Feelings

Hi Squeak welcome to the group. Yes it’s absolutely normal! How are we supposed to feel when we have been told we have cancer, Anal cancer at that! I googled why I got it and it came down to I was just unlucky. Yes we get it from sexual contact and sex happens otherwise we wouldn’t be here. I have had limited partners and was at first shocked as if you believe the Google sites it’s mostly about having multiple partners and so what if some do. I know some of my friends have had very adventurous sex lives and they haven’t experienced anal cancer so all this shame because of the word sex is rubbish. At least you have a start date and if you read a few of these blogs you will get lots of tips along the way. I was stage 2 and now over three and a half years post treatment. I’m living life and of on a cruise today for the Christmas season and apart from a couple of life changes via diet life is great. It’s short sharp and can be tough for some and not so for others but we learn along the way how to ease symptoms. Sorry I can’t say much more as I have to go. Good luck.

Julie

Thank you Jacyee12..

Hope you have a wonderful holiday x

Hi Squeak

I too have been diagnosed with anal cancer stage 2. I start the same treatment on 30th December. 

I can understand exactly how you feel, I am feeling the same.  Whilst I have only been in a stable relationship in the past 8 years before that I was on my own for 17 years, so am at a loss to understand how this happened to me.  As Jaycee12 says if you google it it implies you've had multiple partners etc. I know when I read all it has to say I felt dirty and somewhat disgusted with myself. Feeling low is normal, I have my bad days but there are always good days too. 

I wish you all the best with your treatment and there will be light on the other side! I'm sure of it, in fact I'm hanging on to the fact the loads of people seem to have treated and be cancer free! 

Best wishes Jeenie

Hi Squeak, 

How and why some of us develop cancer can never come from one simple cause. For instance, in my time I've known heavy smokers live into their nineties and remain cancer free. Getting cancer is just bad luck. And certainly not your - or anyone's -  fault. We have enough to get on with without beating ourselves up over getting it! And talking of luck - how lucky are we to have state of the art treatments that were not available even a few years ago? I started my chemoradiation treatment for anal cancer on October 14 and finished it on November 20. Since then I have struggled. But at last, after three long weeks, I'm feeling positive signs of recovery. I think it's taken this long with me because I'm in my late 70s. It's different for everyone. I wish you well on your cancer path. Banish fear and guilt! Put your faith in our marvellous NHS and look forward to a cancer free future. Rups

Hi Jeenie

Thank you for taking the time to respond..

I too have good and bad days.. I'm learning to not be so hard on myself and just focus on  getting through the treatment and coming out the other side fighting fit..

Good luck for your treatment and sending lots of best wishes for your recovery 

X

Hi Rup

Thank you for your response and great to hear you starting to feel a little better..

We are very lucky to be given the treatment and as you say banish the guilt and feeling ashamed..

Im looking at keeping myself as fit as I can before the treatment so I can (fingers crossed) recovery easier...

X