3 year check and it's back

Wow... you really have been through the mill already :( I'm so sorry that you've had to endure such a continuous battle. I'm guessing what you are facing now is anal cancer as you are posting on this forum? I'm starting the same treatment as you on Monday, but having the IV chemo part on the Tuesday due to bank holiday, so we're basically on the same timeline with it, although this is my first experience of cancer. 

So, this is all linked back to the original breast cancer? Can't imagine just how difficult and relentless this must all be for you. I hope this round of treatment goes well for you and that by some grace it can be the last time you have to deal with all this so you can enjoy life cancer free. 

Jenna xx

Hi BabyElephant,

You have definitely had a tough few years and it’s not surprising that you feel overwhelmed. What a lot to go through. I’m so so sorry that you are having to have treatment once again.

In terms of the treatment you are about to start, we have all been through it or are going through it so you will find support and useful tips here. Obviously wish that you weren’t having to go through it at all after everything you’ve already dealt with, but it is a very effective treatment with good outcomes.

I, and most of us had exactly the same treatment for ac that you are starting so any questions at all-fire away. We are all here for you. 

Sending hugs x

Oh Babyelephant

You have had such a traumatic 10 years I am not surprised you get overwhelmed; you must feel this cancer ride is never-ending.  You are extremely unfortunate to get cancer twice, but sadly as we all know it does not discriminate and I am so sorry that you have gone through so much.

The one thing that I take from your post is that you seem to have a good team looking after you, I know you must dread yet more treatment but take heart that the Nigro protocol (which is what you are about to start) has a very good success rate - it is tough, but doable.  We have lots of tips and coping strategies and those on this forum have either been through or are about to go through the same treatment.

Perhaps you haven't read some of the other posts, but most of us could not have done without a Sitzbath (Amazon) which is a portable bidet that sits on the loo. Filled with luke-warm water, it is wonderful for bathing your nether regions during treatment.  I even used mine as a loo, further on in treatment loo visits can be painful and somehow it is eased by going under water.  Moisturise the whole area too, just not immediately before a radiotherapy session as it can affect the strength of the rays.  You will be checked frequently during treatment and let your team know if you are finding things difficult, they can prescribe creams and painkillers the same day.

So a warm welcome here, and just shout out if we can help in anyway at all, or if you just need to let off steam.  Nothing is off-limits.

Big hug

Irene xx

Awwww thank you for your replies x the breast cancer was adenocarcinoma HER2 and this anal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.  It has come back with basaloid features which is a variant, I think.  I'm sure I'll be asking loads more.  I'm on the case with the sitz bath, is it just the bowl or the one with the squirty thing too? Jen, I wish you the best for your treatment and would like to stay in contact if possible xxx

Hi Baby elephant,

Yes, of course :) would be good to have a 'treatment buddy', especially as we're going through it at the exact same time xx

That's great xxx