Anal cancer

Hi Baby mole

I think they have a section on this forum for people in your husbands situation, he may find it helpful. Xx

Just seen consultant confirms it’s anal cancer not rectum  he says which is not as serious as rectum when they remove colon etc for stoma .Going forward down the two week pathway having a PET scan radioactive to ensure no unwanted cells then 5/6 weeks of Radiotherapy/Chemo hoping then the C can do one xx

That's great that you know what you are dealing with and this community is made up of people who are either going through the same treatment path or just completed - full of support and advice.

I'm 13 days post treatment - I did the 28 days of chemo and radiotherapy - the gold standard for anal cancer and it's 90% effective as well as having a plan b!  I shared my weekly reflections and hopefully they are a useful read.   My first bit of advice would be start using a moisturizer now, I used organic coconut oil and applied it as if it was cycling shorts at least twice a day... Our skin takes a battering so anything we can do to help it... 

You'll find lots of really good advice here and pretty soon you'll have a treatment team too - who are the trusted experts. 

Take care and be kind to yourself - and remember we're all here for you too.

Ali 

Hello Babymole

That's one less hurdle to go through - it really is a flurry of investigations and scans in the early days but once your treatment starts there is an end in sight.  The early days around diagnosis are so worrying time, we all remember it with horrible clarity. I hope that you (and your husband) are feeling slightly better knowing things are moving forward.

We have lots of tips and coping strategies so please let us know when you have your treatment plan and we are always here if you just want to let off steam.

Irene xx

Thank you for advise on moisturiser do you put it all over the body daily does the treatment affect skin badly meaning becoming very dry as I have very dry skin anyway .Lovely to hear you have come out the other end and doing well makes me feel very positive reading your comments .Thank you once again xx

Thank you soo much .My husband asked lots of questions today which seems to have taken a lot of weight off his shoulders xx

Hi again Ali could you tell me which coconut oil you used I’ve just been looking on Amazon to order but unsure which one .Thank you x

Hi Baby mole

I'm nearly 3 months post treatment and have dry skin like you. I only used the creams advised by my medical team during treatment, but I do use coconut oil on my skin. This is the one I use.xx

Hello Babymole,

 I’m so sorry that you have had all of the anxiety of waiting for your diagnosis and I certainly remember how awful that period was. At least you now know what you are dealing with and what the treatment plan will be.  Not that that minimises the rollercoaster of feelings you must be going through at this time. 
I’m so glad that you have found this forum as there is so much helpful advice and support and kindness here from many lovely people who are going or have gone through the same journey.

Im glad that you and your husband had the opportunity to ask questions and no doubt there will be many more so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Xx

I’m pleased that you’ve got a definitive diagnosis. The majority of us here have had this treatment & will be able to offer hints & tips & support you should you need us to.

Try & keep at the forefront of your mind that this treatment is very effective & there are many of us here that are testament to that. 

If you feel up to it please let us know how you’re getting on. We’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola