Hi Roxi1234, 

I noticed you haven't had a reply yet, so I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and reassure you that your post has been seen.

I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with anal cancer. This must be a very difficult time but I hope it helps to know that you are not alone as many of our members have been on this journey as well, and hopefully you will get to hear about their experiences soon.

I hope the reply you received from our nurses to your other post has helped to ease your mind about your upcoming treatment, but if you have any further questions or concerns you'd like to discuss, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you.

I know this journey will be hard, but we are here for you Roxi1234 and sending all our strength and support your way. 

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Roxi

i hope you’re doing ok. It’s a scary time when you are waiting for treatment to start. I was also diagnosed with anal cancer in Sept last year. I finished my treatment just after Xmas. Mine had also spread to my lymph nodes in my groin. 
I had one lot of IV chemo and then chemo tablets & radiotherapy Monday to Friday for 28 days. It was hard going at times but I got through it. I got the all clear in April & then have just had the results last week after my latest scan & that was clear too.  Good luck with your treatment & message me on here if you would like to chat. There are a few of us that went through treatment for this cancer recently and we are all doing well.  Xx

Hi Calia

Thank you for replying to my post.So glad you got great result .I am still waiting for start date for treatment,think the waiting is the worst.Reasuring to know other people on forum have this particular cancer too as not much info online otherwise.Can I ask what might seem trivial question?Am I likely to loose my hair during chemo?xx

Hi Steph,

Thanks for kind words of reassurance.
I have now told to my immediate family and friends,feel so much better now not keeping big secret.I have received lots of messages of support too.

Knowing I'm not alone in this is helping.Once I start treatment I will feel as if I am dealing with beating cancer.Right now I am so frustrated waiting on word from hospital to get started.

Kind regards 

Roxi1234

Hi Roxi

yes the waiting is the worst. I was fine once I got started. No I didn’t lose my hair. which I was glad of as it’s long! 
I was treated in Manchester so different hospitals can do the treatment in different ways. Some of the ladies I’ve chatted to on here had IV chemo in a little machine at the start and then had radiotherapy and then the chemo for 5 days at the end.  I had one IV chemo on my first day of treatment - I can’t remember what it was called though & then I had 5 tablets twice a day on the days I had radiotherapy. The tablets were called Capecitebine. Sending you a big hug.  

Xx