You call this healing?

Kelleb
Kelleb Member Posts: 20
in Anal Cancer #1

Hello all

i made it successfully thru treatment ( more or less). Yay.

so, now in the healing stage. I have battled a fever, low white cells, low potassium, a hospital stay... But mostly now is ITCHING. 

WHAT TO USE FOR THE CRAZY ITCHING??  My poor behind is driving me crazy!

xokb

Comments

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #2
    Kelleb

    Firstly, well done for making it through treatment! Gruelling is a word that readily springs to mind. But you're through and yep! It is healing. The irritation drives you mad doesn't it? I found it worse at night. Benadryl, an antihistamine that is used for skin allergy reactions was one of my best friends (you can get a non-drowsy version) along with my portable bidet. I just used salt water, but I know you can get oatmeal baths etc. 

    good luck for a speedy recovery

    Liz

  • Cazz
    Cazz Member Posts: 106
    #3
    At Least

    the worst is behind you now (sorry :)) and you can start to heal.  I found that a hot bath (others say sitz bath, but I'm not sure what that is even) with just a couple of inches of water and two handsful of baking soda helped not only the skin, but also internally, possibly from the warmth.  I don't like baths but would make myself stay in for 15-20 mins.  If your skin is tough enough to take it, Preparation H ointment, or Recti-care (found at Walgreens) can help.

    It will be a heck of a lot better in only a week or so, you ca do it.

    Carol

  • Kelleb
    Kelleb Member Posts: 20
    #4
    Healing?

    Thanks all! So, now they think I've got a yeast infection...hence itching.

    I must say, the healing phase has been a ****. I am only 1 week from last radiation, 2 weeks since chemo. 1 day after last radiation I developed a fever & ended up in the hospital for 4 days. Then home for 1, then fever again. The Dr. doesn't want me in the hospital as he's afraid I'll pick up more infection. So spent another day in the ER and now HOME. 2nd day. 

    I'm feeling much better in that there's no fever. Now I am trying to get thru this UNBEARABLE itching, burning, and pain. Did you ever feel like you just couldn't catch a break?

     

    xokb

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #5
    Kelleb said:

    Healing?

    Thanks all! So, now they think I've got a yeast infection...hence itching.

    I must say, the healing phase has been a ****. I am only 1 week from last radiation, 2 weeks since chemo. 1 day after last radiation I developed a fever & ended up in the hospital for 4 days. Then home for 1, then fever again. The Dr. doesn't want me in the hospital as he's afraid I'll pick up more infection. So spent another day in the ER and now HOME. 2nd day. 

    I'm feeling much better in that there's no fever. Now I am trying to get thru this UNBEARABLE itching, burning, and pain. Did you ever feel like you just couldn't catch a break?

     

    xokb

    Kelleb

    i had vaginal thrush during treatment. I was on antibiotics throughout treatment so it was likely to happen. Then my liver played up because of the drugs to treat the thrush. Sounds like you've had a rough deal, but you will start to mend soon. The only thing I had to tackle thrush in the end was the Benadryl.

    Liz

  • dpatter03
    dpatter03 Member Posts: 23
    #6
    I love my portable

    I love my portable bidets...have one in each bathroom and a travel one in my bag....benedryl is an essential as well!

     

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #7
    Understand

    Ugh, sadly we all understand.  I got a prescription for Aquaphor with Lidocaine - it helped a bit.  Time helped more.  Healing takes time, try to be patient and kind to yourself.  Not what any of us ever want to hear.  Sending good thoughts for quick healing.

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