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Check Up Time
Well, on the 2nd I have another check up with my Onc. I usually get so anxious at this time going into these check ups. I noticed I have had absolutely no negative thoughts nor any anxieties going into this one. I know everything is going to be just fine, I guess I feel this way since I feel so great. The only concern I…
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Today was the last day....
I am finished with treatment and as you all predicted, it is exciting but a strange feeling. Now its waiting for the tests... how does one handle the anxiety? I see all of you and feel so happy because it seems that most of you are NED. Now 2 month until I have my anoscopy. Then they want to do a PET scan 3 months from now…
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constipation/diarrhea
hi everyone: I am a year and 4 months post radiation. Right now I seem more sensitive to what I eat; I often have days of loose stools. Does anyone else have this challenge? i think what's hard for me is the unpredicability of it.(needing to be near a bathroom) I am so grateful for this site; I read the posts and want to…
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diagnoses
Ok update to my status: I have been to the gyn doctor and the urologist for discharges. The gyn dr determined the discharge I've been experiencing since about 4-6 weeks post chemo/rad treatments have all been a result of menopausal changes. My oncologist asked that stop taking the HRT pills, which was back in June 2010. I…
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new symptoms
Hey y'all, I know I haven't been here in awhile...so much going on. I finished treatment in August, and then this week I have started experiencing tears and bleeding from the rectum. And ALOT of pain. Sissy, you were just a couple of weeks ahead of me in treatment...does any of this sound like something you went thru?
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Final days...
The chemo is done and 8 days of radiation left. My skin has been holding up ok. It's red and is starting to turn black in some areas. It hurts to go to the bathroom but it's still ok. I am hoping that my skin will get through it without breaking down but know, from reading all of your experiences, to expect anything to…
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Chemo induced menopause
I am just wondering if any of you were thrown into menopause from the chemo? I need to go see a Doc and see about some relief. My irritability is bothering me the most (probably bothers others more). Of course, I have a host of other symptoms as well. How have the rest of you dealt with this? N
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last day of treatment
Today was it. I am finished with treatment for my cancer! I made it. The last three were as my doctor promised, minimally painful, with minor skin irritation. Now I get to concentrate on the rest of my healing. I want to comment on something very postive that you all have mentioned at one time or another. And that is how…
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I didn't know THAT could happen...
I haven't been on CSN for many weeks...okay maybe more like almost 2 months...but I learned something about what's been the potential problem I've been having. A brief synopsis: Diagnosed with Anal Cancer on 5/28/10. I had 2 rounds of chemo (4-day packs in July and August), along with 6 weeks of radiation, from which I had…
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Treatment Finished/home from Hospita
Wow, what a week. Just got released from a 6 days stay in the hospital. Did not expect that one. Here's what happened. At the onset of week 6 of treatment, my pain was becoming pretty intense. My whole underside was one big open wound. Sunday night as I walked about the house I literally was leaving a trail of blood in my…
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The days right after radiation treatment ends
After 6 weeks of radiation and chemo the first and final week, I thought I was doing so well . . .until the very last day of treatment and now in the days following ~ whoa, Nellie! I was naive in thinking when the treatment was over, the healing would begin immediately. But my doctor did warn me that it would get worse for…
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Lingering Pain
I am approximately 4 months post treatment (radiation and chemotherapy), lately I have been having painful bowel movements and even had a little blood. It seems like its more so when my stools are firmer that it hurts, but Im not constipated nor would I saw my stools are hard. Maybe they are larger in diameter its hard to…
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Week 5
Thought I would check in, I've just completed week 5 and it was all I thought it was going to be. Almost threw in the towel on Wednesday but reading on this website and seeing all you amazing people fight your way through this, I knew I had to go on. I want to be like you guys. So here I am, Friday, with two days off, and…
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Week 5 now
I am following Darcee and am no going into Week 5... it's really tail end of week 4 for me since we had the holidays and that delayed things. I am starting the second round of chemo on Monday. My white blood count went back up to 3.8, thank God, as otherwise it would have been too low. 13 more radiation appointments with…
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Looking for good colorectal surgeon on the east coast
My husband had a "lesion" that was found yesterday in his rectum. In need of an excellent surgeon. We have no specialist in the field in the area. Does anyone have any experience with the cleveland clinic? We would also consider Florida as we have family there. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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Sitz Baths
Quick Question, many of you have commented on the fact that Green Tea Sitz Baths were soothing. I have the Domeboro solution but would also like to try this Green Tea thing - how do you make it? How many Tea bags, do you brew this in hot water and let them cool? Or is there a simpler way. Thanks, Sitz baths are my new best…
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Discharge
I'm 5 weeks post treatment and about 3 weeks ago I started having a slight discharge. I think it is a vaginal discharge but some of you are talking about a discharge from your urine tract. Sometimes it is slightly brown, other time its more yellow/white. I only see it in the panty liner, not when I wipe. It has a bad odor…
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Pain in the stomach
My last radiation treatment was the end of Sept. 2010. I had a Large mass in my anal canal & the lymph nodes were affected. I had 6 weeks of radiation & chemo (wore a chemo bag). Surgery was not done. Now after almost 3 months, I have constant constipation. My stomach feels bloated & very uncomfortable. I have tried fiber,…
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What to expect?
Need just some advice and overall support. Am going already into week 3 of my treatment. Handled the chemo well with only few side effects other than tiredness and a squeezy stomach. The radiation is ok so far too. Diarrhea is starting on occassion but not to the level were its is too uncomfortable. Still able to eat…
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Happy New ear
WISHING EVERYONE A JOYOUS AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. I AM SO THANKFULL FOR HAVING FOUND THIS SITE IT HAS HELPED ME IN SO MANY WAYS. STAY SAFE AND THINK POSITIVE.
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burning/urine/blood/skin cracking/cleaning pads?
Ok Comrades, need your help. My sis is now dripping urine with a little blood & skin cracking which I presume is normal since she's starting her 6th week. My question is she's allergic to Vit. D which is in the aloe wipes. Do you have any recommendations for wipes versus toilet paper? She sees her doc tomorrow. Any…
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Christmas Wishes
"There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!" Wishing each of you a Christmas filled with memorable moments that are rich with…
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Merry Christmas
This is the time of year I do a lot of reflecting back. I know many of you are just starting the tough fight and many have finished the hard treatment that this disease brings us to. My heart goes out to those going through the treatments this time of year, I know how hard it is physically and mentally since my treatments…
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and the results are in...
PET scan showed slight progression of disease in the same area of the pluera as the original thickening. :( I am going to have a consult with the head of the thoracic radiation department at Moffitt, Dr. Craig Stevens. Ideal would be if the area could be radiated because this cancer responds so well to it. We'll see. I…
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The first step
I am a 65 year old male who lost everything 5 years ago and have been homeless since. I have never been screened for cancer. What's the first step. Thanks
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5-FU infusion + Mytomicyn for 1st and last week
I know the Mytomicyn is the 96 hr drip for 1st and 5th week. Did you all have the 5-FU infusion the first day of the first week ONLY? THANKS, CANDY
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Anxiety
Hi, I am new to this discussion. I am a forty-five year old woman and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer on May 14th of last year. I went through the chemo/radiation, which was successful. No surgery required. My scans so far have been good - I'm scheduled for another CAT scan in July. I should be happy and thankful…
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still pain and inflammation after 16 months
hey, I was stage 2 no nodes, no mets. I get checked every 3 months by either DRE or proctoscope and CT. but they can never tell me why i have inflammation and pain on the left side of anus except that it might be radiation damage. or even perhaps something trying to come back. i still have pain during BM's on left. scares…
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Monday is the first day
It's all arranged. Monday is the first day of radiation. I have not yet heard from the oncologist about the chemo schedule and am starting to wonder... doesn't that usually start the same time? The doctors all are optimistic and say that the cure chances are very good. The treatment difficult, yes but with a positive…
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hair
Im three weeks into radiation & chemo, my hair has'nt fallen out yet, but I woke up with it completly matted, & had to cut it all off.!!! This sound familiar to anyone????? I'm devastated!!!