Hello folks. I’m a 64 yr old woman whose life has rapidly ground to a halt after discovering that what I thought was a bad case of piles is actually suspected anal cancer. I’ve had an MRI scan, a CT scan, a stoma and biopsies (still to be told results) and am awaiting a multidisciplinary team telling me what happens next. Seems there may have been some spread. At present I’m on dihydrocodeine and paracetamol - can’t say I find them terribly effective - and I take Oramorph at bedtime. For several weeks now my bum has been so sore I can’t sit or even walk much, and have to spend most of my time lying on my side. Being in this limbo before being told what, if any, treatment is available is torture. I try to think positive, and have been encouraged by some stories on here. But it’s easy to slide into the slough of despond, wondering if I’ll be treatable or if it would even be worth it, if I’ll ever sit or walk comfortably again. I count my blessings I’m retired and I have supportive family and friends. Until you yourself are plunged headlong into this abyss though you can’t truly appreciate how dark and lonely a place it is, while everyone else’s life carries on around you. Obviously everyone’s case is different, but if anyone has been in a similar situation and can offer any light at the end of the tunnel I’d be grateful.
Hi there Sittingduck ,
Firstly welcome to the MacMillan Online Community although I’m really sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.
I’m sorry that you’re feeling so sore & uncomfortable, my oncologist told me to try & stay ahead of any pain, he said to take pain relief regularly whether I felt I needed it or not but it sounds as though you’re already doing that, I would advise that you speak with your Dr & explain that the current medication just isn’t cutting it, it really isn’t a one size fits all.
If your treatment plan turns out to be the gold standard chemoradiotherapy then many people with larger tumours have experienced pretty quick shrinkage of their tumour early on in their treatment, hopefully this will be the case for you & you’ll start feeling a bit more comfortable.
It’s so difficult waiting for results & next steps, you’re sitting with this dreadful news not knowing what comes yet. I really hope you hear something soon.
We’re here to support you however we can.
Nicola
