1st results meeting with consultant

Hi, I had been told about a 'sitz bath' to help with what I thought was a haemorrhoid (found out last week it is a cancer).

I'd never heard of them but researching online I found these which may help with your situation not having a bathtub. Amazon.co.uk : sitz bath

Hope this is useful for you.

Hi Izzy,

Welcome. It sounds like you are having the same treatment as many of us here - I think it's the standard for that level of AC.

As Papabear has mentioned, you might find a sitz bath helpful. It fits over your toilet and you can just sit with your bottom in water, and you can even use it to go to the loo in - if it gets a bit sore or irritated, going into water can be really helpful, then you can just empty it down the toilet.

You can just use the hand attachment of the shower if it has one to pour water over your bottom, or even just a big jug. You will probably find dry toilet paper too rough, and water will help you keep clean and soothe things. 

I would not try to anticipate too much as regards things like painkillers and anti sickness meds. We all react differently, and any side effects come on quite gradually so you will have time to discuss any discomfort or pain when you see the radiotherapists each day. You might want to start moisturising your skin - the area of your pants - with something gentle and unscented, but that's about all. You will be given all the big stuff by the medical people.

Stay in touch, all the best xx

Hi Papabear. Thanks for your reply. I too had been treated for hemorrhoids for several months before finding out it was a really a cancerous tumor. I already bought a sitz bath that I used after having my biopsy and found it very soothing.  It's just not very deep so may not reach all my sore bits. Anyway I'd like to wish you good luck with all your upcoming treatments. 

Hello Izzy59 

I was also stage IV at diagnosis, if you see my history.  Do you mind me asking where the other cancer is?  Not idle curiosity at all, just that there are all sorts of treatments for this stage and possible spread and I wanted to reassure you.

I don't ever have a bath, I only shower too and that was the same for me all during treatment.  I filled my Sitzbath up to to the brim (thank goodness we have a tiled floor in the bathroom!) and managed to reach most of my sore bits during treatment.  I am hoping that in any case once you start treatment you will see a rapid shrinkage in the tumour, this is the experience of many on here.

I will be thinking of you when you have your ultrasound, please let us know how you get on.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Mrs Vanilla. Thanks for your very helpful reply. I do already have a sitz bath but didn't think it would be deep enough.  As you say I can also make use of the shower head for areas I can't soak.  And I will definitely take your suggestion to start moisturising now. X

Hi Irene, thanks for your reply.  My PET scan showed some small lit up areas in one groin lymph node and some inflammation in my gallbladder.  I know I have gallstones so hopefully that is why its showing inflammation.  I will post an update after I get my next scan results.  X

Hello Izzy59

I had chemoradiation treatment last year and this group was fantastic, information, support, what ever you need to get you through it.

Good luck with your ultrasounds and once treatment starts everything will feel easier.

Sitz bath for me during treatment and start moisturising your bikini area, it really helps to do this pretreatment.

All the very best.

Ally xx

Hi Izzy59 ,

There’s a lot of information to take in at that first meeting isn’t there?

At my first meeting with my colorectal surgeon he said exactly the same about anal cancer being more akin to a skin cancer & far removed from bowel cancer. 

The treatment that’s been explained is standard for anal cancer, did your oncologist say if it would be oral chemo that would be used in your treatment plan? It would be wise to start moisturising now before treatment starts, it will help get your skin in tip top condition before  the radiation. 

As has been already said the Sitz bath you’ve already purchased will be all you need if you feel the need to soak, I also used water wipes instead of loo roll after going to the loo they were far less abrasive.

I really hope you don’t have to wait too long for your ultrasound & that it goes well. Let us know how you get on. 

Nicola 

Hello Izzy59,

Just to say that I’m sorry about your diagnosis and know that it can feel overwhelming. 

This forum is an absolute mine of information and support for all aspects of the treatment. We have all either been or are going through it and can hopefully answer any questions. 

I hope you don’t have to wait too long for your ultrasound and your start date and very much hoping that nothing further shows. 

You have had some good guidance on the sitz bath, moisturising and water wipes so won’t repeat.

Sending hugs xx

Hello Izzy59 

One of my PET scans showed areas in the peritoneum which was inflammation (but not spread) from the tumour that completely disappeared after treatment.  So I will keep everything crossed that what is showing in your gallbladder is due to gallstones and hopefully if it is the lymph node it will be zapped in the line of treatment anyway.

All the very best of luck in your next scan.

Irene xx