A bit of background history:
I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA (T2, N1a,MO) 4.5cm Anal cancer back in late October 24, I had been struggling with what I thought was piles since May 24. Various GP appointments and even a consultant from private health care all seemed to come up with different opinions as to what was wrong, from piles, anal fissure to thrombosed piles. I was at my wits end! The pain was unbearable, to couldn't sit, stand, walk or even lay down comfortably. Eventually I saw a different GP who finally referred me to my local hospital. I had a CT and a MRI scan and a biopsy was taken and then the diagnosis.
I was offered pain relief (Pregabalin) which saved my sanity. My radiotherapy treatment started on 30th December through to 6th February 25 alongside the chemo tablets. I found this was exhausting, having a 2 hour drive there and then back again, I slept most of the time with hubby doing all the driving. I had read all the stories from here and more from 'Doctor Google ' and was really worried about how I would cope, but in all honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought, don't get me wrong it wasn't a walk in the park, with the burning and skin pealing off but not as bad as I had imagined! My hair has thinned quite severely and I'm still losing lots of hair on a daily basis.
I had lymphodema in both legs but mostly my left, so they decided to do an ultrasound just in case I had a blood clot in the leg, they couldn't find a clot in my leg but blood tests indicated that there was a clot somewhere, so they did a CT scan on my chest where they found a clot, so now I'm on blood thinners. I'm gradually cutting back on the Pregabalin and am trying to get my strength back, I haven't recovered as quickly as I would like, but getting there slowly. Unfortunately I am having issues with bladder control due to the radiotherapy but am going to have physio to help with that soon.
I had another MRI scan in May and a follow-up appointment last week. I was told there is no sign of the tumour just scar tissue in keeping with a complete response! I'm over the moon! Going through the treatment was completely worthwhile, this time last year I didn't even know I had cancer and now I'm cancer free.... truly amazing! I can't praise the NHS enough for the wonderful care and treatment I received.
I hope you all have the same results as me! Sending you all love and hugs wherever you are your journey.
Jeenie2001
