just diagnosed

sandlynn

mddoan

That is exactly how I felt. It seemed to take forever getting the treatment process started. I imagine the change in states and clinics has to be a nightmare. I will pray that it is a smooth transfer and you can get started with your treatments soon. God bless.

sandlynn

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725355#Comment_1725355

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725355#Comment_1725355

sandlynn

Today I had chemo along with radiation and came home with an infusion pump that I will have on until Friday. So far I am feeling OK. I do have meds for nausea, which seem to be working. So now it is onward to kick this cancer in the butt, right where it got me. Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving and there is a lot to be thankful for—friends, family, and support. God bless.

AnnieRB

Keep up the great attitude! And, happy Thanksgiving!

mxperry220

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329769/just-diagnosed

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725416#Comment_1725416

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 anal cancer in 2008. Here are some items you might consider during treatments that I used. Only long term issue I have is frequent bowel movements not knowing when "urge" might hit.

Ensure

Immodium

Jello

Aquaphor

Moist Alcohol Free Towelettes

Hand Held Shower Spray

Bananas

White bread for toast and toasted cheese sandwiches

I liked dill pickles

Gatorade

Sanitary pads to line you underwear

Waterproof pad for your bed that can easily be washed

Loose fitting underwear

Dove body wash for private areas

sandlynn

I am feeling a little better today after the first round of chemo that came with its own pump. That was taken off yesterday and I was given some fluids. I have a bit more energy today. So one week of treatment in the books and 5 to go. I also found a great devotional site for those who are interested in something like that. It is called Cancer companions and you can Google it and it will take you to the site. Just throught I would pass that on.

sandlynn

I have not posted much on here for about a week. I am feeling pretty good right now and ready to start my third week of radiation. I did get some lotion from the oncologist to put on the pelvic region to keep the radiation side effects under control. So far I have not noticed any side effects. Still a little tired, especially in the morning, but as the day goes on I feel pretty good. I am about 1/3 done with treatment.

AnnieRB

Excellent news! Keep up the good work. Make sure you wipe off all lotions around your private area before the radiation treatments. Lotions make the burns worse.

sandlynn

Well had a rough two days on Tues and Wed. I had diarrhea that would not quit. So yesterday was a scheduled visit with the doctor. He ordered stronger meds to control the problem along with some rectal cortisone salve. Also got IV fluids and could not have the radiation treatment. So today I am feeling better and I believe I will be able to have treatment today. The hardest thing for me was not being able to comply with filling my bladder before treatment. Speaking of that—time to start drinking (water that is and I use propel.)

AnnieRB

Hang in there. I ate a banana and peeled apple every day. I needed some fiber. It was hard for me to know when I had to go, vs. not and so I just stuck near the bathroom. But I didn't have the diarrhea that you are describing. Filling my bladder was hard for me too. I drink a lot of water normally, so I had to drink more than they prescribe to make my bladder large enough to move away from the radiation area. I kept a calendar and marked off every day after radiation! Each one, got me closer to being on the other side of treatment. Stay the course! Believe it or not, 6 weeks will pass quickly.

sandlynn

Big day today—half way through treatment. Next week I get the final chemo treatment (infusion and sent home with the pump) Been plagued with diarrhea, so got my meds for that increased today. Saw the doctor for the chemo. Tomorrow I see the radiation oncologist.

Christmas will be quiet for us. I also get a 4 day break from radiation, which will be nice.

When all the treatment is finished, I wait 3 months for another scan and will be praying that there will be no more cancer.

Hope all of you have a Blessed Christmas. If you do not celebrate Christmas then I hope you have a blessed time of year. Hannukah stated this week too, so for all those celebrating the Feast of Lights, blessings to you too.

sandlynn

Been a while sense I posted, so here is the latest. I finished the second and final bout with the chemo this week. The pump went off yesterday after 72 hours. I have 7 more radiation treatments left and then I hope this cancer is history. Has not been easy, but doable. Plagued by lots of diarrhea and several times where I was given extra fluids. Hopefully that will calm down soon. So I hope to start the New Year off cancer free, but won't find out till April . Hope everyone had a good holiday and have a blessed New Year.

jegoodin

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725283#Comment_1725283

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Anal Cancer in July. I had chemo/radiation. I had a horrible reaction to the first chemo. Mouth sores were horrendous and I was placed on a liquid diet. Lost 10 lbs quickly! Dr changed chemo protocol and I had no more issues.
Radiation treatments are easy and quick. Side effects were not! You have to keep everything lubed. Aquaphor was my best friend. Dr also prescribed Morphine gel. It has to be compounded but also helps. I placed ice packs in the anal area. I also “aired out” and let a fan blow in the area. I made it through treatments and then got to recovery. Dr said two weeks would be tough and he was right. Most excruciating pain I have ever experienced! However, by the middle of second went things started going back uphill.
I have one spot near base of vagina that has been difficult to heal. I finally went to a gynecologist. She thinks it’s a precondition I had and ordered a steroid cream. It’s getting better.
I have my Petscan Monday!

Axel7

Hey Sandy,

I finished up my treatments 1.5 years ago, I wanted to offer advice, however I will withhold that as it seems your symptoms are a bit different than mine, I just wanted to say hang in there. I hated that pump but last may I had that port removed and it was the best feeling in the world. my chemo was up front then radiation then robot surgury then a second surgery to remove the bag. it has been almost 1.5 years things are mostly better but I still have to wear depends, but I work and have more good days than bad. I have been on 2 6 month follow up visits with the Oncologist and heard the magic words, "your blood work looks great and your scans are boring" April is my next check up, lets both look forward to getting good news. cheers.

bvharper

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725416#Comment_1725416

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725624#Comment_1725624

I just finished my last chemo radiation on Dec 24th. It only hurts when I poop! Burning pain! I used corn starch between all the folds of my skin to keep things dry and of course silver gel at night. I’m still dizzy when moving around but it’s slowly fading! My energy levels are random! I sleep about 10 hours at night. Hoping for a fast recovery!