Gyn question

Mm, I am not a old timer either and I don't have a IUD  and I'm single but and had a hysterectomy many years ago I did take estrogen replacem but I don't know how much that helped but darn the radiation using a simple applicator for yeast infection cream is like using a baseball bat where only a pea shooter should go. I haven't used the dilator much either it's so painful just my finger but enough about me as welll too. It's also just my opinion that you let them take the IUD out but I understand your trepidation but maybe now is better than down the road when you might have a complication from it being there. I'm so sorry that the radiation oncologist didn't have you take it out. My best wishes, thought and prayers are with you as you go forward,

~~ Kim

I want to send all good thoughts and best wishes to you for a successful surgery.  Hugs!

That is great news!  I hope you recover quickly!  Healing hugs to you!

Its good to hear that the surgery is behind you and that they got the IUD out I'm with Wisteria in the mad department and I while have never sued anyone personally my son is a personal injury lawyer so I do think there are time people should  and I too think that you have case that gyn really should have taken out your IUD. I'm glad for you that they did the anoscopy under sedation too I've been awake during mine and while I got through so far the trepidation I have when it's time fir them is huge so I understand you not wanting to be awake for it I'm aso happy that your doc doesn't think anything is there too. My thoughts and prayers con to be with you. 

~~ Kim

I've been following this thread, though I'd chime in.  I try to imagine having a IUD in place during radiation, and then it's stuck and they have to dig it out, and I just can't go further.  Thank goodness they got it out! And hurray for good biopsy results!  Now you just have to heal from all this.  I'm thinking of you!

I have wanted to sue my GP who told me I was just getting older when I went to see him because I knew something was wrong.  Then there's the GI doctor who missed the tumor when he did the first colonoscopy, but I love him, he's been the sweetest doctor all along.  It is rare cancer, as people have pointed out, and they don't expect it.  And, why don't ob gyn's do regular anal pap smears?  They certainly should.  If we'd known I had hpv in my anus we perhaps could have cought the cancer earlier.  Sorry for the rant about me...  Mollymaude, I'm so glad you are doing well and got the IUD out and no signs of cancer!!!!!

xo

Jane

Hi,  I am 22 months post treatment for T1 Squamous Cell  Anal Cancer.  I had 28 radiation treatments, and Chemo on the 1st and last week. 5FU and Mytomycin. I see the medical Oncologist and have had CAT scans just about every 6 months and see a Colo-Rectal Dr for an exam of the former tumor site every 3 to 4 months. So far no signs of cancer.  I have the same bowel issues that I have seen mentioned, with urgency being the most bothersome, but I can manage, Citrucel helps. I feel very fortunate that I did not have any more serious issues during and after treatments other than the usual pain from radiation, loss of appetitie, nausea et.  I lost about 20 lbs. and have gained back about 5 of that, still do not have a very good appetite. I also can not eat certain foods now, especially some raw fruits and veggies, and fried foods.....love fried seafood in the summer.

 My issue is vaginal atrophy. I am 11 years post menopausal, so I did have some dryness and uncomfortableness being itimate with my husband. I was not told before treatment about the effects to expect after. I started using the dialators, there was some minor bleeding and uncomfortablness at first. When I was comfortable inserting one of the larger ones, tried relations with my husband, only to experience excrutiating pain internally, that lasted for almost an hour. Needless to say  I am hesitant to get to that point again. I have mentioned it to my PCP, and medical oncologist, but no one has any advice except keep trying the dialators. I finally went back to my former OB/GYN yesterday, he said I wasn't in as bad shape as it may feel to me and suggested I try Vaginal Estrogen Cream.     I am extremely hesitant, for fear I would be risking another cancer. Has anyone tried this , were there positive results ?

 I won't be seeing my medical oncologist for another 2 months, to ask him.  I would love to have my intimate life back, but I am so much on the fence. I really would like to try the cream to see if it will work, so I kind of don't want to call the oncologist now in case he says no. I figure using it for 1 month may not do any damage...but who knows???

I had a great deal of vaginal pain and dryness after radiation. Estrogen cream made a huge difference 

First of all Thank You you all so much for your input on this issue I am having.

Jane:    My OB/GYN said the same thing about hormone supported cancers and that anal cancer is not in that category.                                                                         

I was thinking the same thing, using the cream for just 1 month may not have any detrimental effects, but may just get me over the hump, to be able to use the dilators, and or have intercourse more comfortably.

Ohmy:   I am feeling so conflicted about using the cream, as you have expressed, but the lubricants alone burn, and keeping things moist with just otc lubricants doesn't give any relief from the pain of the dryness.  Do you still use the dilators? 

Wellzen:  Are you using the estrogen cream ongoing? I was advised to use it for 1 month, and if it helps significantly, I may not have to use it again if I can comfortably have intercourse, or continue to use it intermittently.    I will be thrilled if 1 month's use will get me to the point of being able to comfortably be intimate with my husband....even if I still am not totally back to normal.