Hello what to expect!!

Hi Suz ridetbred 

I too had a skin tag that had been there for possibly 2 years but I got straight to the Dr when it bled a tiny bit then changed shape! Once referred & biopsied, probably 3 weeks after my initial Dr’s appointment I was diagnosed with stage 1 SCC anal cancer, the consultant of the lower colon team that biopsied me & delivered that devastating news asked how long the  ‘skin tag’ had been there & when I said approximately 2 years he said the cancer definitely hadn’t been there that length of time. I’ve never been told that mine was HPV related either or if it was this what they referred to as a polyp turned cancerous. I keep meaning to ask my surgeon at my check-ups if there’s any record of my biopsy being HPV positive but keep forgetting, I must remember at my next appointment as hopefully it’ll be my last one as I’m due for discharge in June. 

Nicola 

So glad you had doctors who were on the ball! I guess it's very possible that mine too was not cancerous when first seen, so I should probably let the early doctor(s) off the hook. But no one biopsied so we'll never know.

HPV was brought up by my gastro doc when I asked about possible causes, but I still haven't been tested for it. At least, not as far as I know.

Your lot across the pond seem a lot more on the ball, not only about diagnosing and treatment, but ongoing care and pain management. 

Suz

Hi

Started my treatment today.I had chemotherapy first 15 mins then radiation.

I was given my chemo tablets and assumed it would be 1 tablet morning and night.Amazed to find out that I will be taking 3x500mg tablets morning and night.When I heard other people on the forum taking the same tablets of 1 morning and 1 at night and I am taking 3 I nearly fell of me seat.Perhaps they meant one dose.Please let me know as this seems to be a high dose.The tablets are capecitabine .

Thanks everyone

Sue

Hi Sue I have just read your blog and my advice is when you started your treatment you should have been given a contact number to call the team you are being treated by. They should have a 24hr number and to be sure what to take it’s best to check with them. It will be one thing less to worry about. 

Call your medical team!!! You want advice from them, not us!

Hello Sue.  I hope you’ve found an answer about your meds.  I was diagnosed in September 22 & underwent 1xinfusion of Myocytin & then daily Capecitabine along with daily radiotherapy. I was prescribed x 3 tablets morning & evening. The cancer nurses were very good and whilst having the infusion they went through the medication & discussed possible side effects & what to  expect. The dose seems to be quite normal. This forum has been so helpful for me.  I don’t post at all but reading people’s experiences and how they coped and the suggestions they give has helped me through.  I’ve finished my treatment and have follow up MRI in Feb and follow up with oncologist early March.  If you have been given any contact numbers for support, do ring them.  I found them very supportive.  I hope you are feeling ok and getting support from family & friends.  Keep reading the forum/blogs & let us know how you’re getting on.  All best wishes.  xxx