Newly Diagnosed with Anal Cancer

Hello Shetal 

A warm welcome to the forum although I am very sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  All of us here on the forum have either been thorough or are going through the same treatment and we have lots of tips and coping strategies we can share.

My treatment ended almost four years ago, I am in London but continue visiting the hospital for scans for the time being.

Do you have any idea when your treatment will start?  I ask as normally they will do other scans and checks prior to treatment starting and there can be a bit of a wait whilst they work out the best course of treatment for you.  But with any luck you will be through and out the other side before spring, something to look forward to!

In the meantime, I would start moisturising the whole of your nether regions, just not immediately before treatment.  My essential purchase was a Sitzbath, a portable bidet that sits on the loo and is wonderful for soothing the area at any time.

And we are always here to support should you need it.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi! Pretty sure I’m already chatting to you on Facebook so I won’t repeat here. This is another really helpful, reassuring and supportive group. 
Sarah x

Thats awesome !! X

HI Irene

Thank You so much for the warm welcome.

Okay so I start moisturising now. I have my planning next Wednesday the 14th of January. I will get a provisional start date then.. I've seen the Sitzbath. I only have a toliet upstairs, Do you have any problem going up and down the stairs or is it just sitting please that I will have an issue with?

Lots of hugs

Shetal

xxx

I was fine going up and down stairs. You’ll be sore between your bum cheeks and maybe on your knicker line at the top of your legs at the front. At the end of treatment I was uncomfortable walking for more than about 15 minutes. But it’s good to try and get a bit of exercise each day if you can. x

Hi Shetal welcome to the forum although im sorry you have found yourself here. Im uk based, 14 months post treatment and currently cancer free. Like Irene75359 has said moisturise. My essentials during treatment were water wipes, mens baggy boxers and a limbo sleeve as i had my chemo via a picc line. Sending hugs. X

Hi Shetal , another warm welcome from me although I’m really sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.

I’m based just south of Newcastle & received my treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. I’ll be 8 years post diagnosis in February & 8 years post treatment in June.

Most of us here have been through the chemoradiotherapy that you’re preparing for. You’ll find our lovely members here have a multitude of helpful hints & tips for things that arise during & after treatment. Please feel free to just ask if you’ve any specific questions, obviously we’re not medically trained but can offer lots of support from our own experiences. 

Wishing you the best of luck with your planning scan next week. 

Nicola 

Hello again Shetal 

I never had a problem with stairs during treatment but towards the end I was feeling very tender.  I bought an inflatable pregnancy ring from Boots which definitely helped, I used it in bed and when sitting anywhere at home.

It wasn't until you mentioned sitting that I remembered about the Boots pregnancy ring, it is amazing how the memory of the temporary pain and discomfort does fade!

We will help you through this, we have all been there.

Irene xx

Hi,

I had my treatment at mount vernon ( March /april 2025) 
so anything I can help with please shout.

the radiographers were all lovely.

The water’s not to good, so I’d take your own, or squash to drink before treatment

Ask for a parking permit, then you only have to pay £1, which helps when you’re there every day.

Sue

Hello Shetal,

Another warm welcome from me, although I’m sorry about your diagnosis. So glad that you’ve found the forum as there is so much support and advice here.

I am almost 14 months post treatment, which took place in Brighton. I certainly remember the shock of diagnosis and the pre treatment anxiety and wish I’d been aware of this wonderful resource them.

Please ask any questions as they arise and I know that everyone here will do their best to advise. You are probably having lots of appointments right now and it can actually be a relief to get started. 

Wishing you all the best for mapping scan and all the other prep. The treatment can be tough as it progresses, but it’s doable and highly effective

xx