One year on from treatment - symptoms persist

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I havent posted on here for a year now partly because i didnt feel the need but partly because i wanted my cancer to be in the past.

in the last few months however it has become apparent that in one respect my life has not returned to how it was before my diagnosis. This being that i still find it really hard to control my bowels, i seem to have hardly any notice of needing to go and this means that increasingly i am putting off activities as simple as walking the dogs! Does anyone else have this and how have you managed it please? Im being scanned regularly but no longer linked to the support services that were there when i was undergoing radiotherapy and then chemo. 

  • Hi  Am I correct in saying that you didn’t have surgery as you had a complete response to the chemo and radiotherapy? When was your last scan? 
    It’s reassuring that your recent checkups have been clear but any change in bowel habits should still be checked out? I’d be tempted to have a chat with your GP and see what they advise the next step to be. It may be that the loose bowels are a continuing side effect from your treatment and can be managed with Imodium/loperamide or it might be something like ibs? Always best to err on the safe side and get medical advice

    Take care and please let us know how you get on?

    Karen x

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
    1. Thanks Karen

    yes i was fortunate, the treatment completely reduced the tumour with no need for surgery. I had a colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago, all clear still which is good. I never see anyone to talk to about the continuing symptoms as the staff are just there for the procedure or the mri/ct scan . Its quite a disjointed service after the treatment has finished i have found. I will make an appointment with the GP. I take Loperamide most days as a way of enabling me to continue daily activities.

    thanks for the reply Blush

  • Good to hear that the recent colonoscopy was clear  There might be some helpful information on here?

    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/general/232375/regaining-bowel-control

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
  • I had numerous bowel control problems after radiation treatment. And I was told that radiation could damage the pelvic floor muscles. Due to the extensive damage from the tumor, I got a permanent colostomy about 8 months after finishing radiation so I never pursued treatment. I suggest you discuss with your doctor, they may be able to refer you to physical therapy or some other treatment option.