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Anal Cancer

Archives for January 2014

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…
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.…
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.
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…
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…
Just diagnosis with stage 3b anal cancer
Hi I just started reading your discussion board so I thought I would start blog for support. I am 37 years old with three children and was recently diagnosis with stage 3 b anal cancer. The doctors are saying I have start chemo and radiation and it might be able to remove the cancer. I dont have much hope at this moment…
Protein
Does anyone have any receipies for energy/protein smoothies/drinks?
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.
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!
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...
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…
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…
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…
Standard Radiation Dose?
Does anybody know the standard for the radiation dose? Is there one? How is this determined?
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
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…
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…
medical bankruptcy
http://www.today.com/money/biggest-cause-personal-bankruptcy-medical-bills-6C10442408 for those who are interested....
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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??
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.
I wish you...
...health and happiness in 2014. The rest we can buy. Laz

Anal Cancer

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