12 weeks post treatment

Hi AsLu24 if I remember rightly around the 12 weeks post treatment I was due to see my oncologist regarding a scan to see how the treatment had worked and I was still sore and dreading the digital anal check as I felt really tender. It takes some a while to open the bowels comfortably as you may have stenosis to some extent due to the radiation. Try some nice sitz bath soaking and pat dry well. I also used domeboro powders which help calm inflamed skin. The bleeding can be due to the bowels being tight during a movement but hopefully you will be seeing your oncologist for a check up. If not I would give them a call and also mention the blisters.

Julie

Thanks for your reply Julie, I’ve seen the oncologist a couple of weeks ago who did a PR (I braved it) needed to know what was going on so I just let them do it. He said it was clear and smooth with sign of anything but the scans showed swelling still.

I’m not due to see anyone again now until January. Maybe the blood is due to it being narrow as it was harder to get out this time. I’ll try taking some softeners tonight and hope for the best. X

Hi AsLu24 ,

As well as the stenosis my surgeon & oncologist reminded me when I’d mention that I had some blood when I’d opened my bowels that the new skin that forms following radiotherapy is very delicate & thin therefore tears easily, my surgeon said it’s akin to baby’s skin & I used to get quite rashy too, they both told me to treat this as you would nappy rash, I was advised by my oncologist to use sudocrem. Like yourself the internal inflammation carried on for me after I had healed externally, it would just take a difficult toilet trip to kick things off again & I took stool softeners daily for 3 years post treatment to help combat any constipation & to avoid causing too much inflammation. You’ll find as time goes on things will begin to settle but I completely sympathise with the way you’re feeling, anything unexpected kicks off that cycle of anxiety again doesn’t it? Keep up with the softeners & hopefully you’ll find things a little easier. 

Nicola 

Hello AsLu24

I was still very very sore around the 12-week mark, going to the loo was still a matter of sitting with clenched teeth and drumming my heels to get through it.  There is nothing you can do to avoid it, is there?!  The skin is still really sensitive and fragile and blood is completely normal even way down the line.  Make sure that you keep your stools very soft so that there is no straining.  I used Aldi baby lotion on loo paper to wipe, it is very gentle and contains coconut oil.

You have recently seen the oncologist and had a DRE (well done you, I hope he had small fingers!) and so you have had a good check-up very recently but if anything really worries you, give them a call and discuss it with them.

I think we are all so finely attuned to our bodies after treatment and after the shock of a cancer diagnosis on high alert for anything untoward going on, we all can empathise with what you are going through.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi AsLu24 ,

I also had some blood at about the 12 week mark which freaked me out.  I'd had a more difficult bowel movement which when I spoke to the nurses, they thought the blood was probably due to trauma from that.  Like others have said, my consultant reminded me that it was still early days for recovery.

I hope that puts your mind at rest a little.

Hey x I am at 13 weeks taking stool softeners and no fissures for a few weeks which is magic x still sore but much less hurt than before.  Also Vagina wise I was given estriol cream as our treatment can deplete oestrogen and my age 62 menopause wise is a contributory factor!  The anxiety of messing things up or having an accident is almost debilitating.  Take a bag of items you may need with you and cream, knickers etc and check the loo situation everywhere xxx 

And most importantly talk to any team or at a push your GP - they need to know for others following us as when I had issues they said it was not known !! Well it is and they just didn’t know - the more we share the better it will be for everyone x 

love and power to you all xx 

Angie, saying 'check the loo situation' has reminded me that there is a card you can get which you can show, and it explains to people that you need to go to the loo urgently and should be allowed to use a toilet even if it is not a public one. Maybe someone else here will remember the details. I think it might even me Macmillan who issue it.

Yes, if you contact the Macmillan helpline they can send a card to you.  This is what I did.  There's also something you can download onto your phone from the Bladder & Bowel Community - called a "Just Can't Wait" digital card.

Hi all

Thank you so much much for your replies, sorry it’s late. I have had such a busy week getting my Life back on track and moving into a new flat. 
all of your replies have helped me be positive and remain calm, I haven’t had any blood since. I think knots definitely down to diet and having to get used to knowing what makes my stomach upset. 
I find it hard to not want to have the foods and drinks I want now because it’s not worth the pain and discomfort.

I’ve been having menopause symptoms aswell, km

not sure which point I talk to the gp about this. The hot flushes have made me sick twice now. My legs ache at night and the brain fog is just crazy! Actually quite scary.

i hope you’re all doing ok and I just want to say thank

you so much for always being there when I need answers. I only have you guys who understand. No one else gets it xx