Just got diagnosed - scared to death!

Hello, 

I am so very sorry you have found yourself in this spot, but also glad you have found this site. I did not know of this forum when diagnosed over 8 years ago now, and surely would have welcomed the support from others in my shoes. You will find that here! 

I do remember when first diagnosed feeling like my head was in a fog and struggling to find anyone who could really relate. My husband was dealing with his own health issues and I too did not want to upset him more. Continue to read through some of the old posts here and while its true you will see a lot of folks dealing with negative effects of treatment, you will also see those people surviving and living full and active lives! Don't be frightened by what you read, as overall this cancer has a good prognosis (albeit a short but tough treatment first.) Keep in mind that people generally post here when they have a concern and so searching for tips and support in how to handle things, and often, when one is not having any issues, they have moved on and seldom have the need to post. So....there are many out there doing great many years down the road and you have every right to believe you will be one of them too!

Im sure you'll have a busy schedule of diagnostic tests, labs, etc. in getting a treatment plan in place. I remember feeling overwhelmed but somehow better once I knew there was a plan of action. Please come here often, because unlike many other cancers this one is hard to talk about with others, its just not one many people ever consider until it happens to them, (yet we all have the same body part.) As you move forward people here will surely chime in to offer tips from their own experience to help you through and before you know it you will be doing the same for someone else.

My advice right now is to eat healthy as a way to boost your body for the effects of treatment, as many people find eating difficult at least for a short time. Please let us know what you find out after your next appointment and I will have you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward.

(For the record, my husband was a bigger help than I expected and more upset to "not" be a part of this with me than I had initially thought. I hope you find the same.)

katheryn

PainInTheBum said:

Thank you for your kind words

Thank you for your kind words Katheryn.  It seems all I can do lately is cry a lot.  My husband has been very supportive but I do not thing he realizes how difficult this will be.  He also has his own health issues and I worry about not being about to help him.  I am so grateful I found this site.  I think it will be a comfort knowing I'm not totally alone and have others going through the same thing as myself.  I will be on here regularly looking for (and hopefully giving to others one day) support.

Crying is ok, and even good. Better than holding everything in...my grandpa used to say "go ahead and have a good cry, it makes your eyes sparkle"... (it made mine red and puffy, lol) but I do feel better after crying anyhow. One way or another this IS going to be ok, it really is! You are absolutely not alone, we are here with you. I know some towns have in-person support groups. While mine has many for cancer in general or other specific ones, I have not been able to find an in-person anal cancer group, but depending on where you live, maybe your doctor could help connect you with one in your area.

Hang in there, and remember to cross bridges when you get to them and don't let your mind drive you bonkers worrying about things you don't know.

katheryn

I welcome you, but sorry you have a reason to be here.  I hope your biopsy results come back soon so that you and your doctors know what you are dealing with.  If you find out you have anal cancer, please know that you have found a good place for information and support.  I went through chemo and radiation for Stage 1 or 2 (mine was right on the line between the two) back in 2008 and I am still here and doing quite well.  If that is the path you must take, know that you can get through it and that we are all here to help you do that.  Please keep us posted on what you find out.  I wish you all the very best.

I'm glad you found us. I'm 5 years out from my diagnosis and went through chemo and radiation as well as added my own alternative therapies. I  had lymph node involvement. There will be bad days ahead and some days when you just wake up with a proofound gratitude for moments. I understand you wanting to spsare your husband, and you can surely vent to us here, but a freakout is understanddable. Dont worry about protecting him right now...ask him for what you need.  Keep in touch, especially when going tthrough treatment.  People on here are great resources of inforrmation, and I swear, though I've never met heer, Martha was an angel! We've got your back (no pun intended)   June

0626june said:

Martha is MP237

It's not letting me edit the subject.  She's MP 327 and she's generous with her support and positivity.

 

Oh my, thank you so much for the nice compliments, although I think there are many others here who are deserving as well!  How are you doing?  I hope all is well with you!  Take good care and post an update when you can!  Thank you again for your kindness!

PainInTheBum said:

Update:  Still in constant

Update:  Still in constant pain, biopsy made it worse, I'm sure.  Diagnosed with squamous cell anal cancer. 4 cm.  Stage 2, I think.  ct scan did not show it had spread but, scheduled for an ultraound tomorrow afternoon because ct scan showed a thickening of my uterus.  Still waiting to hear about appointment with cancer doctor and radiologist.  Hopefully it will be soon.  This waiting is horrible.  Debating on whether to take some percocet for pain so I can function a little better.  Just don't want to get dependant on it so when I really need something for pain it will work.  Thank you for all who respond.  It's comforting to know there are some people out there to share this with that care and have been through it themselves.  You are angels.

Thank you for the update, please continue to keep us posted as you learn more details.

As I said earlier, I did take pain meds prior to and during treatment. As my pain increased the dosage was increased as well and if there was any dependance it was not a lasting issue as I was insructed on how to wean off when recovered. That was 8 years ago now and I have not needed since!

Hang in there...

katheryn

Hello, sorry you have to be here but glad you found the site. You are at a very overwhelming and scary time but try to focus on the high cure rates this cancer has. And my advice is take the Percocet. I was taking pretty high doses of morphine by the time treatment was ending and weaned off with no problem when treatment was over. No sense being in pain on top of everything else you are dealing with now. 

I’m glad you got some pain relief. Being in pain makes everything seem a lot worse. I’m sorry you have to worry about trying to keep up with your sewing work during this. I had the good fortune to have plenty of sick leave from my work and pretty much took three months off. Keep us updated on your treatment if you can.