Presacrel tumour

Hi Wendy , 

I was told my condition was super rare , which frightened me . I have an anal cancer but these cysts seem to be behind .. they are normally benign , so it took a long time to reach the diagnosis . I’m hoping my chemoradiotherapy is targeting both … I was made to feel , nobody else had this !!! 
take care 

Chrissie xx

I lived in Canada when I was diagnosed and told the same.

2021 cancer stats were about 600 cases of anal cancer diagnosed out of 229,200 cases of cancer.  That is a rate of only 0.002%, so, I'd have to agree that it is VERY rare.

Hi Robin , 

I was very scared when I was told I had anal cancer , then after a further biopsy on the cysts to be told they were malignant  and in a rare place , was a double blow … i have 3 days left of chemoradiotherapy but still apprehensive of the outcome !!? 
take care 

Chrissie 

Chrissie, I completely understand how apprehensive you are but talking as complete layperson, if the treatment, and it is normally successful, gets rid of the primary tumour and spread to lymph nodes, I am keeping everything crossed that your cysts have been zapped and obliterated too.

You have done so well to get this far - count off these last three days.

Irene xx

Thank you so much for your support Irene … I wonder if they just shrink or fade away eventually !!! ? 
have a peaceful day 

Chrissie xx

Chrissie, I was curious too and looked online and found this quite interesting (and reassuring).

https://www.oncolink.org/frequently-asked-questions/cancer-treatments/how-long-after-radiation-can-tumor-keep-shrinking#:

I always knew radiotherapy keeps on working for a considerable time but didn't realise just how long in certain cases.

I think you will know relatively quickly if my experience, and that of others on the forum is the norm.  I was told my three month scan was 'ok' and by the six-month scan that there was NED.

It is all a waiting game for us, unfortunately.

Irene xx

That’s interesting Irene .. I haven’t been off the loo all day and can still feel a lump .. 3 days left , but like others , feel worse at weekends when no treatment .I ate better yesterday but now suffering so back to liquids , toast and Imodium !!! 
not sure whether this diarrhoea stops after treatment or not ? 
take care 

Chrissie xx

I had diarrhoea too that eased off when I finished treatment, I am not sure if it was the radiotherapy or chemotherapy that caused it.  To help with the sores I had, I was given opioid-based drugs and they quickly caused constipation as I found out to my cost.  So if you need these for a period at the end of treatment, it is essential to take stool softeners at the same time.

Best of luck, Chrissie.

Irene xxx