Anal cancer

Thankyou Nicola that has put my mind at rest , glad all is well now with you 

Thankyou for helping me to come to terms withbb bh it going forward , explaining your journey has been very helpful. All the best fit the future 

Hello Cococabanna. - I had radiochemotherapy with two separate weeks of a pump and one infusion Jan-Feb this year and am now at home healing.  It isn't easy but everyone is different.  Down below healed up within the 4 weeks I'm just struggling with digestion as radiotherapy has cerrtainly inflammed my abdomen but the lymph nodes were done there as well as the groin oh and tiredness.

It is tiring if you will be doing the 5 days on 2 days off but you can push through and I only started getting uncomfortable in the last week.

I was told that this type of cancer has a very good success responding to treatment and was told that only after my scan and result would a  stoma even be discussed so I was not given a choice. Maybe this depends on size/location.....

If you go the treatment route drink lots to keep the bladder protected. I am a huge cystitis sufferer but surprisingly it wasn't triggered so long as i kept drinking and i swear by lemon barley water squash. also byy a Sitz bath and a tub of salt.

Having just had a quick review last week and being so inflammed the consultant still would not discuss if i might need a stoma if it has not gone as I was told there is a high success rate with this type of cancer after treatment.   So I have my fingers crossed even if it takes me months to get back to normal and my energy back life for me would be easier without a stoma but if i have to have one then i will. i hope my journey so far may help you in a small way. I absolutely agree with everything Jaycee has written too! Cx

Hi Chrissie Thankyou so much you have made me feel a lot happier about making the right decision now , it’s very scary but like you say I will push through it, I will also get some lemon barley to drink I’m a great believer of it too , I’ve already bought a sitz . I’m still waiting to start but won’t be long now so massive thanks for your support, I wish you well in your recovery 

I did 5 weeks of radiochemotherapy and was getting regular flexible sigmoidoscopy. Was all clear for almost a year. Now have to have abdominopereneal resection which will mean permanent colostomy. Surgery booked for 25th. Can’t sleep for thinking about it

Hi JpsyandP , I’m so sorry to hear that you’re facing surgery after going through the chemoradiotherapy. I can only imagine the stress you’re feeling right now. It’s pretty major surgery & I know it may not be of much comfort right now but we have members here that have gone through APR surgery & are through their recovery & living their lives. 

We’re here for you if you need us.

Nicola 

Mine has started working again...!

Thank you. I’m finding my way round site. Everyone treats me differently since diagnosis. I know they care and probably don’t know what to say. Don’t know what will help. Not sleeping is biggest problem just now 

I think that's it exactly- people just don't know what to say to us. I get it. Humor is a good coping technique, but it deserts me frequently when I need it most.

Have you tried melatonin? I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I find it the most effective with also the fewest side effects. Benadryl will put me under but I pay for it the next day. I also take a hot bath with epsom salts every night before bed, with a wee treat (which I should forego) and a good book (which is essential.) Sleepytime tea is also surprisingly helpful.

Hugs

Suz

i'm also very sorry to hear this. Seems to me there are no guarantees even if clear. I could easily be following in your path.   Trying to come to terms with it all is devastating.    Sleep is non existent for me Im asking the GP for some temporary sleeping pills maybe you could too?