I recently was sent for a sigmoidoscopy because of bleeding. I have Crohn’s Disease for which I take Humira a biologic drug. I have been on this for nearly three years and has worked well for me. I assumed something to do with Crohn’s initially, but was shocked to then be told they had taken out a cancerous polyp. I have had various visits to hospital for MRI, CT this week and a PET scan is being carried out on Tuesday of next week. I’m scheduled to start chemoradiation on 7th September and I am very scared as I’m sure you all were! I’m due to have a chemo infusion on first day of radiation and then continue daily with chemo tablets. This will go on Monday to Friday for five weeks. I was told they are giving me a lighter dose as my weight is quite low at 8 stone 2lb. My question is, will I be very ill through this treatment and does everyone come out the other side to lead a reasonably normal life albeit with some of the problems I have read. I just don’t want to go through this and my life afterwards be very tough. I am 73 years old and have young grandchildren I care for and I’m thinking perhaps I should not bother with treatment. Im very confused! I would love to hear about others journey through this. Im very used to having a hard time with Crohn’s before the immune suppressant they gave me which has worked so well and I have my life back. But they think the medication is what has contributed towards my getting the anal cancer so I will have to stop taking it! I just want to hear of others journeys with this cancer. Many thanks.
Hi again Leslie,
Yes I had chemoradiotherapy, I was part of a clinical trial (PLATO) & had 23 days Monday-Friday of radiotherapy with an infusion (mitomycin) on day 1 & oral chemo (capecitabine) twice a day each day of radiotherapy thereafter.
It’s not vain at all to worry about hair loss, it’s one of the first side effects everyone associates with chemotherapy but the way my oncologist explained was that the oral chemo isn’t as harsh on your system as the types that are delivered via a infusion/port & most people won’t lose their hair. In answer to your question I didn’t lose my hair, it did go a little thinner but not to the point that anyone else would notice. Following treatment it took a couple of months & a decent cut for my hair to return to pre-treatment condition, the combination of the treatments left it a bit dry & frazzled. Ask at your treating hospital about wigs if you want to have one incase you feel your hair thins too much, a lot of oncology units will have a wig specialist, they’re usually really good at helping you decide if that’s the way forward for you & will help you decide on a style etc. I hope that helps a little.
Nicola
