not medically trained in any way at all so can't offer advice but there is nothing wrong with self-advocating with your oncologist; the questions I would be asking is if the calcification is minor does it really have to totally prevent chemo, I did a quick investigation and whilst capecitabine and mitomycin can affect an existing heart condition it can be given under strict supervision and that is routine during the treatment anyway.  But I am hoping that you get answers from others on the forum who were in your situation who can give you more information than I can. 

The early days of diagnosis are always very stressful and you really are going through it; we are here to support you however we can, so please let us know how you get on.

Big hug

Irene xx 

Thank you so much for your reply. I think I’ll contact  my consultants registrar and ask for more in formation . 

 Jackiehp I could not have Cape as I had a heart reaction. Instead I had Raltitrexed which had far fewer side effects and is as effective. I would really question why this is not an option. It is tough on the liver but has exactly the same outcome via a different chemical mechanism that does not invokve the heart. It is more expensive so the NHS try to avoid it a bit!!! (Unless you are in the USA where it was never licensed). Keep pushing!!! That said, 70-80% of the treatment is delivered by the radiation and is very effective xxx keep us posted! Willow 

Thank you   I’m definitely going to Ask more questions . Know I should have done yesterday but  all a bit much . 

Oh Jackiehp I totally get it!!!! Drs have a way of making your mind go blank!!! I had a little book with all my questions in and made myself tick each question off!!! I keep everything crossed for you and remember you can always ask for a second opinion!!! X

Willow, you and I were fortunate enough to be treated at the same hospital and by the same consultants no less!  And budget doesn't seem to come into the equation there with drugs and prescribed drugs and and my care was exemplary.  I hope that this is the same with Jackiehp 's hospital too. xx