symptom question

Krissy59

I finished treatment 6 months ago and have been doing very well since. Now, I have an area near the anal opening that is itchy and irritated. There is a very small raised spot that is somewhat firm. Have any of you experienced this? Could this just be irritation related to the area being very fragile from having radiation or should I be concerned?

Also, do all of you see a colorectal surgeon? If so, was it because that is who found your cancer or did you start seeing one after being diagnosed? I don't currently see one but I'm wondering if I should.

Thank you all for your help!

Krissy

jcruz

doctors

I see a surgeon and 2 oncologists.  I was initially diagnosed by my gastroenterologist after a flexible sigmoidoscopy and then she referred me to a surgeon and an oncologist.  The diagnosis was confirmed by a biopsy done by the surgeon.  I am now about 15 months post-treatment and have had 2 "six-month" scans and follow-up appointments with all 3 doctors.  After the last round of appointments in October I had another biopsy and follow-ups with the surgeon and will see all the doctors again at various intervals over the next 3-6 months.  I thought I might have a sort of regular 6 month schedule but each doctor has wanted to see me at different times.  

As for your question about the itching and irritation I would suggest talking to the radiation oncologist about it and then you could ask also about seeing a surgeon as part of your follow-ups.

OMG 1012

dr's dr's dr's

I decided that the Radiation Dr was no longer needed (cant do anymore for me) why see them--as for the chemo Dr, she pissed me off didnt even see her at my appt when i completed tretement, saw a nurse--If I am going to pay good money to see "the experts" that is what I expect, I have wonderful results with the Colon Rectal Cancer Specialist and I feel that is all I need at this time, PLEASE go with what you think I was only stage 1 so I am sure it is all a matter of choice and stage and preference

mp327

Krissy59

My colorectal surgeon is the doctor who correctly diagnosed me after my internist told me I had a bleeding hemorrhoid.  However, the internist did make the referral to the CR doctor, not because of my bleeding, but because I was 54 years old and had not yet had my first colonoscopy.  Her thinking was that if I saw a CR doctor, that doc could also take care of my "bleeding hemorrhoid."  I have continued seeing my colorectal doctor since diagnosis and she is the one who does my anoscopes, which were every 3 months, but are now every 6 months.  I think it would be a good idea to have a CR doctor and I'm amazed at the number of people diagnosed with anal cancer who do not have one. 

As for the spot you've discovered, I would definitely have it looked at. 

TraceyUSA

Krissy

I felt something similar a few months after treatment.  I panicked and saw my radiation oncologist the same day.  He did not see anything out of the ordinary and monitored it every couple of weekds for a month or two.  Looking back, I believe it was all part of the healing process and "damage" from radiation.  Have it checked out - one think I've learnt from this diagnosis is not to put things off.

I see 3 doctors:  radiation oncologist, chemo oncologist & colorectal surgeon.  The RO orders the CT/PET scans, the CO orders pelvic/abdominal MRIs & bloodwork and the surgeon does an anoscopy.  Like someone else said they all have the own schedule, not exactly coordinated at the 3 or 6 month mark (i.e., I had a PET in Oct., MRI in Dec., anoscopy scheduled for Feb. and next PET scheduled for April).  It may seem like a lot but they have exlplained that each test has it's own value.  At this point in time (10 months post treatment), I'm choosing to do every test they want since it helps to give me a piece of mind.

Krissy59

Thank you

Thank you all for your responses. I am planning to make an appointment with a colorectal surgeon as it seems like I should be seeing that type of doctor in addition to my oncologists.