anal cancer

Hi there, I have only just come on this site and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer last April. I was operated on within three weeks, had a temporary stoma and bag which was reversed some time later. Five weeks of radio therapy and two weeks of chemo followed and then a course of capecitabine over six cycles. I have now finished all the drugs and am feeling great. I see my consultant next month and then the oncologist. I presume that will be scanned at some time but in the meantime I am happy and feeling well. Both nurses and doctors were unbelievably caring of me all the time I was undergoing surgery and follow ups. Happy to discuss anything with anyone.

Hi everyone, this is a progress report to let you all know I finished my chemorad. (end Nov. already); still having uncomfortable after-effects but getting there (wherever that may be!) Thinking of you all still in active treatment: it's hell but it does pass. I'm in wait and see mode now; next appointment with oncologist end April and surgeon for follow-up in June. Hope you all had a nice break over easter. love, evelyn

hiya, my mum was diagnosed with anal cancer last month and is due to start her treatment next week. she had piles but then they started bleeding with a change in her bowel movements. Her cancer has spread to the lymth nodes but only 2cm. shes due to have both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. i am really worried for her and would really like to hear from anyone thats had anal cancer or know someone who has had it! and i really want to warn people on this rare type of cancer! piles that are left untreated can turn dangerous so please seek help if you are worried! the shock of discovering my mums illness is heartbreaking and i would not wish this on my worst enemy! if you want to talk feel free and i would love to hear from anyone going through the same experience! thanx alot Lisa

Hi

I wonder if anyone can help
I was diagnosed with anal cancer in feb, it has so far spread throughout the lymph nodes in my groin and is now under my left arm, i am due to go in hospital this week for more biopsy's, CT scn and possibly start treatment. I have had 2 transplants so i am immuneo suppressed and i dont know what to expect from chemoradio.
Cany anyone help?
They say my cancer is due to me being immuno suppressed and suffering from crohns disease

Lj

my best friend was diagnosed with anal cancer in january and has just finished her treatment 6 weeks of radio with chemo in week 1 and week 5 it was very intense for her but she got through it as you do (I had breast cancer) she now is waiting to for her exploraty op which she gets in June to find out if the tumour has shrunk or gone, obviously she is hoping its gone so she wont have to get tumour removed as she is terrified at the prospect of a colostomy bag. Her hormones are all over the place as the treatment will have put her through the change so she went to her gp to see about hrt and he told her she was just mildly depressed and gave her a sick note for a fortnight!! She has a good sense of humour which has helped her through this and also a very positive outlook which is good also.

The stories on here are very sad, and it sounds an awful type to have. Lindylou, why am I not surprised that your friend's GP is less understanding than he ought to be? I have cervical cancer, and I found almost always that women doctors were a lot more considerate, both physically examining me, and being able to empathise with side effects such as early menopause. Best of luck to all of you xxxx Penny

I have just been diagnosed with anal cancer. I have had CT scans and MRI. I am due to start chemoradiation next Monday 2nd June. I have been asked if I would be prepared to take part in trials, but been given very little information. I believe anal cancer is rare so is the treatment still not very effective? I really don't know what to do. I feel its like Russian roulette and don't know whether to agree to the trials or not. Has anybody else been asked to take part; and if so how did you make your decision? I am so scared of it all.
I look forward to some advice.
Delmar

I was diagnosed with anal melanoma in March. It's a very rare type of melanoma - I was told by my Dr. (and later read) that there have only been 500 cases since 1887. Since it is so rare, my Dr. consulted with 17 other cancer specialists to decide on a course of treatment. I just finished chemo (Cisplatin) and 3 weeks of radiation. The fatigue was the worst side effect - there were days when I could only stay up for 2 hours. I have another CT scan the end of June to see if it has stopped the spread - so far, it is only in my left lymph node in my groin. I am confident that I will beat this and am trying very hard to convince my Dr. of that. He, along with his colleagues, think that the chemo and radiation just bought me some more time. I need to survive to show others with this same type of cancer that there is hope, so I am staying positive and have a wonderful support system around me that help keep my spirits soaring.
We will get past this speed bump in life!!!

Know exactly what you mean by fatigue with Cisplatin, and think you were doing really well to manage two hours. If I hadn't had to get up and go for radio 5 days a week, I think I would have stayed in bed for six weeks... I want to wish you very very good luck with your battle. You sound very determined, and strength of mind can do an amazing amount. Hope you are now managing to eat well. Keep us posted for the results of your next CT scan. I'll keep everything crossed for your results. Excellent news that you have a personal support system, but if there's anything we on What Now can do, let us know xxxx Penny

Thank you Penny - I'm so glad I came across this web site - it's so nice to talk to people that are in a similar situation and feel the support and love that comes from them.