new symptoms

melbas
melbas Member Posts: 43
edited March 2014 in Anal Cancer #1
Hey y'all, I know I haven't been here in awhile...so much going on. I finished treatment in August, and then this week I have started experiencing tears and bleeding from the rectum. And ALOT of pain. Sissy, you were just a couple of weeks ahead of me in treatment...does any of this sound like something you went thru?

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    Hi!
    It's good to hear from you again, although I'm sorry you are having some new issues to deal with. I went through this same thing after treatment and mine was caused by stenosis (narrowing of the anal canal and opening) and radiation proctitis (damage to lower intestines, which causes blood vessels to be nearer the surface and bleed). Perhaps your symptoms are being caused by these same side effects, but please do not hesitate--call your doctor and let him/her know. When are you scheduled for your next follow-up appt? I'm sure at that time, they will reassure you that these are normal lingering side effects. I'm sure some of our other members have experienced this too and will chime in. Hope everything else is going well for you!
  • dasspears
    dasspears Member Posts: 227
    #3
    Still have issues....
    I'm almost 3 years out and will occasionally have tears if my BM's are too hard or if I have diarrhea. Fissues are very painful! You may have hemorrhoids which also can cause bleeding. I take Miralax every morning along with a stool softener pill and a fiber pill then I take a stool softener again at night. Only way I can keep my stools soft enough to not cause problems with the fissure. Your doctor can prescribe a cream called diliatezam that will help heal the fissure. Hope this info helps.
  • melbas2
    melbas2 Member Posts: 108
    #4
    mp327 said:

    Hi!
    It's good to hear from you again, although I'm sorry you are having some new issues to deal with. I went through this same thing after treatment and mine was caused by stenosis (narrowing of the anal canal and opening) and radiation proctitis (damage to lower intestines, which causes blood vessels to be nearer the surface and bleed). Perhaps your symptoms are being caused by these same side effects, but please do not hesitate--call your doctor and let him/her know. When are you scheduled for your next follow-up appt? I'm sure at that time, they will reassure you that these are normal lingering side effects. I'm sure some of our other members have experienced this too and will chime in. Hope everything else is going well for you!

    new symptoms
    My follow up isn't until the 21st, but I called my oncologist today and I see her tomorrow. I just want all the pain to stop.
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #5
    Hi! Been wondering where
    Hi! Been wondering where you were and how you were doing. To answer your question, yes, I've been having some tears and bleeding (not a lot) but still uncomfortable enough at times. I had a lot of issues prior to diagnosis with huge hemi's so I had pain long before the treatment. This pain is not nearly as bad as that was but still uncomfortable enough for me to ask my surgeon about it. Colo Rectal surgeon said it was some thinning and stenosis of the anal canal so I have to watch my diet (more fiber and water) and not to rub or wipe too hard or use drying soaps on the outside. I only have minor bleeding (very little)but I think if I had more I would contact my doctor to have him check me out. Are you experiencing a lot of bleeding? If so, I might ask my doctor about that.

    I've also found that if I lift anything too heavy (like over 20#) I have issues for a few days after that, like something is moved or swollen or irritated so now I do not lift anything heavy. Energy level is not what it used to be but I'm happy with what I have. If I have not learned one thing from this forum it is that life changes after this cancer diagnosis and treatment. I keep wanting it to be like it was before but it won't be so I'm learning to ebb and flow when things change and adjust accordingly. It is what it is. Hope that this helps alleviate some concern for you. Marilyne (Sissy)
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    melbas2 said:

    new symptoms
    My follow up isn't until the 21st, but I called my oncologist today and I see her tomorrow. I just want all the pain to stop.

    I'm glad you have an appt. tomorrow to get this checked out.
    I'm sure it will turn out to be nothing of concern, but better to be safe. Let us know what you find out.
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    #7
    Nice to see you! I was
    Nice to see you! I was thinking about you just the other day and wondering how you were doing!
    I'll be 3 years this April from the time of my dx and I still get tears and bleeding....just something we have to live with. Always worries me....another thing we have to get used to!
    I know that eating fiber helps. It's critical to keep things soft to avoid tearing and abrasion of the lining.
    Glad to see your smiling face!!!
  • melbas2
    melbas2 Member Posts: 108
    #8
    sissy310 said:

    Hi! Been wondering where
    Hi! Been wondering where you were and how you were doing. To answer your question, yes, I've been having some tears and bleeding (not a lot) but still uncomfortable enough at times. I had a lot of issues prior to diagnosis with huge hemi's so I had pain long before the treatment. This pain is not nearly as bad as that was but still uncomfortable enough for me to ask my surgeon about it. Colo Rectal surgeon said it was some thinning and stenosis of the anal canal so I have to watch my diet (more fiber and water) and not to rub or wipe too hard or use drying soaps on the outside. I only have minor bleeding (very little)but I think if I had more I would contact my doctor to have him check me out. Are you experiencing a lot of bleeding? If so, I might ask my doctor about that.

    I've also found that if I lift anything too heavy (like over 20#) I have issues for a few days after that, like something is moved or swollen or irritated so now I do not lift anything heavy. Energy level is not what it used to be but I'm happy with what I have. If I have not learned one thing from this forum it is that life changes after this cancer diagnosis and treatment. I keep wanting it to be like it was before but it won't be so I'm learning to ebb and flow when things change and adjust accordingly. It is what it is. Hope that this helps alleviate some concern for you. Marilyne (Sissy)

    hi y'all
    Thank god you are all still here. I had my final radiation treatment the day we moved...in September, then I have been tryin to set up the new house...which isn't easy with no energy. My hubby had to go up to New York for work, which left me here to deal with it all by myself. So I went to the oncologist this am, and I now have a yeast infection caused probably by the antibiotics they gave me last week for my UTI. I told Stacy, my doc, just to cut me off at the waist and call it a day, LOL. I've gone from toilet paper to baby wipes, which seem to help. My blood work isn't where it needs to be, so I've had 1 blood transfusion, on Dec. 10th, and if these don't work, Stacy wants to try a horse serum. Has anyone heard of this? And will I be "healthy as a horse" afterwards? Advice please. Melodie
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #9
    melbas2 said:

    hi y'all
    Thank god you are all still here. I had my final radiation treatment the day we moved...in September, then I have been tryin to set up the new house...which isn't easy with no energy. My hubby had to go up to New York for work, which left me here to deal with it all by myself. So I went to the oncologist this am, and I now have a yeast infection caused probably by the antibiotics they gave me last week for my UTI. I told Stacy, my doc, just to cut me off at the waist and call it a day, LOL. I've gone from toilet paper to baby wipes, which seem to help. My blood work isn't where it needs to be, so I've had 1 blood transfusion, on Dec. 10th, and if these don't work, Stacy wants to try a horse serum. Has anyone heard of this? And will I be "healthy as a horse" afterwards? Advice please. Melodie

    Horse Serum?
    Boy Melodie, this is a new one to me. I'm not sure what horse serum even is. How do you use it? Is it to help eliminate the bleeding or ? Please update us on this--I just gotta know! :) Hope you are feeling better soon.
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #10
    melbas2 said:

    hi y'all
    Thank god you are all still here. I had my final radiation treatment the day we moved...in September, then I have been tryin to set up the new house...which isn't easy with no energy. My hubby had to go up to New York for work, which left me here to deal with it all by myself. So I went to the oncologist this am, and I now have a yeast infection caused probably by the antibiotics they gave me last week for my UTI. I told Stacy, my doc, just to cut me off at the waist and call it a day, LOL. I've gone from toilet paper to baby wipes, which seem to help. My blood work isn't where it needs to be, so I've had 1 blood transfusion, on Dec. 10th, and if these don't work, Stacy wants to try a horse serum. Has anyone heard of this? And will I be "healthy as a horse" afterwards? Advice please. Melodie

    Hi Melbas...have never heard
    Hi Melbas...have never heard of horse serum but then I have not been in this situation long enough I guess to know...I wonder if it is like the horse urine they use for certain estrogens...who knows. Please let us know what that is. Sorry your blood work is not up to what it should be. I go in a few weeks for my 6 month scan and bloodwork so I will know more then as well. I know one of my levels was low enough but not so low to need a transfusion. Maybe it depends on the doctor? Anyway, be gentle with yourself and keep up with fiber - that does make a difference. I found out the hard way (potty about 8 times in one day) that I can no longer eat pineapples. Live and learn. Keep us posted. Hugs, Marilyne
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #11
    melbas2 said:

    hi y'all
    Thank god you are all still here. I had my final radiation treatment the day we moved...in September, then I have been tryin to set up the new house...which isn't easy with no energy. My hubby had to go up to New York for work, which left me here to deal with it all by myself. So I went to the oncologist this am, and I now have a yeast infection caused probably by the antibiotics they gave me last week for my UTI. I told Stacy, my doc, just to cut me off at the waist and call it a day, LOL. I've gone from toilet paper to baby wipes, which seem to help. My blood work isn't where it needs to be, so I've had 1 blood transfusion, on Dec. 10th, and if these don't work, Stacy wants to try a horse serum. Has anyone heard of this? And will I be "healthy as a horse" afterwards? Advice please. Melodie

    Hi Melbas...have never heard
    Hi Melbas...have never heard of horse serum but then I have not been in this situation long enough I guess to know...I wonder if it is like the horse urine they use for certain estrogens...who knows. Please let us know what that is. Sorry your blood work is not up to what it should be. I go in a few weeks for my 6 month scan and bloodwork so I will know more then as well. I know one of my levels was low enough but not so low to need a transfusion. Maybe it depends on the doctor? Anyway, be gentle with yourself and keep up with fiber - that does make a difference. I found out the hard way (potty about 8 times in one day) that I can no longer eat pineapples. Live and learn. Keep us posted. Hugs, Marilyne
  • melbas2
    melbas2 Member Posts: 108
    #12
    sissy310 said:

    Hi Melbas...have never heard
    Hi Melbas...have never heard of horse serum but then I have not been in this situation long enough I guess to know...I wonder if it is like the horse urine they use for certain estrogens...who knows. Please let us know what that is. Sorry your blood work is not up to what it should be. I go in a few weeks for my 6 month scan and bloodwork so I will know more then as well. I know one of my levels was low enough but not so low to need a transfusion. Maybe it depends on the doctor? Anyway, be gentle with yourself and keep up with fiber - that does make a difference. I found out the hard way (potty about 8 times in one day) that I can no longer eat pineapples. Live and learn. Keep us posted. Hugs, Marilyne

    horse serum
    I'm not quite sure about what it all entails...all's I know is that is what my oncologist is talking about. Since I'm past 40, she says a bone marrow transplant could be more fatal then curing, and I don't know what to do at this point. I go for lab again on Friday, but my platelettes are still below 30. After the blood transfusion, my counts took a nose dive, but Stacy said it was because the life span of "borrowed blood" had run out and my own blood was taking over. We'll see what Friday brings. Also, I'm not really good with eating foods with fiber. Any suggestions on a supplement? Thanks, Melodie
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #13
    melbas2 said:

    horse serum
    I'm not quite sure about what it all entails...all's I know is that is what my oncologist is talking about. Since I'm past 40, she says a bone marrow transplant could be more fatal then curing, and I don't know what to do at this point. I go for lab again on Friday, but my platelettes are still below 30. After the blood transfusion, my counts took a nose dive, but Stacy said it was because the life span of "borrowed blood" had run out and my own blood was taking over. We'll see what Friday brings. Also, I'm not really good with eating foods with fiber. Any suggestions on a supplement? Thanks, Melodie

    Hi Melodie!
    Please keep us posted on this. It all sounds very interesting and we'd like to know more. As for the fiber supplement, you might try any type of phsyllium fiber supplement, such a Metamucil or Benefiber.
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #14
    melbas2 said:

    horse serum
    I'm not quite sure about what it all entails...all's I know is that is what my oncologist is talking about. Since I'm past 40, she says a bone marrow transplant could be more fatal then curing, and I don't know what to do at this point. I go for lab again on Friday, but my platelettes are still below 30. After the blood transfusion, my counts took a nose dive, but Stacy said it was because the life span of "borrowed blood" had run out and my own blood was taking over. We'll see what Friday brings. Also, I'm not really good with eating foods with fiber. Any suggestions on a supplement? Thanks, Melodie

    Hi Melbas - have you ever
    Hi Melbas - have you ever tried benefiber? It is clear when it hits liquid so if you put a spoon in your morning coffee or try to add some to your liquids during the day that might help. Some have used Miralax and I'm thinking I may have to start using that as I'm having some issues in this area too but it is my own fault, I laxed at drinking more water and wasn't watching what I ate and now I'm paying for it. I'm not a big fiber eater either but I'm trying hard now to eat healthier and watch my diet. I did buy some agave nectar to put in my tea. It's a learning curve with foods we eat. We have to be really diligent about this whether we like it or not. Pineapples and rhubarb are natural fiber for me and I love pineapple and rhubarb can be made into whole wheat muffins. Is there anything that kind of gets you 'going' for lack of a better word?

    Sorry about the platlets. Has anyone else on the forum experienced this? Keep us posted.
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #15
    SueRelays said:

    Nice to see you! I was
    Nice to see you! I was thinking about you just the other day and wondering how you were doing!
    I'll be 3 years this April from the time of my dx and I still get tears and bleeding....just something we have to live with. Always worries me....another thing we have to get used to!
    I know that eating fiber helps. It's critical to keep things soft to avoid tearing and abrasion of the lining.
    Glad to see your smiling face!!!

    Hi SueRelays - glad that you
    Hi SueRelays - glad that you mentioned that you get the tears and bleeding even three years after Dx. I had some this morning (more than the little dot I see now and then) and some pain. I hate that it pulls you back in time to before Dx and thinking starts flooding your brain with what ifs. But I know part of this is my own fault with my diet and not being diligent. Something I (and I guess many of us) now have to live with. Hope that all is going well with you. Hugs, Marilyne
  • melbas2
    melbas2 Member Posts: 108
    #16
    sissy310 said:

    Hi SueRelays - glad that you
    Hi SueRelays - glad that you mentioned that you get the tears and bleeding even three years after Dx. I had some this morning (more than the little dot I see now and then) and some pain. I hate that it pulls you back in time to before Dx and thinking starts flooding your brain with what ifs. But I know part of this is my own fault with my diet and not being diligent. Something I (and I guess many of us) now have to live with. Hope that all is going well with you. Hugs, Marilyne

    tearing
    I guess I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one going thru this, tho I wish you all no more pain. How do you "get used to it?" I thought once the treatment was over and we were declared Cancer Free, the healing would begin. Now I'm seeing all the side effects, and I almost wish I'd just let the cancer take its course. I have every kind of cream known to man sitting on my sink in the bathroom, cuz I found out that it is possible to use too much of the Regenacare. So, in between I use vasoline, neosporin, a jelly type of cream...just trying to keep my skin from cracking and bleeding. I know I'm whining, and I'm sorry about that. Just have to hope for q better day tomorrow. Thanks for letting me vent, Melodie

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