Advice for those about to start treatment

Hello Poppydays2 

I finished treatment on 17 January and each week throughout my treatment I posted my weekly reflections.... Hopefully they are of some comfort if you can find them.

Great that you are getting yourself prepared, I'd add to the list:

• Reading material for the bathroom
• A memory foam donut for travelling to and from hospital
• Coconut oil - get moisturising now and you can use throughout and after treatment just NOT before radiotherapy
• Worth getting a washable mattress protector for your bed - I never had an accident by some miracle but better to be safe than sorry
• I also had a carry with me bag, it had water wipes, moisturiser, change of trousers, spare pare of pants - I also carried snacks with me like Jelly Babies as at certain times I struggled to eat enough and could feel a little dizzy.
• I also got some different coloured towels for the bathroom - they were my butt drying towels after the sitz bath
• And lastly, there was a few weeks where I lived in super soft pjs - my waist still is a little bit sensitive... 
• Oh and cotton no thrill but knickers - some swear by men's loose boxers but I just didn't get on with them

Hope the above is helpful and reach out if you have any questions - this community is amazing and it helped me through my treatment for sure.  We're here for you and one another.

Ali xoxo 

Hey! 
Wishing you all the best for your treatment. I am three weeks post now and thought I’d share that the best thing I owned was a handheld bidet. I got it off Amazon ages ago (actually way before anal cancer was a thing) and it was a godsend during treatment. Mine is one called Happypo but I’m sure there’s lots of brands. You just fill them with warm water and can gently spray to wash after bowel/ bladder movements and then either air dry or dab with a towel. When things were stingy to wee I used to spray gently whilst weeing to dilute it and it helped loads. 
Good luck with everything xxx

Hi Poppydays2 

I finished 6th November. The two things that were most important for me were water wipes and men's baggy boxers. Like MrsBadass said get moisturising now and once you start treatment check with the hospital about what you can use as different hospitals seem to ok different things. Also get some good tv lined up or books. I didn't do it but get some meals pre prepped. Other than that I would say play it by ear we all react differently to treatment. Oh a nice soft bath towel, I would wrap a towel round myself when I got home from treatment so the air could get to things. Hugs. Xx

Thanks so much for this fantastic list, Ali. I've been wondering about you and hope you are back to your old life and sparkling! I also hope you post a bit about your post-treatment journey now that you're a bit further out. I really love your honesty and humor!

Thanks, Madd123. Looks like the Happypo is going in the Amazon basket! 

Hi Bungle1,

Thank you so much for your reply. I was wondering about reading. I love reading and do it regularly, but since my diagnosis, I haven't been able to concentrate. I'm hoping once the shock wears off I can read again--I'm on the look-out for funny, feel-good books or even a good mystery!

I think it helps you relax and takes your mind elsewhere. I have to admit I don't read much at the moment but I loved Sidney Sheldon books sort of mystery, think I've read everything he wrote, also Louise bagshawe if you want a easy romance reading. Good luck with everything. Xx

Hi Poppydays2,

I can see that the lovely people on this forum have given great advice.

Not much I can add to these really useful lists.

Make your bed as cosy and welcoming as possible as you will likely spend quite a lot of time resting or sleeping particularly in the later stages of treatment. 
A good friend gave me a huge soft furry blanket and I literally lived under it with so many good books. Comfort and distraction are key. 
It’s always wonderful to see friends but just be a little bit cautious about making too many social arrangements as you might feel more tired than expected. 

I also had to stock up on soft stretchy trousers to have the radiotherapy in but I know from this forum there are definitely different dress codes when having the treatment! 

Sounds like you are preparing really well and really wishing you well at this anxious time. Xx

Hi Poppydays2 

All the lovely people on here have gave you great advice.

I invested in some flannel sheets and duvet covers as I'm always cold.. and a fab fleece blanket tgat goes room to room with me.

I moved into the spare bedroom to try to not disturb my hubby too much and I made sure the TV had netflux and Amazon and you usual apps.. so many corny moves and series can be watched.. if you want any recommendations for things to watch just reach out ..

RReading for me was ok at the start but my concentration is a bit hit and miss to watching TV has kept me sane..

I'm 4 days away from finishing my treatment and whilst it's not been a walk in the park ..im managing most of the pain for toilet trips that's to sitz bath..water wipes and my creams..

Wishing you all the very best for your treatment journey 

X

Thanks, PEB24. Soft stretchy trousers are a great idea--comfort sounds like it will be key! I've only told one of my friends about my diagnosis, as it is still pretty new, and I'd like to get myself to a place where I can keep up a better face than I currently am (sometimes I'm up, but sometimes I'm pretty down). My vacillating moods will probably be better once I'm scheduled for treatment, but right now, we're fighting some unfortunate insurance issues. Fingers crossed they will be resolved very soon!