radiotherapy and stage 4 anal cancer

Hi ,

Welcome to the online community. I’m really sorry that your family member is suffering in this way. My advice would be to maybe put a call in to her oncologist to ask if there is anything in the way of pain relief she could take for this. It may be just a reaction to the radiotherapy but her oncologist really would be the best person to advise on this I think. The radiotherapy does cause ‘fall out’ in your pelvic area & therefore can irritate your bowels, bladder etc. I really hope she gets some relief soon. 

Nicola

Hi, I have used Loperamide for diarrhoea and found that to be very effective. I got stomach cramps with the diarrhoea and once the diarrhoea stopped the cramping stopped too. X

Hi thanks for this and sorry for the late response, it has been crazy my sister ended up in hospital due to the severe cramping and chronic diareoah , she is now back at home and has been told she has radiation proctitis , and has steroids to try and help , but I am having trouble getting her to eat anything , now trying complan , any other suggestions ? Thank  you 

Hi I wonder if she doesn't want to eat due to fear of then having to go through cramping and diarrhoea again? It may be best to ask the colorectal nurse for diet suggestions to avoid diarrhoea, this may reassure her that it is ok to eat.  They could also suggest nutritional liquid drinks . It must be a worrying situation for you, your sister is fortunate to have you looking out for her xx

Hi, I was wondering how your family friend is doing today?