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Anal cancer at 31 years old (female)

KrystelTips
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Hi there everyone,

I’m 31 years old, female and I was diagnosed with T3 anal cancer in November last year, I finished 6 weeks of brutal chemoradiation on 12th April and just found out it unfortunately wasn’t successful. I’m booked to go for surgery on Monday to have my entire anus removed so my colostomy will now be permanent, but I’ll also be having part of my vagina removed and reconstructed.

I’m struggling to find motivation to get through it all and finding it impossible to picture a happy future (the treatment took away my chance of kids and I’m struggling to imagine someone wanting to date me and go travelling with me after all this) and I just need some hope from someone in a similar circumstance/age.

Thanks

Krystel

  • Hello Krystel and welcome to Cancer Chat forum.

    I'm really sorry to hear your chemoradiation wasn't successful and that you're now booked in for a very big operation on Monday.

    This must have been very difficult and upsetting news to receive so it's completely understandable, and natural, to be feeling this way at the moment, so do be kind to yourself at this time.

    Another new member you may want to talk to is KazzD. I'm not sure how old they are but they were diagnosed with anal cancer in 2022 and have been cancer free for almost a year so although it really may not seem like it right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you'd like to reach out to them and find out more about their journey, do have a look at their discussion.

    I'm sure you will receive further support and advice from other members of our community soon but in the meantime if you would like to talk any of this through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all they can to support you at this time.

    We're here for you Krystel and wishing you all the very best for Monday.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Krystel

    I'm not in your situation other than having anal cancer, haven't even started treatment yet. Have you tried the macmillan forum they split it into all the different types of cancer so you may find it easier to find someone in your situation. I hope all goes well with your operation. Xx

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