Dates for treatment received - currently struggling with pain

Hello Coco70, it’s great you now have a starting date for your treatment. Do you have a contact number for you to be able to speak to someone about the timings of your treatment. I remember requesting early appointments and they did their best to accommodate me. I had no pain before treatment until they did a biopsy where the stitches came apart and I could on advise sitting on the sitz bath with warm water.

Julie

 Coco70 Im slightly behind you as Im having PET scan on Tuesday, I then I will find out what treatment Im having.

I also have alot of pain and Im taking paracetamol and ibuprofen, Im talking 1 laxido sachet a day which also helps me … maybe laying on your side with a hot water bottle up against bum cheeks may help

Emma x

Hi Julie,

Thank you for replying, yes there is a contact number on the letter I’ve received so I will give them a ring on Monday and see what they say.  I didn’t have any stitches from my biopsy but have experienced this pain since this was done, I do have sitz bath although I don’t think this will help this pain unfortunately. 

Kindest regards, Adele. Xx

Hi Emma, 

Thank you for replying, no you’re not far behind me, I hope you don’t have to wait too long for your dates. I do lay on my side a lot, I will definitely give the hot water bottle tip a go, thank you.

Take care, Adele Xx

Hi Adele , 

I start week 5 of treatment tomorrow . I was in a lot of pain before my diagnosis .. I found the hot water bottle to be my best friend , laying on one side , music to take my mind of it and today the sitz bath has joined my gang.

I had quite a few rectal bleeds before treatment and it freaked me out .. I will take the pain and discomfort at the moment anytime over those bleeds .. only just started taking paracetamol .. try and relax , rest , eat if you can , but if you can’t , drink plenty and take fortisip to add protein … 

take care 

Chrissie xx

Hi Adele,

A solid start date is a help, but when you're in pain, it's hard to feel much else, isn't it?

My cancer center (in the US) was good about working with me on times. I too had a drive of a little over an hour, and after the first week I had people drive me every day and I wanted to inconvenience everyone as little as possible. But talk to your drivers first- most of mine were happy to go early and then go on about their day. 

I still find that soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts is the best way to soothe a sore bottom. But for the times when it felt swollen, as it sounds for you, I'd make a mini ice pack from a sandwich bag of ice water and a damp washcloth and tuck it in gently. 

Gentle hugs

Suz

Hello Adele

I would call the radiotherapy department first thing on Monday morning.  They can normally change appointments and I think your circumstances merit adjustments especially when the hospital is over an hour away and you are reliant on friends.

I am sorry that you are in pain, I would call your treating team about that too, it could well be that your meds need tweaking and thy may prescribe a larger dose.

I hope you get changes to suit and to help with your pain.

Sending a gentle hug

Irene xx

Hello Coco 70, I'm thankful you now have your treatment dates but so sorry you're in so much pain. 

I would definitely call and explain your situation to see if they can change your treatment time. They scheduled mine for  1:30pm which was great for me because I'm not an early riser. I am 12 years out cancer free Praise the Lord!! I stay on to offer any suggestions and hopefully encouragement! This group was a lifesaver for me everyone was so nice to jump on to help each other. 

As far as your pain the sitz baths are are wonderful. I used the  plastic sitz bath for toilet seat so I could use it more often without having to get in the tub. If that doesn't help relieve your pain I would try another pain med. Percocet is the only thing that worked for me.

I hope you get some relief! 

God bless, Theresa

Hi Chrissie,

Well done in getting to week 5 of your treatment, it must be very satisfying to mark the days off, I hope all is going well for you. I will certainly give your very useful tips a go.

Stay strong, best wishes from, Adele. Xxx

Hi Theresa,

Thank you for taking the time to message, it’s so lovely to read that you are 12 years cancer-free.

i will ask about the alternative pain relief and see if this might be an option for me.

Thanks again, take care, Adele. Xxx