Anal Cancer - after effects

[BlueDun]

I had chemo/radiotherapy for Anal Cancer in 2015 and was signed-off in 2021. Several times post treatment I have had spells of anal aching and soreness that mirrored what I experienced prior to diagnosis and treatment. Also I experienced quite a bit of discomfort in my perineum when sitting, this has gradually abated over the last 2 years.

Each time I was checked and scanned and found to be OK. I have had no real issues for the last 30 (ish) months but the symptoms have returned in the last 2 weeks.

It's hard to know whether to be concerned that the cancer may have returned or if it's just another 'flare-up'.

Has anyone else had similar experience(s)?

[xsevenx]

Are you still being followed up? Sounds like you need a surgeon to cast an eye on you again. Best wishes. I had the same, but escaped radiotherapy.

[BlueDun in reply to xsevenx]

I was signed of in 2022, so I'm not being monitored now. Radiotherapy, whilst effective, does produce unwelcome side effects. Getting to a surgeon (or anyone in the NHS) is like trying to get an audience with the Pope these days!

[mogamed]

I had chemo and 28 days of radiotherapy in October and yeah is very painful and I'm all the time constipated. My butt feels numb all the time

[BlueDun in reply to mogamed]

Hi mogamed, sounds like your condition was similar to mine - anal cancer, stage 3 N1. I had the same amount of treatment and it got pretty unpleasant at the end of the course of treatment.

One of the biggest problems I found was that nobody told me what to expect afterwards, so I didn't know what to accept as 'normal' or what to be concerned about. Which is still the case 8 years on!

I haven't experienced constipation, more the other way. My current 'flare-up' of soreness and uncomfortable perineum has me worrying again, but it has happened several times before and eventually cleared - hope it will this time.

The good news is, the chemo/radiation treatment is extremely effective.

Good luck.

[mogamed in reply to BlueDun]

Hi BlueDunYes it's very frustrating when you are not told everything. It's also difficult when you on your own. My main problem now is the pain in my feet and legs which gets swollen quickly and the constipation. I have a Dr coming over and they swear that CBD oil will help with the pain and sleepless nights and according to Google its good for cancer management so I'm going to give it a try.

Hope all goes well for you.

[BlueDun in reply to mogamed]

I haven't come across CBD oil but I might also give it a try. You get to the stage when anything is worth a go!

[Norwich1 Moderator in reply to BlueDun]

It would do no harm to talk to your GP about your current issues. You can never be too careful.