T3 anal cancer diagnosis

Hi Anne,

welcome, but sorry you’ve joined us!

I too was told I had haemorrhoids for ages, do GP’s need more training??

Anyway I finished my treatment yesterday, so am glad to have got that done, it’s been exhausting and taken over my life! I’ve got the worse bit coming apparently, and it is quite uncomfortable but the days go quickly once you’re in a routine 

id advise loads of moisturising, I used Aveeno , at least twice a day and start now, 

Look at buying a sitz bath for soothing later on,

look at getting some cotton boxers shorts with no seams!

Lots of easy food in freezer

ginger biscuits

A a few good books and films 

prioritise yourself, sleep when you need to

hope everything goes smoothly for you

Sue 

Thank you so much for replying . I've made a note of everything and ordered the sitz bath today, as i only have a shower.  I'm struggling now as mine is protruding and very sore. I'm just so very grateful it's only in the pelvis area. It's Anal cancer awareness day on tbr 6th June . The nurses told me ,yes 90% of the people they treat have a heameroid diagnosis first.

Warm wishes Anne

Hello Anne, and welcome. 

Catsmum has given a great list of stuff you might like to get in preparation for your course of treatment. I also bought a portable bidet called a HappyPo (which is about the size of a large toothbrush) which you fill with warm water and can use it to wash your underneath, especially if wiping with paper becomes uncomfortable. 

I just wanted to add that you will hopefully get some relief from your tumour quite soon after you start treatment; I didn't expect it to have an effect on mine so quickly, but I had a really sore bottom and just suddenly realised one day that it had gone.

I was also T3, and had treatment almost four years ago. So far so good.

All the best; stay in touch and let us know how you get on.

Thank you so much for the post. 

I'll check Catsmums post.  I've had a biopsy of my left  groin lymph node today, and it's looking pretty good he said.

It's just daunting,  I live on my own as my husband passed 18 months ago. I think that's what makes me uneasy , as I have 2 little dogs. I'm going for tea time apps for my radiotherapy  i can get patient tansport there and my kids can pick me up after 6 .if I need to crash afterwords , neighbours can pop in .and I have friends who can take them out in the morning. 

I'm finding this site amazingly helpful. .

Warm wishes Anne

Sounds like you are well organised Anne, and have good people around you to support you during your treatment.

Once you have started you will feel a lot more in control of things and you'll quickly find your routine. I found I was pretty tired, but having tea time sessions sounds quite good - you might find you can get through the evening afterwards and just have an early night, maybe with a snooze next day if time allows.

I am very sorry to hear about your husband, it must be very hard for you to now have to deal with this too. 

Please take all the help you can get, and make sure you tell your treatment team about any effects from the chemo or radiation as soon as you feel them.

I wish you all the very best.xx

I’ve found I’m actually ok first thing in the morning (have been sore since week 3,but keep taking the pain killers !) and have found going out for a walk first thing has kept me feeling much better and kept me feeling sane, so hopefully you can walk your dogs for a little walk?

I got a lot of relief from my pre treatment symptoms ( which felt like a serrated knife up my ***!) after a couple of radiotherapy treatments, I was amazed!

Sue

Thanks Sue, I'm going to start on the Painkillers soon. Its getting much more painfull. I'm hoping like you I can get a little walk in a morning , it's just so good to be able to discuss this with others. All we can do is keep everything crossed and do what tbe professionals advise. I do feel in good hands so I'm praying for a good outcome .

Warmest wishes Anne

Hello AGP,

A warm welcome to the forum although I’m sorry that you have this diagnosis. 
Many of us here had long journeys to get to the stage of diagnosis so you are far from alone in that. 
At least now you have a firm treatment plan and some time to get prepared. 

I had the same treatment and mine was T2N1. I also live alone and was worried about that but it was manageable. I made a point of getting out for a walk every day even though in the final week it was more challenging but it helped so much psychologically.

 I won’t repeat what others have said other than stock up with easy foods, good books and soft comfortable clothes, moisturiser and a sitz bath. 

While it’s daunting, it can feel like a relief to finally start treatment and hopefully you’ll have a good team supporting you right through.

 I hope you’re not too sore after your biopsy. 
We are all here to support you and answer any questions at all. 

Sending hugs x

Thank you so much, you have gone a long way to easing my mind.

Hugs gratefully received and returned x

Hi Sue,

Just to say a great big well done on completing treatment yesterday. It can feel quite monumental crossing that final day off and  not to have to do the daily trips.

 I know that this is the hard bit so hope you are able to rest up, take it easy and recover in the days ahead. 

Wishing you well xx