Anal Cancer
Comments
-
Beginning treatment
I finished Chemo (5FU and mitomycin) two courses and 28 radiation IMRT treatments last fall. So far so good. My last exam showed no cancer. Be aware that radiation results continue for months after treatment and as long as the tumor keeps shrinking it is working. I was a bit upset when the tumor wasnt gone right after treatment but that is normal I understand. I was treated at Mem Sloan Kettering and they were wonderful. A low residue diet (very limited fiber) is best throughout treatment and helps a lot with preventing diarrhea. Also when going to the bathroom, especially during the last few weeks of radiation and for the first 2 weeks after when the burns are at their worst, I used a water bottle with warm water, (the kind with the top you usually drink from) and sprayed myself while voiding and after. There is also a wonderful product called RadiaKlenz that your doctor can get or you can order online. It is not cheap but really helps to clean you after the bathroom. I also used silverdene(sp) but it must be removed before radiation or it will cause worse burns. The treatment is not easy but it sure beats surgery and if it saves your life like it did mine, it is worth it. Personally I did not find the chemo to be too bad. They can give you antinausea drugs if necessary and also stuff for mouth sores if that becomes an issue. Be sure to use the dialators after treatment and also topical estrogen and moisturizers.
The doctors dont always order all of the things mentioned above so be sure to ask for them.
I agree that you should begin the pain meds before pain gets too bad as they work better that way. Hope this helps.0 -
To ZJrosenthalzjrosenthal said:Beginning treatment
I finished Chemo (5FU and mitomycin) two courses and 28 radiation IMRT treatments last fall. So far so good. My last exam showed no cancer. Be aware that radiation results continue for months after treatment and as long as the tumor keeps shrinking it is working. I was a bit upset when the tumor wasnt gone right after treatment but that is normal I understand. I was treated at Mem Sloan Kettering and they were wonderful. A low residue diet (very limited fiber) is best throughout treatment and helps a lot with preventing diarrhea. Also when going to the bathroom, especially during the last few weeks of radiation and for the first 2 weeks after when the burns are at their worst, I used a water bottle with warm water, (the kind with the top you usually drink from) and sprayed myself while voiding and after. There is also a wonderful product called RadiaKlenz that your doctor can get or you can order online. It is not cheap but really helps to clean you after the bathroom. I also used silverdene(sp) but it must be removed before radiation or it will cause worse burns. The treatment is not easy but it sure beats surgery and if it saves your life like it did mine, it is worth it. Personally I did not find the chemo to be too bad. They can give you antinausea drugs if necessary and also stuff for mouth sores if that becomes an issue. Be sure to use the dialators after treatment and also topical estrogen and moisturizers.
The doctors dont always order all of the things mentioned above so be sure to ask for them.
I agree that you should begin the pain meds before pain gets too bad as they work better that way. Hope this helps.
Hi I thought I might ask you a couple of questions since you have finished treatments quite a bit before me. Is it normal for slight pain and itching to continue in your anal area 5 or more weeks after treatments? I have been a nervous wreck because of these symptoms. My oncologist was trained at Mem Sloan Kettering and I hear that is one of the most excellent hospitals for cancer.
Thanks0 -
I am a grateful survivorduckyann said:To ZJrosenthal
Hi I thought I might ask you a couple of questions since you have finished treatments quite a bit before me. Is it normal for slight pain and itching to continue in your anal area 5 or more weeks after treatments? I have been a nervous wreck because of these symptoms. My oncologist was trained at Mem Sloan Kettering and I hear that is one of the most excellent hospitals for cancer.
Thanks
Hi,
Three years ago,at age 59, I was diagnosed with early Stage 2 anal cancer. I had been feeling quite fatigued for the previous six months and three months prior to diagnosis, I began to have blood after a bowel movement. I thought it was hemmoroids.
The Gold Standard for treating anal cancer is called the Nigro Protocal (7-8 weeks of pelvic radiation and concurrent chemo, weeks 1 and 4). After the treatments, which were so rough, that towards the end of treatment, I was hospitalized for two weeks, so I could be hydrated, intravenously fed and have low blood counts treated, I had a small anal bump remaining. Both radiation and medical oncologists believed the bump to be scar tissue (all scans were negative), but for good measure, I had the scar tissue removed. It was negative.
I remain cancer free and grateful 24/7 for this miracle. During treatment, another miracle--I stopped cigarette smoking, without any withdrawal symptoms. I was a professional 38 year career smoker! Aside from smoking, my lifestyle had been healthy, but since this daunting experience, I am committed to doing whatever I think I need to do in order to not have a recurrance, or an other type of cancer. To this end, I am trying to digest Paul Pitchford's book, Healing with Whole Foods. He integrates principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the modern world. His writings are deep and thought provoking.
I beleive that a wholesome diet and exercise and healthy methods for coping with stress helps repair our immune system (damaged by cancer treatment) and also strenghens our immune system. I had worked out for 12 years prior to diagnosis and since healing from treatment (no mean feat, as many of you know), I've redoubled my gym workouts, learned how to practice yoga and am slowly moving towards a more plant based diet. I continue to take supplements, mostly antioxidents.
Like many who have posted, I have side effects, which I assume are for life: hip joints are stiff (yoga and gym work helps to keep this at bay); mild vaginal stenosis; anal pain on and off and I tend to fatigue easily (compared to my high energy pre-cancer self). However, I do continue to improve in all of these areas and in some ways, have never felt better in my life.
Another useful point of view on cancer (besides Pitchford, above) is in a book called The AntiCancer Diet, by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. He was briefly mentioned on the TV show Extra! following commentary on Farrah's Story.
Blessings to all of you--those newly diagnosed, in treatment or recovering from treatment. You WILL feel better soon. There is a life after anal cancer. Yes, the treatment is quite difficult, but once I got through it, I felt I could endure most anything.
I was very, very lucky too to have excellant oncologists during and after treatment.0 -
two week in treatmentina2525 said:I am a grateful survivor
Hi,
Three years ago,at age 59, I was diagnosed with early Stage 2 anal cancer. I had been feeling quite fatigued for the previous six months and three months prior to diagnosis, I began to have blood after a bowel movement. I thought it was hemmoroids.
The Gold Standard for treating anal cancer is called the Nigro Protocal (7-8 weeks of pelvic radiation and concurrent chemo, weeks 1 and 4). After the treatments, which were so rough, that towards the end of treatment, I was hospitalized for two weeks, so I could be hydrated, intravenously fed and have low blood counts treated, I had a small anal bump remaining. Both radiation and medical oncologists believed the bump to be scar tissue (all scans were negative), but for good measure, I had the scar tissue removed. It was negative.
I remain cancer free and grateful 24/7 for this miracle. During treatment, another miracle--I stopped cigarette smoking, without any withdrawal symptoms. I was a professional 38 year career smoker! Aside from smoking, my lifestyle had been healthy, but since this daunting experience, I am committed to doing whatever I think I need to do in order to not have a recurrance, or an other type of cancer. To this end, I am trying to digest Paul Pitchford's book, Healing with Whole Foods. He integrates principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the modern world. His writings are deep and thought provoking.
I beleive that a wholesome diet and exercise and healthy methods for coping with stress helps repair our immune system (damaged by cancer treatment) and also strenghens our immune system. I had worked out for 12 years prior to diagnosis and since healing from treatment (no mean feat, as many of you know), I've redoubled my gym workouts, learned how to practice yoga and am slowly moving towards a more plant based diet. I continue to take supplements, mostly antioxidents.
Like many who have posted, I have side effects, which I assume are for life: hip joints are stiff (yoga and gym work helps to keep this at bay); mild vaginal stenosis; anal pain on and off and I tend to fatigue easily (compared to my high energy pre-cancer self). However, I do continue to improve in all of these areas and in some ways, have never felt better in my life.
Another useful point of view on cancer (besides Pitchford, above) is in a book called The AntiCancer Diet, by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. He was briefly mentioned on the TV show Extra! following commentary on Farrah's Story.
Blessings to all of you--those newly diagnosed, in treatment or recovering from treatment. You WILL feel better soon. There is a life after anal cancer. Yes, the treatment is quite difficult, but once I got through it, I felt I could endure most anything.
I was very, very lucky too to have excellant oncologists during and after treatment.
Hi
I was diagnosed June 15 through a colonoscopy to see how bad my hemrroids were. Came back with Cancer. I had a CAT Scan the next day. I saw the Oncologist on Monday and Radidation dr on Tues, set up for radiation in wednesday, was suppose to have PET Scan on thursday but that had to be postponed till the next tues because of camera difficulties. They put in my PICC thurs and started Chemo and Radiation on Ju 3 I thought that was very quick. Also in that 2 week time frame I saw and surgeon and he remove a lymph node and it was canerous. I have mouth sores right now and that is the worse side effect so far. I was also given a dilator and was told to use it for 10 minutes 2x a week. I am continuing to wourk my day job which is a desk job. I hope to continue for at least 2 more weeks through the end of the month. The most important part of my job.0 -
Pain and itching after treatment
Personally I have not had much pain or itching since about three months post treatment but everyone responds differently. I would recommend speaking with your radiation oncologist if you are concerned about it. Since the cancer I dont let any symptom go without checking it out. My most constant side effect from the radiation is some bowel urgency and occasional incontinence but it is manageable. I also use dialators but didnt start until about 2 months post treatment as it would have been too painful while the burns were healing.0 -
Anal Cancer Postszjrosenthal said:Pain and itching after treatment
Personally I have not had much pain or itching since about three months post treatment but everyone responds differently. I would recommend speaking with your radiation oncologist if you are concerned about it. Since the cancer I dont let any symptom go without checking it out. My most constant side effect from the radiation is some bowel urgency and occasional incontinence but it is manageable. I also use dialators but didnt start until about 2 months post treatment as it would have been too painful while the burns were healing.
This site is an invaluable recource for those of us currently being treated or post treatment.
Does anyone know how to combine the multiple anal cancer topics? Any interest if possible?0 -
HI
I to am a survivor as of two weeks ago. I wish I had found this sight before all the treatment. I was not prepared for all the mouth and bottom sores and pain. What is Chemo head? Has anyone had a change in their eyesight after treatment?0 -
30 + year survivorphillyAC said:Anal Cancer Survivor
Yup, It's been almost 17 years since I went through the same protocol for treatment as most of you - UGH! Radiation, 5FU and Mitomycin (spelling is probably wrong, but you all probably know what it is by now). I was 42 at the time of diagnosis - never thought I'd still be involved with so many effects after so many years had gone by, but radiation is rotten from start to finish! Menopause, vaginal atrophy (sex? what's that?) Radiation really does a number on your body and for many years after treatment stops. My docs didn't talk about any of the side affects especially long-term possibilities. Now I'm finding out about fecal incontinence and doctor's don't know what to do about it.
Don't misunderstand, I'm very grateful that I've had these past years with my children, husband and family, but with the good comes the bad and now my quality of life has become that of a recluse. I had a rectosele 2 months ago, now I'm on 2 "new" meds, fiber drink and no dairy products (what I'd do for an ice cream cone or a Starbucks Mocha Venti with lots of whipped cream) ..... I haven't seen any improvement after two weeks - what's next?
Hang in there folks - there's always something new to learn
Although my cancer was not anal, I did have radiation in the pelvic area with all the 'wonderful' side effects of burns, etc. I also went through 12 months chemo. In 2000 I had a hysterectomy and small bowel resection due to radiation scarring. After surgery I was told everything looked great and off I was sent. After about three years I started have severe bouts of diarrhea (20+ times a day), lost weight, extreme fatigue, forgetfulness and just plain felt like crap. I finally found a new doctor who would listen to my everday woas. What she found in doing bloodwork was I had no Vitamin B12, my homocystine level was off the charts and I was in a state of depression. She explained that with the bowel resection, my body was not absorbing the B12 thus causing many of my symptoms. Of course I was never told any of this would happen. Anyway, I am now on B12 shots, take folic acid, aciphex, otc antiacids and antidepressants. I will also do sublingual B12. All this has helped but the thing that made the most difference in the bathroom issues (besides being very aware of what you eat) was Activia yogurt! I had tried probionic capsules that did not seem to work, but I noticed a huge improvement after about 1 week of eating the yogurt. Where was Jamie Lee Curtis for so many years?
Precautionary measures to take are ALWAYS know where the bathrooms are, sit in aisle seats whenever possible for planes or movies, don't eat out in restuarants if you are planning on doing anything afterwards, have very understanding friends and carry an extra pair of undies in your purse for those surprise moments!0 -
praying
Hi I'm new to this. Will start treatment onSept.8th any info is appreciated.0 -
Beginning Treatmentadamstevebutler said:praying
Hi I'm new to this. Will start treatment onSept.8th any info is appreciated.
The treatment is actually not as bad as I had imagined. The chemo has minimal side effects like mouth sores for a few days, but other than the PICC line placement to get the chemo into your body over a 96 hours period, I thought poison entering my body would be worse than it was. Radiation wasn't bad for the first 2-3 weeks. Your skin will probably stay in tact during that time....will get red like a sun burn and be uncomfortable but not bleeding red until the last week or two.
Ask for pain drugs early. Have them check your skin often so that they can give you oitment for when it's very tender. I was told about a compound called Morphine gel that is good for the anus area when the pain is at it's worst. I think you have to call around to find a pharmacy that can make up the compound for you though. I didn't use it because I found out late but heard it was the best.
I'll stay in touch so keep posting as you go through your treatments. We'll help you with any info you need as you go through it.
I'm a year and 5 months out from treatment and all is good. My cancer was stage 1 and I had both 5FU and Mitomycin for chemo and had 25 rounds of IMRT radiation. The last week and a half was the worst along with the week or two following. After that it's just slow going but every week is better than the week before. The radiation doesn't hurt. This is all very scary at the beginning, but you'll find your strength and the fear will change to a healthy respect. We're all here to support you. Stay in touch.0 -
How did you all know whatErin Sullivan Wagner said:Beginning Treatment
The treatment is actually not as bad as I had imagined. The chemo has minimal side effects like mouth sores for a few days, but other than the PICC line placement to get the chemo into your body over a 96 hours period, I thought poison entering my body would be worse than it was. Radiation wasn't bad for the first 2-3 weeks. Your skin will probably stay in tact during that time....will get red like a sun burn and be uncomfortable but not bleeding red until the last week or two.
Ask for pain drugs early. Have them check your skin often so that they can give you oitment for when it's very tender. I was told about a compound called Morphine gel that is good for the anus area when the pain is at it's worst. I think you have to call around to find a pharmacy that can make up the compound for you though. I didn't use it because I found out late but heard it was the best.
I'll stay in touch so keep posting as you go through your treatments. We'll help you with any info you need as you go through it.
I'm a year and 5 months out from treatment and all is good. My cancer was stage 1 and I had both 5FU and Mitomycin for chemo and had 25 rounds of IMRT radiation. The last week and a half was the worst along with the week or two following. After that it's just slow going but every week is better than the week before. The radiation doesn't hurt. This is all very scary at the beginning, but you'll find your strength and the fear will change to a healthy respect. We're all here to support you. Stay in touch.
How did you all know what treatment to go with? I have seen 3 Mayo doctors and two others and they've all had different opinions on the best way to treat anal cancer.0 -
Anal cancer treatment Stage 3-N1Doskymom said:How did you all know what
How did you all know what treatment to go with? I have seen 3 Mayo doctors and two others and they've all had different opinions on the best way to treat anal cancer.
I was diagnosed Aug. 6th.: Picc line 2 B done Sept. 8th. Radiation (5 days a week for 6 weeks) chemo: 96 hour pump each week, beginning Sept 15th.
I had endoscopy/colonoscophy Aug 4th, ultrasound Aug 6th. first time I heard the "C" word was during ultrasound (I damn near came off the table!), 2 hours later: CT scan, followed by an appointment with a young agressive oncologist that stayed late to see me, Bless him. He set up appointment with Radiologist closer to my home for Radiation. (travel miles 25 compared to 65) but Oncologist comes up to that center on a regular basis. I INSTINCTIVELY trusted both Docs.
Just getting over double hip replacement (invalid hubby died 2 weeks after 1st. surgery)so this has been a very busy year and a half. Since I live alone, all 5 of my kids are on the East Coast, I am in N. Mn., I rely on my friends....God Bless them too.
Thank you all for info: I will keep up on posts: we learn from each other. What did we do before the Internet?????
Someone answer the ?, plz, what is chemo brain????
Bless you all.0 -
chemo brainGemlady113 said:Anal cancer treatment Stage 3-N1
I was diagnosed Aug. 6th.: Picc line 2 B done Sept. 8th. Radiation (5 days a week for 6 weeks) chemo: 96 hour pump each week, beginning Sept 15th.
I had endoscopy/colonoscophy Aug 4th, ultrasound Aug 6th. first time I heard the "C" word was during ultrasound (I damn near came off the table!), 2 hours later: CT scan, followed by an appointment with a young agressive oncologist that stayed late to see me, Bless him. He set up appointment with Radiologist closer to my home for Radiation. (travel miles 25 compared to 65) but Oncologist comes up to that center on a regular basis. I INSTINCTIVELY trusted both Docs.
Just getting over double hip replacement (invalid hubby died 2 weeks after 1st. surgery)so this has been a very busy year and a half. Since I live alone, all 5 of my kids are on the East Coast, I am in N. Mn., I rely on my friends....God Bless them too.
Thank you all for info: I will keep up on posts: we learn from each other. What did we do before the Internet?????
Someone answer the ?, plz, what is chemo brain????
Bless you all.
There's a page on the cancer.org website that talks about chemo brain. If you go to that website and type "chemo brain" in the search box it should come up.
I had trouble with it when I was getting treatment, but it gradually went away and I'm fine now. My last treatment was in early June. Since AC patients ony have 2 rounds of chemo in most cases, it might not affect us as much as some other types of cancer. Here are some of the ways it affected me
- I forgot appointments easily. I normaly have an excellent memory and rely in that more than a calendar, but during treatment I had to use the calendar and refer to it every day
- occasional trouble finding the right word
- driving required more concentration than normal
- problems understanding complex concepts at work
- trouble with math .... and I'm an accountant!!!
Hope this helps. Best of luck to you. I was stage 3A-N1 too.
Dana0 -
was diagonised with 2.6 cmadamstevebutler said:praying
Hi I'm new to this. Will start treatment onSept.8th any info is appreciated.
was diagonised with 2.6 cm tumor on my anus and PT and CT scan showed a faint spot on the rectal lymph node. I went to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and spent 7 weeks there being treated with 27 radiation treatments, chemo pack via cathither in my arm M - F and weekly IV treatment of cisplatin. Tomorrow will be one week that we've been home. I was prepared for the worse regarding the treatments. All in all it wasn't terrible. I didn't vomit at all. Had some days when I was very queasy and some days when everything I ate stayed in me for a 15 minutes max. Then I listened to the doctors and took the medicine to control the diaherria. It was better from that point. The radiation got tough toward the end and I came home pretty fried.
But, I am healing rather quickly. Still tired at times, a headache at night. But despite what I expected my bowel movements are almost back to normal. I did have a couple of weeks with an agonizing itch - worse than any other symptom and not much that could be done about it. That too has subsided.
For all of us with anal cancer - we are fortunate we have this type if we have to have a cancer. It is a curable cancer and as most of you know, the chemo/radiation ususally takes care of it. The reoccurrence rate is not high. I thank God everyday for that. To be told we have a curable cancer is a gift.
My doctors at MD Anderson are awesome. Anal cancer is rare and when I was first diagonosed in Denver, I was told it was rectal cancer. When I got to MD Anderson, they ran their own tests and it came back as sqaumous cell anal - per my onologist "that's good news". She sees a few cases a week of this type of cancer. Other doctors see, if they do at all, a few cases in their careers. I will be going back in Dec for my tests to see how well the treatment worked. Both my onocologist and radioligist were very optimistic that we will beat it.
So for any newbies going through this, once the shock wears off, please know that we are in a much better position than many others who are battling more difficult forms of cancer.
Good doctors, much prayer and a strong will to overcome the treatment after affects and my will to beat this. That is my recipe.
Please email me if you have any questions of if I can help in anyway.0 -
So, did your doctor say....lizdeli said:was diagonised with 2.6 cm
was diagonised with 2.6 cm tumor on my anus and PT and CT scan showed a faint spot on the rectal lymph node. I went to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and spent 7 weeks there being treated with 27 radiation treatments, chemo pack via cathither in my arm M - F and weekly IV treatment of cisplatin. Tomorrow will be one week that we've been home. I was prepared for the worse regarding the treatments. All in all it wasn't terrible. I didn't vomit at all. Had some days when I was very queasy and some days when everything I ate stayed in me for a 15 minutes max. Then I listened to the doctors and took the medicine to control the diaherria. It was better from that point. The radiation got tough toward the end and I came home pretty fried.
But, I am healing rather quickly. Still tired at times, a headache at night. But despite what I expected my bowel movements are almost back to normal. I did have a couple of weeks with an agonizing itch - worse than any other symptom and not much that could be done about it. That too has subsided.
For all of us with anal cancer - we are fortunate we have this type if we have to have a cancer. It is a curable cancer and as most of you know, the chemo/radiation ususally takes care of it. The reoccurrence rate is not high. I thank God everyday for that. To be told we have a curable cancer is a gift.
My doctors at MD Anderson are awesome. Anal cancer is rare and when I was first diagonosed in Denver, I was told it was rectal cancer. When I got to MD Anderson, they ran their own tests and it came back as sqaumous cell anal - per my onologist "that's good news". She sees a few cases a week of this type of cancer. Other doctors see, if they do at all, a few cases in their careers. I will be going back in Dec for my tests to see how well the treatment worked. Both my onocologist and radioligist were very optimistic that we will beat it.
So for any newbies going through this, once the shock wears off, please know that we are in a much better position than many others who are battling more difficult forms of cancer.
Good doctors, much prayer and a strong will to overcome the treatment after affects and my will to beat this. That is my recipe.
Please email me if you have any questions of if I can help in anyway.
why they seem to be seeing more cases? I first heard this is a rare cancer but it seems to be increasing in frequency. I was Stage 1 and have been NED for 19 months now. MD Anderson is a great facility. Congratulations on completing your treatments!!0 -
From what they tell me, itdasspears said:So, did your doctor say....
why they seem to be seeing more cases? I first heard this is a rare cancer but it seems to be increasing in frequency. I was Stage 1 and have been NED for 19 months now. MD Anderson is a great facility. Congratulations on completing your treatments!!
From what they tell me, it truly is rare. I wonder if people are diagonised with rectal cancer when it could be anal. I was originally diagonised with rectal, but MD Anderson confirmed anal. I also think that people are beginning to talk more openly about it. It is somewhat of an awkward cancer to discuss. I am very open about it, if it can help another person than any embarrassment is worth it. Congrats on your 19 months!0 -
Hang in there...adamstevebutler said:praying
Hi I'm new to this. Will start treatment onSept.8th any info is appreciated.
I just finished treatment. 27 rounds of radiation, 6 weeks of chemo plus weekly IV of cisplatin. First several weeks not too bad. Take the nausea pills they give you. I never vomited. Queasy at times and fatigued. I rinsed my mouth with warm water and baking soda and was able to avoid mouth sores. A also put Abriva on my lips and didn't have any cold sores. Once I passed the midway point, the diaherria set in. Then I listened to my doctors and took the meds to control it and it was under control. I finished treatment on 9/11 and honestly things are healing pretty well. I did have an agonizing itch for a while, can't say anything helped that. I think pray was the only thing that helped. My external burns are healing well, don't know what the inside burns look like but all in all I'm not in any pain and my "movements" are almost normal.
I can't taste too many things. Still have a metal like taste in my mouth. Gingerale is the only thing that tastes right to me. Let me know if I can answer any questions, I'd be happy too. Good luck to you, stay strong, use mind over matter as much as you can.
Liz0 -
Does anyone have chemo-related peripheral neuropathy?lizdeli said:From what they tell me, it
From what they tell me, it truly is rare. I wonder if people are diagonised with rectal cancer when it could be anal. I was originally diagonised with rectal, but MD Anderson confirmed anal. I also think that people are beginning to talk more openly about it. It is somewhat of an awkward cancer to discuss. I am very open about it, if it can help another person than any embarrassment is worth it. Congrats on your 19 months!
I was diagnosed in March when the gastroenterologist removed what she thought was a polyp, and two weeks later had an anal resection by a surgeon. The GE doc had gotten all the primary lesion during the colonoscopy but examination of the resected tissue revealed a very tiny patch of cancer cells unattached to the original lesion. I had 25 doses of radiation + a round of 5FU and cisplatin the first week of rads and another round of 5FU and cisplatin the last week of rads. The day after finishing the treatments, I was admitted to the hospital for nine days. The problems were exhaustion, inability to eat and maintain hydration due to mouth and esophogeal lesions, electrolyte imbalance, and second-degree burns to the peri area. Things are healing nicely except for a stubborn adhesion for which I take daily treatments - Domeboro soaks and Aquaphor ointment. However, several weeks after the last chemo round in June, I began having CRPN in my hands and feet. It has gradually worsened until the last week or so but is not going away. Have any of you had this side effect from your chemo? Has it resolved? My oncologist said it will probably resolve but very slowly.0 -
Newly diagnosed Anal Cancer!!lizdeli said:was diagonised with 2.6 cm
was diagonised with 2.6 cm tumor on my anus and PT and CT scan showed a faint spot on the rectal lymph node. I went to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and spent 7 weeks there being treated with 27 radiation treatments, chemo pack via cathither in my arm M - F and weekly IV treatment of cisplatin. Tomorrow will be one week that we've been home. I was prepared for the worse regarding the treatments. All in all it wasn't terrible. I didn't vomit at all. Had some days when I was very queasy and some days when everything I ate stayed in me for a 15 minutes max. Then I listened to the doctors and took the medicine to control the diaherria. It was better from that point. The radiation got tough toward the end and I came home pretty fried.
But, I am healing rather quickly. Still tired at times, a headache at night. But despite what I expected my bowel movements are almost back to normal. I did have a couple of weeks with an agonizing itch - worse than any other symptom and not much that could be done about it. That too has subsided.
For all of us with anal cancer - we are fortunate we have this type if we have to have a cancer. It is a curable cancer and as most of you know, the chemo/radiation ususally takes care of it. The reoccurrence rate is not high. I thank God everyday for that. To be told we have a curable cancer is a gift.
My doctors at MD Anderson are awesome. Anal cancer is rare and when I was first diagonosed in Denver, I was told it was rectal cancer. When I got to MD Anderson, they ran their own tests and it came back as sqaumous cell anal - per my onologist "that's good news". She sees a few cases a week of this type of cancer. Other doctors see, if they do at all, a few cases in their careers. I will be going back in Dec for my tests to see how well the treatment worked. Both my onocologist and radioligist were very optimistic that we will beat it.
So for any newbies going through this, once the shock wears off, please know that we are in a much better position than many others who are battling more difficult forms of cancer.
Good doctors, much prayer and a strong will to overcome the treatment after affects and my will to beat this. That is my recipe.
Please email me if you have any questions of if I can help in anyway.
Can anyone help!!!!! I am truly scared to death!! I was diagnosed in October with Stage 2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Anal Cancer) after having surgery for what I thought were hemeroids.My horrible surgeon decided to try to be the hero and remove all of the tumor instead of biopsy, he never even mentioned that it could be cancer.So after waiting a week for pathology to come back, it came back bad! But now I had to heal from the trauma he put me through with such extensive surgery! I am about to start Chemo and Radiation this Thursday, Jan.7th. Mitomiacin and 5FU at beginning and end of 33 radiation treatments.I have read everyones horror stories with the vaginal narrowing, incontinence, extreme pain, etc. These are all very scary to me as I dont know how I will react. I am a 40 year old female with 3 children ages 18, 12 & 9. I have already been through a serious health scare 2 years ago. I was diagnosed with a very large skull base tumor. Had surgery and Gamma Radiation and all is well with that, thank god!! It was a benign tumor. If anyone has some words of wisdom for me I would really appreciate it!!
THANK YOU,
SCARED TO DEATH IN NEW JERSEY0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.8K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 792 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 730 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards