Hi everyone,

Long time lurker - grateful for these forums in helping provide invaluable information and insight.

Just to keep it quick/not too rambling a post - I am the partner of a cancer patient - he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Anal Cancer last year. I'm in my mid 20's and know very few people who have been in the same situation as me and can offer support having been through this sort of journey - hence I thought these forums might be useful!

We've been through 6 weeks of radical chemo and radiotherapy. His Oncologist said there was a high chance they would get all of the tumour just through this treatment but possibility of surgery if not. He's just had his MRI scan and we are due to have our follow up appointment next Friday to see how the treatment has gone.

The other day he openly admitted to me he is terrified - which is very unlike him as he is usually quite reluctant to talk about being frightened. In particular he's terrified about the possibility of surgery if there is still some of the tumour in tact. I was so glad he was being open but I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice as to how I can best support him during this frightening time, and if there was anything that any of your partners did that you really found helpful? Obviously I am there for him as I was through the treatment but just wondering what you all found most helpful.

Huge thanks for any help and insight in advance.