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After chemoradiation finished, MRI and CT show "something" still there
My radiation oncologist did a pelvic and anal exam (my cancer started in my rectum and created a fistula when it went into my vagina) and proclaimed me cancer free. The followiing week, I had an MRI which showed something smaller than the cancer but in the same area. My doctor said he's not concerned, because he thinks…
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Two Spring Survivor Events
Yes, you read that correctly! TWO events in one season for anal cancer survivors and their loved ones! We are delighted to announce we will be hosting a meet and greet in Houston, Texas and our second educational forum will be held in San Francisco, California! On March 22, 2013 the HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation will have…
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one year clear....but...
I had the rare side effect of spontaneously falling and am happy to say I am a month without my walker or cane. I was a very strong person before all of this, but I find I am still becoming overwhelmed, and have panic attacks. All the mail, all the emails, all the bills, all the insurance issues and now compounded by…
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no evidence of cancer
I finally received biopsy results from sigmoidoscopy and everything is ok. Doctor felt the bleeding could be a result of severe radiation damage to my colon. She said I would not need to see her again unless my oncologist recommends it. Funny, I swore my radiation oncologist said I should have been seeing a colo-rectal…
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Colonoscopy Schedule
Ugh. I thought I was done with doctors for a bit. I had my colonoscopy which found my cancer a year ago November. Their office wants me back for a follow up. I feel like it's too soon with all my scar tissue. I've left a message with my colorectal surgeons office questioning this. It was my understanding two years is…
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Houston..
In Houston. Just finished TWO HOUR MRI. I've never has one last that long!
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Genetically modified foods
If you are like me, and want to eat only healthy and whole foods after surviving cancer(s), you might want to avoid eating genetically modified food. Our government does not require labeling foods that have been modified. I personally think that we have a right to know what we are putting into our bodies. Here is a guide I…
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Finishing chemo today!
I was diagnosed with a large Stage 2 rectal cancer on May 23rd. Went through radiation, chemo and surgery in October. Today I'm finishing chemo and this treatment left me with a colostomy and neuropathy in my hands and feet. I'm still very grateful, because without this treatment I would be dying or dead by now. Ill have a…
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2 months post treatment, still dealing with diarrhea
It is so bad at times, that I can't leave the house. The farthest I have been able to travel is 20 minutes before I start searching frantically for a restroom, and pray that it is somewhat clean. I tried metamucil to bulk up the stools, but then I would start bloating to the 6 months pregnant size, so much trapped gas that…
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bleeding but in a different place
Hi everyone! Now I have another issue. I've been having sexual difficulties,meaning it hurts a lot. I use a dialtor and sometimes I forget to use it but mostly I do. (I'm 1 year post treatment). So my man and I have been trying and things were getting a little better until he went up higher and Oh boy it hurt terribly. It…
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Post-treatment analysis of tumor status?
Hi All - I am one month post treatment and my chemo oncologist scheduled a PET scan to determine the staus of my tumor. My insurance company has refused to pay for it, stating that evidence suggests a PET scan is not conclusive for ascertaining the status of the tumor. So what are my other options? Paying the $2500 out of…
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Planned CSN Outage Tonight
Dear Users, CSN will be down for routine maintenance tonight from around midnight to 3:00 AM Eastern Time. We apologize for any inconvenience. The site will be up and running as quickly as possible. Thank you for all you do for CSN! CSN_Nick
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small raised dry scaly patches
im not sure if this is a stupid question but i feel i can ask anythig on this site and feel safe. since treatment for anal cancer almost 1 year ago, i have always noticed one very small spot on both butt cheeks that are close to the inner butt line. these spots are scaly and slightly raised and are getting bigger slowly.…
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2nd day on chemo and radiation
I went in to chemo yesterday and was sent home with a pump so far not many side effects. A little nausea but got meds to help control that. My mouth is a little tight but not painful thank goodness for that so far. I had two days of radation so far I but in couple weeks I will be sore from that. I bought aquaphor not sure…
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Safe skin care products
I just want to share this site with you. It is a publc health site that evaluates the safety of ingredients in skin care products. I just saw that the Dove Body wash that I use is not very safe. You can search lots of products, including make up, or any product applied to the skin. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
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HPV
I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. I remember having a virus in my twenties with these symptoms. A yeast infection, horribly painful hemorrhoids and an extremely high fever and a urinary tract infection. The pain was so unbearable, I rushed to the doctor and he treated each symptom individuAlly.…
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Any ideas...
for hemorrhoid relief? i finished treatment Friday and they just seem to be getting worse. In other ways I am feeling better - appetite returning, head clearing. i probably need to wait it out, huh? Thanks
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Question re. Lungs
Hi, I just had another scan for follow up to new lung nodules in my lungs. It seems several people have mentioned developing lung issues after treatment and I am wonding whether this is coincidence. About a year after treatment, I developed a horrible lung infection. I had never had issues before. I have an appointment…
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To forum. Best wishes for
All. I wish all here on this forum the best with the challenges that you may face. May the joys outweigh the sorrows and the fears be few, and then vanquished. I hope that I've helped a few, and offended fewer than probably I have. Time to move on. Best to you all. May you all find Your Way. lach, signing off.
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Back to the OR again
These last few weeks have been those of some pain, discomfort, bleeding, itching, etc... again. Saw my colorectal surgical oncologist 4 weeks ago and was due back yesterday for a follow up, since I was not feeling any better I called last week to see if I could be seen a week early, unfortunately my doctor was out with an…
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For those with bleeding from radiation proctitis
Not recommending anything for anybody else, I'm simply relating my own experience so that others can put it into their mental toolbox, to be used if desired and deemed prudent. I was treated with argon gas to cauterize the area affected by radiation proctitis, which was the entire area of real estate in there. Argon gas…
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9 months post treatment and bleeding
Hello everyone, My MIL had radiation for 6 weeks and two rounds of Chemo in May of 13 for anal cancer. The cancer is gone and all of her checkups have been good. She often complains of hemorhoids and some pain back there and often has a little bit of blood when she wipes. Is this cause for concern? I have mentioned it all…
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the importance of being one's own advocate
Each person crossing the threshhold of a medical facility, whether for cancer or the flu, must question, doubt and advocate for him or herself, and if necessary, and after weighing all the facts, put the brakes on whatever he or she deems is not in their best interests, regardless of what's being pushed or urged onto…
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Strength
Hello everyone I am 15 days post treatment (yes counting every day). maybe it is too early but I can't seem to get my strength back. Did anyone seek in home physical therapy to help? I spent the majority of my treatment in bed. The fatigue was brutal and the pain agonizing. As always, thank you for your insight.
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side effects getting worse
Hi..I'm one year post treatment and so far I'm cancer free. But I'm still having side effects from the radiation but they seem to get worse, which scares me. So I'm reaching out and asking if anyone else has gone through this. Before I list the side effects I do want to say, I am so thankful and blessed that I have been…
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BLOOD LABS
I had my follow up doc appointments yesterday. Saw everyone. Colo rectal surgeon did the anascope, had a CT scan and saw both Rad and chemo Dr. I've been going every three months. This was the 9 month post treatment visit. My CT scan was good and they are still saying NED. Of course I could not be happier about that.…
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Prescription ointment
Hello Friends I am 3 weeks post-treatment. Still having painful bowel movements and my doctor has prescribed pramoxine to see if I can get some relief. Insurance does not cover it and it is $180. Has anyone tried this? I'm just wondering if it's worth the money and a difference maker.
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Deported!!!
After three years I have finally had my port removed. It would have been sooner but hit that little breast cancer roadblock. It never bothered me to have it, nor am I having a celebration to see it go! ( Other than my sharing of healthy wishes here for us all )......so be well and join in my little celebration!
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Blood
I have an appointment with the doctor in 2 weeks, but today the toilet bowl was filled with fresh blood. This is a first. I am 2 and 1/2 yrs post treatment for this cancer. Ugh! Is this common? I will call tomorrow , but just looking for some reassurance??
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Protein
Does anyone have any receipies for energy/protein smoothies/drinks?