Stage 2 & blood clots

M1234
M1234 Member Posts: 17
edited October 2012 in Anal Cancer #1
Has anyone had issues with blood clots? Diagnoised 2 weeks ago and symptoms seem to be getting worse - cannot sit comfortably and sharp pains with walking. Now this morning blood clots when passing gas. Any stories or recommendations welcome regarding Stage 2.
I am scheduled to start chemo/radiation in 2 weeks after various scans, classes, etc.
Thank you!

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    M1234
    Hi--I'm very sorry that your diagnosis has led you to this site. However, Stage 2 has high rates of survival, so I hope you will put yourself in a positive-thinking mode! You can beat this disease!

    As for treatment, you will most likely have some side effects. We can help you deal with those because most of us have had at least some of them. Some important things to remember are: 1) Drink plenty of water or other fluids; 2) Begin skin care on day one with something such as Aquaphor and ask for a prescription cream or ointment to have on hand once the Aquaphor is no longer effective; 3) Make sure any cream or ointment is completely removed from your skin prior to receiving a radiation treatment--reapply afterwards; 4) Rinse your mouth frequently with a solution of water and baking soda or salt to help prevent mouth sores; 5) Make sure you get protein in every meal or snack, as it will promote healing.

    You can come here and ask all the questions you may have--someone will most likely have the answer. Just keep in mind that no two journeys are the same. If you prepare yourself well ahead of time, it can make a huge difference and avoid some of the common side effects.

    I wish you all the very best and hope you'll keep us posted on how things go.
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    Blood clots...
    I have been away from my computer for a while so just read your post today. If you are speaking of blood clots when having a bowel movement/gas, yes I had that several times for a couple weeks before my treatment began. I think I should have been more concerned when I now look back. Once I had an uncontrolled bowel movement with a lot of blood and a couple large clots, showered, and went to bed. I was so mentally exhausted I wasn't thinking right. When I woke up I felt sooooo weak, but went to work. That night, same thing. This time I went in to doc, I was severely anemiac by then and needed several pints of blood. Because of my tumor placement and size I needed a colostomy (often this is temporary during treatment), once I had that and treatment began, no more clots. For over twenty years I have had varicouse veins and had superficial clots when pregnant. Often I've had swollen feet and ankles, especially in the year before diagnosed. I can happily say that since finishing treatment I now have ankles again and tho I do wear compression socks at times don't need to like before. Blood clots are not to be taken lightly, and can be a symptom of many things. If you have not mentioned it to your doc yet, please do. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers for successful treatment and smooth recovery.