33 and dealing with cancer

Hi Holly welcome to the club. A cancer diagnosis is a complete head f**k in my opinion and you go through a whole range of feelings and emotions all completely normal. I'm coming up to 2 months post treatment now and I think I'm doing OK. There are lots of lovely people on here who are either going through it or have been through it. Ask questions or just let of steam whatever you need. My main advice would be to run anything you are going to do or use however harmless you may think it is past your medical team as different hospitals seem to OK different things and also things change with time. For me the things I found essential were water wipes and men's baggy boxers. Sending hugs. Xx 

Forgot to say to remember we are all different and will all react differently to treatment. I didn't work during treatment it just wasn't practical with appointment times and 2 hour round trip to hospital, probably could have for the first couple of weeks if I'd lived closer to the hospital. I finished treatment 6 November and went back to work end November. Xxx

Hi Holly,

Sorry that you have found yourself here but you have come to the right place for support and tips. 

Did they tell you the radiotherapy is Monday to Friday for 51/2 weeks, and it’s gets very tiring so not sure you would even consider working but everyone is different, I did go back to work about 6 weeks after my treatment finished, only because I’d had enough of being off work I had 4 months off My tumour was big 10cm I couldn’t poo I was diagnosed locally advanced T4 N1, SCC and had to have a stoma so had 2 months off before starting my treatment, had treatment then a further 6 weeks off to recoup. 

If you would like any tips I will be more than happy to share what I did and I’m sure there will lots of people on here who will join in and share their journey also.

Take care

Laura x

Hello HonkingGoose

What an awful shock for you, and my heart goes out to you.  I feel for anyone diagnosed with cancer but to hear that at 33 must have been something you had never imagined was the case.  We have a very supportive community here who have all faced the same news as you and we are here to support you every step of the way.

I am reassured that you have a support system in place but it would be a good idea to make sure that you don't have demands on you especially at the end of treatment.

Please come back and let us know when treatment starts - if you have already been reading you will know we have lots of tips.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Holly 

So sorry your going through this so young..

I'm 57 and I still can't get my head around having anal cancer..

I have to say this forum has helped me so much and I don't feel so scared or anxious as everyone on here is or has gone through the same thing..

My treatment starts 6th Jan.. 5 and a half weeks of chemoradiation..

When I saw the oncologist for the first visit to sign all the consent forms I took a notebook in with me with lots of questions which she answered and also explained much more..

I took my hubby in with me in case I forgot what they told me and my sister is coming one day a week when I have my treatment..

If you have a few close friends or family let them support you as well..but know we are here anytime to offer support ..sometimes it helps to talk to outsiders..

Also check with your hospital.. im having treatment at freeman road in newcastle and they have Maggie's which is a place you or your family can go to for support..

Wishing you all the very best 

Hi,

Welcome, I'm sure you'll find lots of support here.

It is a real shock being diagnosed with anal cancer. The positive news is that you are now under the care of a group of professionals who will have dealt with this before, and will be with you all the way through your treatment, and that treatment is very effective.

The medical staff will go through everything with you, and I found some of this quite overwhelming - especially when they went through all the the possible side effects of the treatment. The reality was I had some discomfort, like a burnt bottom, but nothing like as extreme as they mentioned. The radiotherapy team will monitor you, so make sure you tell staff if you have any discomfort at all and they will help.

If you have been reading through this forum you will see many of us have found a sitz bath helpful, and soft comfy boxer pants. Also start thinking about easy foods to prepare as you might just be too weary to start shopping and cooking.

I am three years post treatment and so far doing great, like many people here.

Wishing you all the best - stay in touch.

Hi Holly , 

welcome to a group of amazing people who are going through or been through this journey .. It’s a minefield of questions , advice and reassurance … post as often as you want and someone will be there  to hold your hand , virtually of course and offer help and guidance .

Take care 

Chrissie xx