Tips to help prepare for Treatment?

I think you have made some good preparations so far. If there are supplies like high quality toilet paper or baby wipes you can stock up on that might be good. I also stocked up on laundry detergen, etc so I didn’t have to make any trips to Walmart. If there are any special occasions that fall during your treatment you might want to get those gifts/cards now too. I went out and got my kids’ Christmas presents early too since that fell during my treatment too. There is a magic mouthwash the oncologist can prescribe for you if the mouth sores get bad, as well as prescription strength diarrhea meds. They will prescribe those if and when you need them. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Focus on how good the results from treatment are, I’m assuming you have no spread to lymph nodes? Prognosis is great for you so all this will be worth it!

Good that you are trying to be prepared as possible.  I had no one to ask for advice when I went through treatment in 2008, so I was pretty clueless.  Treatment could have been easier for me had I known back then what I have learned since.  Here are some things I learned on my own and from others.

DIET:  Your appetite may crash and your taste may change, so be ready to switch things up quickly so you can keep up your weight as much as possible.  Protein is important during treatment, and eggs, chicken and fish are good sources.  Beef (with caution) if your insides can handle it.  Protein shakes and Greek yogurt are also good.  I think the main thing is eat what you have a taste for and just eat!

MOUTH SORES:  On day 1 of treatment, begin swishing with a mix of baking soda or salt in water several times daily.  If that doesn't work, at the first sign of mouth sores, ask your doctor to prescribe Magic Mouthwash for you.

DIARRHEA:  One of the most horrible side effects, especially when the bum starts feeling the burn.  Toilet paper is pretty abrasive, so wipes may be better--just don't flush them unless they are the flushable type.  There is a type of bidet attachment for a toilet that some people use.  As for trying to control the diarrhea, make sure to have Immodium on hand and if that is not effective, ask your doctor to prescribe Lomotil for you.  Try to avoid foods with fiber, primarily fresh fruits and veggies.  If diarrhea plagues you, try the BRAT diet:  Bananas, Rice (white), Applesauce and Toast (white) for short-term relief.

NAUSEA:  Hopefully, your doctors will prescribe anti-nausea meds for you prior to the start of treatment.  Take them at the first hint of queasiness, when they will be the most effective.

RADIATION BURNS:  Yes, it can happen.  I was initially given Aquaphor, but there are other things to try if that doesn't help, such as Aloe and other products, such as Domeboro.  There are many different ones that individuals have tried and found effective.  I wish I could give you more names, but please understand that my treatment was 11 years ago, so I've probably forgotten more than I remember after all these years!

REST:  I was extremely fatigued, a common side effect.  I am not a person who naps during the day, but I found it necessary during treatment.  Rest is good!

PUBLIC PLACES:  Your immune system will be knocked down during treatment, so keep in mind that going out in public, even to the hospital or treatment center, can expose you to germs, viruses, etc.  Avoid people who appear to be sick, such as having a cold, and even wear a mask if necessary.

As I said above, it's been awhile for me and I'm sure I'm leaving out some very important points.  If I think of anything else, I will come back and add.  I hope you will get the best possible news once you have your PET scan--that your tumor has not spread.  My tumor was right on the borderline of stage 1 and 2, with no spread.  I had 2 rounds of Mitomycin and Fluorouracil and 30 radiation treatments.  I am still here 11 years later and life is good--just a few little hiccups with the bowels now and then, but nothing I can't handle.  My hope for you is that 11 years from now, you will be coming back here and helping others who will just be beginning their journey.  I wish you all the very best and hope you'll keep us posted on how things go for you.  You can do this! 

guyfly said:

Great News!

Wow, congratulations on your recovery!  Thank you for all the wonderful information and support! 

You are most welcome!  One more thing I forgot to note when listing things to help with radiation burns is there is a cream called Silver Sulfadiazine, available by prescription.  It was prescribed for me and is commonly prescribed for people going through this treatment.  One word of caution with it--make sure it is completely removed prior to radiation treatments, as it contains metal and will intensify the burning effects of the radiation. 

Again, I wish you all the best with your treatment!

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 anal cancer in 2008.  Below is a list of items that might be useful for you. 

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

I finished treatment June 2018 and I am cancer free so worht it all. I would say one of the worst side effects for me was my mouth! Coconut oil put a teaspoon in your mouth and swish for about 3 mintues. It coats and soothe your mouth. Ask what is in the that mouth wash, holy crap it is horrendous.

guyfly said:

Thank you yes!

My Radiation Oncology Nurse is name Free and is a really great compassionate cool lady.  Another one is the Radiation tech for the TOMO machine, I enjoy talking to her every day.  Done with Week two of treatment and all is pretty great.  Worse side affect so far is only Mucositis in my mouth and throat that sux but so much better off than I thought I would be and yes, the nurses and techs are being so great!

I am glad that your first two weeks went OK.  Hang in there.  Only 4 more to go.

By now you are halfway through. Stay strong! Wishing you the best throughout the rest of your treatment.