Hi Everyone, new to this forum

Hi I too was diagnosed with anay cancer last year which I had never heard of. I had to have a colostomy so that the cancer could be treated with radio therapy. The outcome of this was good as on my next appointment with the Oncologyst showed no sign of the cancer. I see my Oncologyst on the 31st May so will let you know how I am.

Hope its good news hun xxx

I start my treatment tomorrow. I'm retired so no work worries. From what I understand, you feel okay for about the first couple of weeks, then tiredness kicks in, plus uncomfortable/painful nether regions? I'm hoping I can drive to all my appointments.

Hi Ivymay, I was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 N1 anal cancer last October, by December I was having a colostomy done as tumour was big and was struggling to go to the toilet but also helped with radiotherapy treatment which I must say even though I didn’t want it, it was the best thing. So I was off recovering from that then in February started my treatment, I couldn’t work through treatment as I was driving to hospital everyday for treatment but also very tired and in pain, I thought I was able to work but definitely not, I finished my treatment at the beginning of April and recovering well, so decided to go back to work 16th if May on a phased return so work Mon, Weds and Fri just do 3 1/2 hrs and I can tell you thats more than enough at the mo even though I’m feel really well, as soon as doing anything remotely strenuous it does take it out of me, and I need to remember that the treatment is still working and I’m still recovering, my advice is you need to listen to your body, I’m a cleaner for a power station so I do a lot of walking as well a cleaning, I suppose if your just sitting in an office it may not be so strenuous however I sure mentally it would be. Iv just got my first mri scan for the end of June fingers crossed it good news. 
sorry to see that you have found yourself here take care x x x

Hi Ivymay,

Welcome to our little corner of the Macmillan online community although I’m sorry that you’ve had the need to find us. 

The side effects of the treatment vary from person to person, there are some common threads that run through but my advice would be just take it as it comes. The side effects also build gradually so they don’t all happen at once & your treating team will provide you with any lotions & potions needed.

Personally I didn’t work through my treatment but I suppose that all depends on the kind of job you do & if you could work remotely. I do know of a couple of people that worked throughout but the fatigue for me was one of the most prevalent side effects & I couldn’t get through the day without a nana nap! Also there’s the treatment schedule to think about, you’ll be having daily visits to the hospital (Monday-Friday)  & although the treatment itself doesn’t take long my appointments were at all different times. The treatment can cause bowel disturbances which is another thing to think about if you’re considering trying to keep working. 

I hope this helps a little.

Nicola 

Great result , good luck for your next appointment. 

Nicola 

Thank you very much x

Thank you so much for your reply x

Hope all goes well for you x