Post anal cancer treatment complications.

Hi,

Great news that you have completed your treatment.

I developed a small rectal prolapse which I hoped would go back into place once things settled down as it was uncomfortable, and tender to touch when washing. I spent ages shoving it back in and then trying to walk with my legs together, only for it to slowly make it's way back out. I did a lot of complaining to the oncologist about it and he said we should wait and see how it went. So we did, and I still have it, four years later. However, it doesn't bother me at all now.

It sounds like yours is quite considerable for them to be doing surgery and I hope it goes well for you; I'm sorry not to be of too much help but I just wanted to say yes, it does happen and I understand a little about the discomfort. I am sure it will feel a lot better once you have had your surgery. Please let us know how it goes.

Thank you so much for your response. Mine is unfortunately so bad it is a quality-of-life issue and causes a great deal of discomfort, hence the need for surgery. My doc says it has nothing to do with all of the treatment I underwent but I'm not convinced. I think radiation has impacts that may not be fully understood or anticipated. Did your doc feel that the prolapse had been triggered in part by the treatment you underwent, or did they feel it was separate. I think it's amazing that you aren't experiencing it anymore but am so happy for you. Did it heal on its own?

Oh yes, it was definitely due to the radiotherapy; it appeared just as I was coming to the last week and was just part of that final week when my bottom was really sore and burnt. When I asked about why a bit of my bottom was making it's way out of my body I was told it was just something that happens. It gradually became less tender over the months afterward. Having DRE was a bit painful at first but even that is absolutely fine now (except that I have a little stenosis and my onc has fat fingers!) 

So it is still there, but I am not so aware of it now and I can't feel it day to day unless I touch it with my hand in the shower and then it is still a little bit sensitive.

I have accepted that radiation can make a mess of your body but it's just a price worth paying for me to be clear of AC.

Perhaps a full prolapse is unusual, but my oncologist didn't seem at all surprised at my small one. Were you told yours was nothing to do with the radiotherapy?

I was told that and the research I did suggested that , but I'm still not convinced since it came on suddenly at month 3 following the end of treatment. So far I have been cancer free so to your point the radiation was worth it!

Hello One of many

I had anal (not rectal) prolapse, not protruding from my back passage but definitely noticeable in my vagina.  But this was long before my diagnosis and following pregnancies, although I had gone through the menopause.  Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor (yes, I did all the exercises!) and prolapse is common.  I had a repair some years ago and didn't have any problems after later radiotherapy.  So I know this isn't the same thing, but I am wondering if childbirth can affect the rectum as well, and coupled with the affects of radiotherapy...  However, there was a sign up in the radiotherapy department I attended saying 'Radiotherapy can cure cancer' (I think).  Perhaps this was to alert us that there may be associated problems in the future from treatment. 

What you have sounds extremely uncomfortable and I hope the surgery sorts it out once and for all.  Please let us know how you get on.

Irene xx

Oo Irene - I wonder if I had an anal, rather than rectal, prolapse? My doc said it was a minor prolapse but that was all. I imagine a rectal prolapse will be much more substantial. Thanks for pointing this out; I will ask when I have my next appointment.

Mrs Vanilla 

I had a bulge in my vagina and sometimes couldn't pass urine and my (very kindly!) GP demonstrated with his fingers webbed and interlocked how the pelvic floor gives way and all the organs supported head downwards.  So it may well have been anal - I'm really interested! x