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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?
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T3,N0,M0 - 8 years later
Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with this cancer and staged at T3,N0,MO and I was 38 years of age, a new widow and a mom to a newborn baby. I thought then that my diagnosis was a 'death' sentence and I was incredibly scared to my very soul. I set my life up to look after my son when I passed away and I thought my life was…
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Back to the OR
I have been having a rough couple of weeks with pain, itching, bleeding, etc... I have seen the doctor twice in the last 4 weeks and I will be having a biopsy in the OR this Thursday the 24th, was hoping to go in last week but no openings to be had, doc was all booked. Last scope was at the end of August and was all good,…
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Chemo Mouth
For those that got "Chemo Mouth" how long did the sores last and any information on prevention/coping is appreciated. I am understanding this becomes evident week 2 correct? I know about the Magic Mouth wash. Tomorrow starts my journey...
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Long term effects eight years after treatment
I thought it a good idea to make a post about the long term effects that I STILL have 8 years after treatment for this cancer. 1. Food sensitivities - I find that I will get very very loose stools almost immediately if I eat greasy or fatty foods. This includes chinese food etc. Within 5 minutes, I am RUSHING to the…
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New to the forum but not new to pain
Hello I am 3 days post treatment for anal cancer. I am 38 yrs old and already a cancer survivor from lymphoma 17 years ago. My mom discovered your forum and we have tried numerous suggestions. Will the pain ever end? bowel movements are agonizing and urination is very painful. This cancer is brutal. Can anyone offer any…
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Aloe Vera
I am still uncertain on the use of ointments etc during radiation treatments. My radiation team says using them after treatment (daily) is what they recommend. They gave me Aquaphor healing oint and CeraVe moisturizing cream. I know nothing is to be applied within 4 hours of daily treatments. Aloe Vera has been…
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does anyone know...?
Hope everyone is well and good, and that the new year brings all good things. Does anyone know what the statistics are for tumor recurrance of a sucessfully treated T1 (no mets) anal squamous cell carcinoma? I don't mean five years out, I mean, like one. Thanks.
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Standard Radiation Dose?
Does anybody know the standard for the radiation dose? Is there one? How is this determined?
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Greetings from greta
Please excuse the long post. A number of members have posed questions on the discussion boards or emailed me for more information about the CSN study that has been underway since November 2013. I thought it might be helpful to post the most common questions and my answers. What is the CSN survey? What is its purpose? The…
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Health insurance and cancer
Reading LaCance's post has me wondering about the wide variation in health insurance plans. I am wondering how much out of pocket costs this cancer has cost us all. Also, has anyone else bought health insurance on the Obamacare exchanges? Do the plans look like they cover more. I am thrilled that there are no more lifetime…
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Holy Cow Biopsies Hurt
Just had my 9 month follow up with the usual sigmoidoscopy. I have a new doctor as my old one relocated. My first woman doc on my team. She is very thorough and ended up taking a biopsy of a spot. OMG that hurt. They should warn patients first. I can't believe they do nothing to numb you. Excuse me but that was much more…
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Newbie
Today I am starting my third week of treatment for anal cancer. I have not been told what stage it is, though I have had a PET scan. I do know that it is early, invasive, not beyond the anal canal. I have done pretty well side effect-wise so far. I had mucositis and thrush, but Magic Mouthwash did the trick. I started with…
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medical bankruptcy
http://www.today.com/money/biggest-cause-personal-bankruptcy-medical-bills-6C10442408 for those who are interested....
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HPV and Immunogobulin G and other things I don't understand
Hi everyone, I got a titanium post in my head but have to wait until February for the processor and to hear again on my left side. As most of you know I am 2.5 years post tx and had an attack of vertigo that left me profoundly (that means absolutely, totally) deaf in my left ear. Then I had a raging "asthma" attack. I was…
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How important this support forum is.
Happy New Year! The reason I am taking the time to write this today is to stress how important this support system is to many. Not just for anal cancer but a support for all as people face many kinds of adversity. People will say they do not need this kind of mental help, or maybe they only need it for a little while. I am…
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Treatment Tips & Insights, 5 month post treatment
I was stage 2, lucky, very localized tumor was removed by colorectal surgeon prior to treatment (at the time it was an "unknown mass"). Treatment was 25 days radiation with chemo weeks 1 and 5. Pretty standard I think. I was lucky to be put in touch with 2 survivors who gave me advice and support and a feeling of not being…
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Diagnosed yesterday
Hello Everyone, My name is Thom and I was diagnosed yesterday per results of biopsy. I next will get CT scan and port placed. I am scared. Looking forward to the support and advice here. Please feel free to contact me.
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Post Treatment Care
I'm finding it very challenging to get help or admission from my docs regarding the PN I'm experiencing in my hands and feet. They all look at me like I'm crazy. My oncologist nurse actually told me the doctor probably would not believe that my PN is related to chemo as it started five or six months after treatment ended.…
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HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year to all the good people on this board. I wish you all health and happiness in the coming year.