New diagnosis again

Chris

I am not surprised you are really upset that this has developed into anal cancer, your reaction is totally understandable.  I am really sorry that this has happened and the one saving grace is the fact you already have a stoma.  Bowel movements can be extremely painful at the latter end of treatment and having a stoma avoids this.

The treatment is tough but doable, and if you think that it is only five and a half weeks plus recovery time it really isn't long.  And the side effects don't all come at once, it is a very gradual thing mainly towards the end of treatment.  And count off those days, when the course finishes it is such a relief not to have to make the journey to the hospital and everything can be concentrated on rest and recuperation.

It is important that you tell your treating team if anything bothers you, they are normally very quick to help and can prescribe medication, pain killers if needed and dressings on the same day.

And please don't worry about how much you talk - that is what the forum is for and for support should you need it.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Chris

I don't really know much about stomas but the little I do know it will go in your favour as doing a poo was not fun once I got into treatment. Like Irene has said it's not long out of your life to get your health back. Come on here and talk ask questions what ever you need. You will get lots of tips and advice from people, one thing I will say is run everything past your medical team as different hospitals seem to ok different things and things change with time. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Chris  - I feel your anxiety. My radio/chemotherapy course for anal cancer finished a couple of days ago. It took five weeks and three days. I know the pain and soreness will persist a while yet but I also know it’ll be worth it. Half way through my treatment I began (tentatively, I’m English!) to engage with some other patients at Guys Cancer Centre. Beginning, perhaps , with asking how many more days have they left, or some such. I found a real camaraderie sprung up which really helped. Weirdly I also found myself watching films and documentaries that told stories of people in a worse situation than mine. If they can handle it - then so can I! Good luck.