Having Patience

mp327 said:

Nana442

I'm glad to hear you are done with treatment and getting back to normal life.  Being patient is hard, but try to remember that this treatment is rough and your body needs some time to recover.  As for not worrying, I think that's hard to do too, but anal cancer treatment has a high rate of success as compared to other types of cancer.  Have faith that your tumor is gone, never to return!  I was beginning to feel pretty good at 6 weeks post-treatment, but still had bowel issues--frequency, loose stools, unpredictability.  I really didn't feel back to normal until about the 2-year post-treatment mark.  Do not let that discourage you.  Everyone recovers at a different pace.  Celebrate each and every little improvement.  Here's wishing you all the best!

Thank you it's nice to know you went through some of the same things I'm going through, did you have butt & pelvic pressure too?  The cancer team said it was normal because they threw the kitchen & bathroom sink at me through treatment!  I pray every day sometimes many times a day for it to shrink and be gone!  I never had normal bowel movements i wonder what one is?

Wow today has been an I feel sorry for myself day!  Cried a couple of times I think I need not to do so much research on the internet for  anal cancer stories.  I need to try to stay positive,  trust in God, keep my faith!  I'm just really needing to hear this tumor has shrunk!  I'm having a hard time with patience today.  How does everyone cope?

eihtak said:

Nana442...

Hi, hoping you had a restful night and better day today! Most doctors frown on patients spending too much time researching the internet, yet, that being said is exactly how most of us found our way here! Sometimes a break is good though because for as much helpful positive accurate information you'll come across, there will be an equal amount of the opposite.

We all have different ways to busy our mind and stay positive, but for me, prayer was (is) always a part of my day and even when I don't have the energy or can't find the words I mutter "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." and it helps every time! Aside from that, from the start of my journey I have been busy with family (now 8 grandkids and 2 step grandkids all under 9 years old), I also read, when I felt up to it began doing volunteer work in my community at a local food pantry and recently at the hospital coffee shop. A few years ago I went back to college and graduated with a degree in Human Services. 

I remember early on one day having my own little pity party (though well deserved for us all) and on The Doctors talk show was a young beautiful woman who had fallen in a stream when zip-lining and contracted a horrible flesh eating disease. She lost several limbs and the use of much muscle in what remained, yet she walked (with aids) out on that stage beaming with happiness and motivation for life as well as genuine gratefulness for all she had...it was so inspiring to see and hear her that I still think of her when I feel myself heading downward. 

If it helps, my grandpa used to say that a good cry was good once in a while because it makes your eyes sparkle!

Have a peaceful weekend....

katheryn

Thank you, the internet is why I waited to go to the doctor, hemhrroids internal & external was the reason for my bleeding, constipation all my life, thyroid issues, not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water, needing more exercise!  I had an excuse for all my symptoms.  Every time I made a change in my life I gssd yo wait and my nurse & doctor agreed.  I have to get over my what if`s, I can't go back.