Just started treatment

sweetones

Recently diagnosed with anal cancer stage 3 A, and just finished 1st week of chemo and first 4 radiation therapy treatments, and am already experiencing extreme pain from RT. I keep reading it usually takes a few weeks to become painful, and am terrified because it is already so intense, and bound to get worse. I usually have constant bowel movements so am taking more Imodium so I don’t irritate it more. I am mostly lying down because I feel so bad. Just started hydrocodone. Any suggestions on how you cope and got through treatment? Thank you

eprogers

so sorry for your pain and difficulties. I just finished chemo and radiation. The pain started early and continued. Was ready to quit the last week. Can’t take pain meds due to low blood pressure

I have been using Dermoplast (OTC) spray as putting any salve on the open burn sores wasn’t going to happen. I started having diarrhea but decided I would go with the diarrhea as it just comes out without the pain of constipation. So if I’m not laying commando on a chuk on my bed in front of the fan I am wearing disposable Underwear and hosing myself off with the hand held shower after every episode.

The Dermoplast stings at first and reduces the pain for several hours so I can get a few hours of sleep.

Again best wishes for your treatments and recovery.

sweetones

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723523#Comment_1723523

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723523#Comment_1723523

Thank you for response, and congratulations on completing your treatment! Must be such a relief. I can’t imagine not being able to take pain meds with this. I’ve ordered the dermalplast and will check with my doctor. I haven’t decided if constipation or diarrhea is worse yet. I tried to quit Imodium, but frequent BMs were tearing me up as much as straining. Best wishes for your recovery and health.