GiGi's Anal Cancer Story - "I believe"

geneviasue said:

Weeks Following Treatments 6-7-8-9

Hello everyone,

I finished treatments on schedule and without delay. I was never so happy to not have to go the doctors office for a day in my entire life. My burns progressed to where my genitals were a raw, shiny flesh. My doctor confirmed them as 2nd degree burns. The top layer of skin no longer existed. I know that sounds bad but understand it's a gradual process and that you really don't realize it until its gone. I also learned that our bodies secret a clear fluid which aids in healing of burns. Both sides and right inside of my gential area was secreting this fluid. This fluid is sticky and in my case it was causing the fleshy sides to stick together. If you can imagine being all one piece there is what it looked like. I was prying the areas apart 3 or 4 times a day but decided that was causing more irritation so I only did it once a day in an effort to keep them from healing together. I posted this on the website as it was happening and I think only one other person experienced this so I don't think it normal to AC patients. Aquaphor was of little value during this because the fluid caused it not to adhere to that area. My doctor called the burn unit at our hospital and they suggested a product known as Greer's Goo. It's a diaper rash solution and I started applying that. I would NOT use that solution prior to ending treatments because it's almost impossible to get off. I used that for one day then I decided to try good old fashion air. I laid in bed for two days with a fan on me and that did miracles!! It was about day 10 post treatment that I felt like I was moving toward "better". The pee sting stopped on day 11. I also started to notice little white circles in the red layers of skin. Those white dots was new skin forming. I was excited. Those little white spots grew over the next week and now the area appears normal now (day 21 pt).

I also experience a urethrea problem during week 7. I want to share that this could be because I had a bladder tact or lift about 10 years ago. The flesh that we (women) have between the urethrea opening and the vagina is called a vestibule. That little area of skin has collapsed. My doctor said two things might be causing that. One being that my internal skin is still very tight and swollen and that if that area was weak that it may be pulling inward because of the swelling and that is may clear up on its own over the next few weeks. Secondly, it could be a bladder prolapse (collapse) and that I will need surgery to correct that. It's not painful but more weird and I want it to be normal again. I think it would probably effect intercourse as well so yes, I want it fixed!!

I'm 21 days post treatment now and returning to work next week. I'll be able to work from home 80% of my week for a couple of months so that's a good thing considering I commute about an hour. I have a diaper bag of sorts that I carry with me (thanks Joy for that suggestion). It has a change of clothes, an adult diaper, washcloths, bottles of water, paper towels and a trash bag for soiled clothes should I need it. I still have very little time to make it to the restroom when I realize I have to go #2. I've heard this improves over time. I'm not taking any meds at this point..for anything. I eat a fiber filled diet so my stool is formed but soft. I'm still cautious of certain acidic foods and dairy but eat pretty much anything else I want. I do use the Aquaphor when I feel dry but that's it.

For me, late week 7 into week 8 was the hardest but you're done with treatment so you focus on just resting and don't force yourself to do anything but that..rest. Sitz baths help too. I'm probably never relax in my tub again though that I don't think about all the baths I've taken in the last month. Sometimes, 4 times a day.

I'll probably not update this post much moving forward unless something significant happens. Trust in the Lord along your journey no matter what and you will get through this

Much love,

Gigi from TN

I'm glad to see your update and know that you are doing well!  May you continue to see improvements and soon have things back to normal!

Stay strong in your faith.  Your faith will carry you through the stormiest times! We are all here to help 24/7 but is surely good to hold the strongest hand. Good luck to you as you begin treatment, and wishing well for all others in treatment or recovering now.