My cancer journey update

Hi Figgywig,

As so many on this platform have said, welcome to the club no one wants to join! I'm glad you're on this forum, because there are fabulous, supportive people here who will answer your questions and share their experiences. As for myself, I finished the same treatment you will undergo about 11 months ago. People have different experiences, but I can say that the treatment is doable, if a bit of a challenge towards the end of radiotherapy.

As far as must-haves, sitz baths are great. I don't have a tub, so I bought a portable one. I also bought a peri-bottle, which has been an absolute must for me (I still use it!). I'd also add water wipes and chux (those underpads you can put on your bed so you don't have to change the sheets all the time when things get a little weepy down below towards the end of treatment) to the list.

I am sure there are other items that people will recommend, especially when it comes to skin care (very important), but since I am in the States, we have different products, so I will leave it to those who live in the UK!

Best of luck with your treatment. I know some people on this forum were able to drive themselves to treatment, so hopefully they will chime in. Take care. Xx

Thank you - I have got a sitz already! So one thing in hand. Will definitely order the things for the bed as I ruined numerous towels after my surgery and created huge washing piles that I struggled to deal with! Not heard of a peri bottle - is that to help clean the area? Well done on seeing your treatment through and great to hear you are nearly a year along. Big thank you and I am logging on Amazon now to get ordering and trusting some good cream advice is forthcoming x 

Hi Figgywig,

The peri-bottle is basically a squirt bottle that you use to clean the area (sort of like a portable bidet). Someone on this platform recommended the Happy Po, which I ordered. I also bought a second one with slightly more volume. 

I can't speak for everyone, but my undercarriage is fragile after treatment and I can't use regular toilet paper except to blot dry. My skin simply can't handle it. So the peri-bottle is a must for me.

During treatment, I started with water wipes and then progressed to the peri-bottle as my skin became more impacted by the radiotherapy.

Anyway, I hope this helps and I'm sure the others will make recommendations too. We're all a little different, so it will be great to hear others' thoughts! Xx