So today I was discharged from the hospital - 5 years, can't quite believe it. I've cried a lot this morning, a real proper mix of emotions.
Obviously thrilled and feel like I want to shout it from the rooftops - but time has moved on, people have moved on and I've been stuck in this regular round of fear at every check-up.
I wanted to just tell everyone my experiences and where I am at 5 years later. Everyone is different, but this is my experience.
I have flare ups of pain occasionally, I have bleeding now and again. My bladder is pretty goosed and gets cystitis at the drop of a hat. I rush to the loo every single morning and every now again, I have leakage that I didn't even feel coming. My stomach is very choosy about what it likes me to eat and I'm learning to negotiate that. I've not managed intercourse yet, the dilators hurt and I know much of that is a mental block for me and I'm getting help for that.
All that said, I'm not complaining about any of it believe me. Life is wonderful, I am here, I am 5 years later. I've been through something I wouldn't want for anyone. I am so grateful to everyone on this forum - there was definitely some dark days in the beginning!! But I've learned lots and despite it being what everyone says, it truly does give you a different perspective on what's important in life. And maybe that's something positive to take from it all, I really do appreciate everything, I eat better, I exercise more and have my priorities truly in order. I guess the fear will never go away, but fingers crossed for the future.
What a day! Time for a little celebration and a very big sigh of relief!
Deb x
Well Done Deb! Wonderful news! 
Hi this is so positive and I am so happy for you x Enjoy today and the relief you must feel, also the hope you give to people on here like me - thank you ! 
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Definitely a time to celebrate so happy for you Deb thanks for letting us know your good news.
I am 2 years post treatment due an MRI scan end of month. I agree life is wonderful i have had three grandchildren born since my diagnosis and my son has got married so lots to keep alive for!
I seem to have more or less the same late side effects as you although ok bladder wise. Still have sore skin around the vaginal area especially after wearing tight clothes or riding my bike! Suffer from wind if i eat certain foods and need the loo urgently a couple of times in the morning. But have accepted this is my life now so happy i am here!
I am lucky to have a monthly anal cancer support group to attend in Sheffield run by two Radiotherapy nurses who I saw during treatment. There are only nine of us in the group it does keep growing and we have also met for lunch a few times and have a WhatsApp group. It was so good to actually meet other people with anal cancer we have such a bond and friendship now.
I also couldnt have managed without the lovely ladies on this forum to support me they are the best.
Keep on enjoying life!
Best wishes Carole xx
Huge congratulations Debh1 , this is amazing news.
Nicola
Congratulations Debh1 such wonderful news and a huge relief for you! I am 3 years post treatment (my next scan in Nov). The relief is palpable. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey. Like you I’m learning to live with the “new me”. Bits don’t work and it’s had effects on my parts of my body that weren’t even involved! Or so I thought… but I’m here and my little girls have their mummy.
For that alone I can cope with whatever curve balls it has thrown me!!!
A hooray for us all 
it is a truly hard thing to get through and we should definitely celebrate getting through these tough times.
Greatly helped by the fantastic people on here
Cheers to you Deb’s and here’s to many more years ahead of us!!
PPR xx
