Help with Radiation burn

Hi! My hospital's radiation department gave me a cream that had calendula in it along with some kind of numbing agent. In addition, they recommended Aquaphor which I used by the bucket and both of those really helped calm the radiation burn. Just remember, don't put it on before you go in for radiation, wait until afterwards, and then use it on every part of that area after you use the toilet. Every single time. It's tedious, but it worked well for me so I hope it does for you.

My doctor also gave me the calendula cream and some Aquaphor. I mostly use the calendula cream because it spreads easier and apply now after each bathroom trip. She suggested Benadryl for the itching. I've just finished my 4th week and have 2 weeks left and fear the pain getting worse. I wouldn't say it is horrible and not crying out but trying to find ways to minimize it. I'm afraid to eat or drink and having to use the bathroom now. I found the diarrhea worse to deal with so I found taking 2 Imodium pills around 6 or 7 pm helped. It then gathers everything and in 12 hours in the morning, I poop it all out and it is more solid but getting harder to deal with.

The doctor suggested squirting water when peeing but I find it to be cold and then I can't tell if I'm peeing or not! Hard to time to have warm water in the bottle when you need it! She also suggested holding a wet washcloth against that area when peeing. It takes a little planning for this, too. I have used some heavy duty wet paper towels to pee in to to minimize dealing with soiled washcloths I then would need to wash. I can still rinse out the paper towel and throw it in the trash.

But still looking for ideas others have used for this. I think the anal cavity is shrinking the skin along with the tumor so makes it hard to poop. I find using the Imodium to be a little easier and know I'll deal with some pain in the morning. I couldn't take running to the bathroom every time I felt I might need to go. I've been spending my life in there!

I haven't had many other side effects other than fatigue. I can't spend too much time on the internet or even watching movies. I did a few light cleaning tasks yesterday and it helps take my mind off the itching. I've been feeling more nausea in the last week but only a twinge. I've only used my nausea meds twice so far. I figure I have them so may as well take it if I'm not feeling comfortable.

I take sitz baths each morning and night which is supposed to help stimulate blood flow and healing. I like it because it cleans me up before I go to bed.

If anyone has ideas on the burning while peeing and pain when pooping, I'd love to hear! They are most likely just going to happen but if anyone has tricks to help, it would be great! One thing I do while sleeping is sleep with a donut pillow I had and put it between my knees and ankles. It helps keep a little space and prevent rubbing of skin. My doctor told me to sleep in a nightgown and commando so that area has time to air out and heal. I put a bed pad on my bed so the sheets don't soil and so far so good with that but the pad is peace of mind. I found mine on Amazon and it is quilted and washable. I don't know its there when sleeping. The hospital was going to give me some but she said they make noise and not easy to sleep.

Thank you for the information on foods to avoid and helping the burning from the radiation. I start my treatments in a couple of weeks and not looking forward to it at all.

I got a Hello Tushy Bidet attachment for my toilet. Best investment ever! You can adjust both the angle and amount of water pressure with the basic model. The water is cool or room temperature which feels soothing. I have not needed to wipe. Only pat dry. A total godsend during this treatment.

Good luck! Don't be afraid to use pain meds if you need them.

I'm 64 and was in pretty good health prior to treatment. Normal weight, active lifestyle. I only took a low dose statin for high cholesterol unresponsive to lifestyle modifications and I use topical estrogen cream. I was successfully treated for stage 3 colon cancer in 2011. I have arthritis in my hands/wrist.

I just finished treatment on Tuesday so it's too early to know much of anything yet, but I will say it goes by quickly compared to being treated for colon cancer.

My concerns were related to radiation, not the chemo. The radiation is what’s linked to the long-term side effects and quality of life issues I was most concerned about.

There aren't other treatments that are effective, so I didn't consider not doing the treatment, as depressing as facing cancer treatment again was. I'm a retired nurse-midwife and favor the big guns of Western medicine for things like cancer. Alternative therapies can be a nice way to thrive during survivorship, but they won't cure cancer.

I'm sorry you're struggling. I wish there was an easier way too. 🤗

Thank you for the information, I still have a couple of meetings before I make my final decision, I hope you recover quickly. Will let you know what I decide later.