Hello, I have had a confirmed diagnosis of Stage 3 anal cancer with secondary sites in my lymph nodes in my groin, 2 weeks ago and I’m starting chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2 days.
I am already in considerable pain with the tumours and I am terrified of what’s to come. The dr has prescribed shortec for the current pain and I have been reading as much as I can about what to expect over the treatment. I had my chemotherapy introduction last week and the dr emphasised the pain will be considerable. My anal tumour is both internal and external and my groin lymph is raised and pushing against the skin. Has anyone had those two areas treated?
I read a list that a lovely lady posted here about things that have helped here and purchased Strataxrt, gel pads, Aveeno cream and wash etc. I’m trying to be as prepared as possible for my treatment. I live alone (persuaded my son to return to his final year at Uni) but have friends and family who have offered to pitch in. I’m self employed and had hoped to work from home during treatment but now I’m thinking that will be unlikely as I’m currently struggling to manage the pain before I even start.
My two tumour sites are oozing so I’m trying to cope with using pads, bidets and dressings at the minute and keeping everything clean. I’m wearing ‘period’ shorts from M&S at the minute with an additional pad as I can’t wear anything that sits on the groin lymph.
I’d really appreciate any words of advice on how to navigate these next few months.
Kate xx
Hello Kate,
Firstly welcome to our little corner of the Macmillan site. You’ll get amazing advice and support here. 
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I used the StrataXRT gel and would highly recommend it. Use it everywhere you need it everyday. Yes you can use it on broken skin and it should protect everything and make treatment more bearable. it is worth every penny. I only got through one and a half tubes so less is more and it will get you through your treatment! Here is the link (also Mark who runs the company will answer any questions you have about the gel too, he is super helpful and kind). https://www.mwkhealthcare.co.uk/strata-xrt
Don’t be afraid to ask your team for as much pain relief as you need. I ended up with morphine which whilst not pleasant was greatly needed. You can have the stripe slow release patches. I wish I’d asked sooner instead of struggling! There are a plethora of pain killers they can give you and anti sickness etc. Also don’t be afraid to call your team at anytime of day or night, if you’re worried don’t hold back. It’s what they’re there for!
I was Stage III too( 2 x tumours and several local lymph nodes involved - happy news I’m 3 years on and clear so remember that when you’re at your lowest ebb.. there is hope and this is a very treatable cancer luckily)
I couldn’t sit down prior to being diagnosed (even though GP kept sending me away saying I was fine!). So I totally understand your fears and the pain. The best thing is to be prepared! You don’t want to be in agony trying to get hold of nurses and doctors in the middle of the night so keep your team posted daily of where you are in terms of pain and requirements etc. Keep all your meds in a basket near your bed so you don’t have to get in and out of bed searching for things. For nausea (I found it hard to take my chemo pills as often v nauseous - even a ginger biscuit is helpful in order to take the pills - you shouldn’t take them on an empty stomach). Bland food will help you get through the tough times. Something is better than nothing! I also found flat Coca Cola a godsend as it has anti nausea properties and the little bit of sugar can help give you a boost of energy. Lots of nice in it helps keep you hydrated.
If you look up my name on here you’ll see all my posts and my list of recommendations. Everyone here has helpfully added tips and tricks so scroll through to pass the time. I spent a lot of time on here during my treatment reading as much info as I could whilst lying in the bath (another top tip!) I found the warm water very soothing and relaxing and really helped me control the pain too. I also wore the M&S soft cotton cycling shorts in an extra big size as you just don’t want anything tight but it also helped keep dressings in place when I had to wear them. Your team should be able to provide you with drawings if you need them. I wore dresses to my appointments so I didn’t have to get undressed - could just hold my dress up for radiation treatment which made life much easier! I also used pads for travelling just in case! Bladder and bowel can be quite irritated and unpredictable by the treatment and accidents can happen so don’t be caught out. I went everywhere with a spare change of dress and pants! In the car I sat on a waterproof pad (luckily never used it but may have been a few close calls!).
You can do this! It’s all such a shock, totally understand. It feels like a bit of a rollercoaster but you will get through this!
Any questions just pop them on here and someone will answer you. This is an incredible forum full of incredible and lovely people.
Wishing you all the best, we’ll be thinking of you Kate and sending you positive vibes!
PPR xx 
