Anal cancer, diagnosis, treatment and surgery

Hi BoboBows Welcome to the forum.  what a roller coaster you've been on, I'm happy for you that things are now all sorted and you can get on with your life.  Sending hugs. Xx

Hello BoboBows 

Gosh, you really have been through the mill, I am so sorry.  And what a warrior you are, back at work (full-time, my jaw dropped!) after such major surgery, your post will give much hope to others facing the same path.  And what wonderful news that your latest scans show no activity.

Your account of your experience is testament of what can be done when the initial course of treatment fails and although it isn't for the faint-hearted I am so happy to hear that your life seems to be getting back on track.

Thank you for sharing this with us, and I wish you all the very best in your continued recovery.

Big hug

Irene xx  

Hi Bobobows 

Your experience is so similar to mine . I was diagnosed in November 24 and was having chemo and radiotherapy January/February  25. My 3 month scan came back clear but my 6 month scan showed the cancer had come back. I was admitted on 19th December for my APR and stoma operation which took 15 hours all told.

I was discharged after a three week stay. This is where our stories digress, you recovered much more quickly than me. I am still being very careful about lifting things, I'm not driving yet, I'm only just walking my dog for short walks. I can sit for about an hour at a time. My butt is still hot and feels hard and is very painful all the time. I had over granulation and have had to have that peeled, cut and cauterised. I'm definitely feeling more positive and don't mind accepting a new normal, I just wish it would be pain free.

Well done on returning to work so quickly, you should be very proud of yourself and it gives so much hope for others going through the same journey. Congrats again!!

Take care

Jeenie xxx

Thank you everyone for your lovely replies. It has been a big rollercoaster but I was so determined to keep myself fit before and after surgery. I have always been into fitness and kept this up as much as I could. I’m pretty sure it helped me through as did my amazing family.

I will say that although I am always a positive person, there were many dark days where I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it or even have any quality of life at all. My bottom is still not fully healed and there are definite issues with my internal areas but I just see these as minor issues after all I have been through. My work is very physical too but my boss has been amazing. So supportive and understanding but it helps her very best friend has terminal cancer so she totally gets it. There were many days were I didn’t feel like doing anything but knew lying down to this could be an easy option. Not going to happen. Stubborn streak kept me going.

Hello Jeenie2001 

I am so sorry that your recovery has been difficult and that you are still experiencing so much pain.  It does you great credit that you are feeling positive in spite of everything you have gone and are going through and I hope your new normal without pain comes very soon.

Gentle hug

Irene xx

Thank you Irene for the message. It is very kind of you to reply. I'm quite determined to beat this and get back to some sort of quality of life.  There's no point moping around, that's not going to get you anywhere. Take care, hugs 

Jeenie xxx

You just keep on fighting,  yes we all have had dark days and I'm sure there will be more to come.

I know I feel guilty because I've survived and so many haven't but we have to carry on to be the torch bearers for those who still have this journey to travel.

Take care

Jeenie xxxx

I was just diagnosed and appreciate the support of everyone so far on this forum. Although I'm sorry that you've had a rough go of it, I'm happy to hear the last scan was good and that things seem to be turning around for you. Cheers to that!

Another warm welcome from me BoboBows & thank you so much for sharing your journey so far.

It’s awful that you’ve had to go through so much but I’m over the moon for you that your most recent scans have come back baring good news. 

I have everything crossed that you have nothing but a healthy, happy future ahead of you. 

Nicola 

Hi Jeenie2001 ,

I’m so sorry that you’re finding your recovery difficult. It sounds as though you’ve had some hiccups during your recovery but your positivity, determination & willingness to accept a ‘new normal’ is admirable & I’m sure it will get you to the place you need to be to begin living your life again. 

Wishing you continued success in your recovery & sending lots of healing thoughts your way. 

Nicola