Trying to get ready, CT scan tomorrow, biopsy next week, but the doctor said...anal cancer

Hi, welcome. I think most of us here find any panties which are soft and have no seams are easiest. Some find mens soft boxers are good, and I think I have heard period pants mentioned here too which might be useful if you are bleeding before you start treatment. I did not find it made me bleed, but I did have some discharge. 

I had quite a lot of pain before I started although mine was in my bottom but I did find once I started radiotherapy it had an effect quite quickly and that was such a relief!

You might find a sitz bath is helpful to you. It can be used to soothe you or keep clean, and you can even use it as a loo, many people find it much more comfortable to actually 'go' into warm water.

I found the radiotherapy team were great and gave me cream to apply right from the beginning to protect the skin as much as possible. You will find when you start that there are people who will guide and help - it depends on the hospital but I found the radiotherapy team were really supportive.

This course of treatment can be a bit harsh on your body, but it is extremely effective. I wish you all the best - please let us know how it goes.

Thanks, I will concentrate on no seams and loose ...And I truly appreciate your answer, it is very supportive in this very shaky time 

I understand - this is a horrible time for you, but at least your doc has told you you have AC without keeping you waiting for results. Have a read around this forum for information, don't spend too long Googling. There is a lot of nonsense and outdated information out there on line, so if you want to read about AC, use the NHS website, or Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.

Try to think of this time as preparation. Start gathering things to read, or listing TV things to watch. Also think about shopping and preparing light meals in case you just can't be bothered cooking. Buy some treats too. Start moisturising your skin with something gentle and unscented, make sure you do your bottom and around your vagina too if you can. Some people like Aveeno or E45, but check whatever you choose to make sure it is suitable for that sort of use.

You will definitely feel better once you start your treatment - there is just a feeling of having some control back, and the thought that you are on your way to good health again really picks you up.

xxx

Hi 3rdTimee9c011 

Welcome to the group. I wore and still do some days mens baggy boxers from Tesco. While I was at home during treatment I tended to go commando. Sending hugs. Xx

Hello 3rdTimee9c011 

A warm welcome to the forum although I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  Mrs Vanilla and Bungle1 have given some sterling advice for prep prior to treatment so I won't repeat that.  I am assuming that your bleeding is due to the anal cancer, there are quite a few forum members who found that once treatment started the effect on their tumour was quite dramatic very early on, so you may find that this problem for you will be solved quite quickly.  I also wore Tena incontinence briefs to treatment as I had quite bad diarrhoea, I never needed them but felt a little more confident.

I hadn't heard of vulvodynia which sounds really unpleasant in itself, but you may find that any painkillers that you are given will help dull the effects of this as well.  Please don't hesitate in letting your treating team know if you need anything, they are normally very responsive to easing the discomfort that can the treatment can bring.

I spent a fair bit of time in the latter stages of treatment in bed, lying on a disposable sheet and wearing nothing at all, interspersed with lowering my nether regions into lukewarm water in the Sitzbath.

Everyone on here has been or is going through treatment.  It definitely is a shaky time and we are all thinking of you and virtually holding your hand.  

Big hug

Irene xx

omg...I had not even thought about disposable sheets or something like that....

Hi 3rdTimee9c011 , another warm welcome from me to the MacMillan Online Community although I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this right now. It really is a scary time & an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.

As Irene has said you’ve had some great advice already in response to your question so I’ll not repeat.

Most of us here have had this treatment & have navigated our way through with hints & tips from those that have gone through it before us so please do just ask if there’s anything else at all you think we may be able to help with. 

Remember we’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola 

3rdTimee9c011 

Please don't worry - I bought them as I had a really upset stomach during treatment but couldn't face wearing Tena pants in bed.  In the event I only had a very small amount of leakage and only had to throw away the disposable sheet and replace.

Irene xx