Hi My mum(79) was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2023, she had the tumour removed and had chemotherapy + radiotherapy for 6 weeks and was given the all clear, during and after the treatment she suffered with depression and low energy levels. Unfortunately in October 2024 mum was told her cancer had returned she has been given 3 options, one is a major operation called an “elape”procedure, palliative chemotherapy or nothing. When we met with her consultant he was very honest about the effects the operation would have on mum and the thought of her having to go through all that pain and not have a good quality of life was difficult to hear. I know everybody is different but I was just wondering if anyone has any experiences of this procedure and the side effects it had, obviously my mum is 80 this year so not sure her body would be strong enough for the recovery or any complications, she has already got a poor appetite and suffers with fatigue.I think my mum is not keen on going through with the operation but she still hasn’t decided what to do. She has an appointment with her oncologist tomorrow to discuss the palliative treatment options so I hope that will help her. It’s so difficult to know what to advise her as we want her to have a good quality of life for as long as she has left so she can enjoy things. I’m trying to be positive and just take each day as it comes for mum but it’s hard not to worry about the future. Thanks for reading this.