Welcome to the forum MindyMoo although I'm sorry about the pain you've been experiencing. It must be very tough.

I hope the codeine and laxido you've been prescribed are helping but if not, don't hesitate to let your team know so that they can amend or/and adjust your medicines where needed.

I'm sure some of our members will offer their thoughts and advice to you soon, but if you'd like to speak with one of our cancer nurses about this, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They are very experienced and will do all they can to help you find ways to manage your pain as your treatment continues.

We're thinking of you MindyMoo and wishing you all the best with the rest of your chemo and radiotherapy.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi MindyMoo

i was diagnosed with anal cancer in Sept 24. Stage T2 N2 and finished my 29 days of chemo & radiation treatment at the end of December. Like you I had lots of pain going to the toilet and was given codeine. I’m 4 weeks post treatment now and am starting to feel much better although I’m still very tired at times.  I continued to get sore once my treatment finished for about another 9/10 days and then my radiation burns began to heal. They have all healed now thankfully. The hospital gave me different gels to use which really helped. I hope you’re doing ok - have you finished your treatment now? Take care x

Hi Celia, thank you for making contact. I am now 6 days post treatment and still struggling with the radiation burns, I had a reaction to the gels so now using flamazine, a soft paraffin and sudocream.  I’m hoping by next week I to will start to see an improvement.  Do you have any support groups near you? Take care and continue to rest.

Hi,

oh I know it’s horrible isn’t it. But hang in there a few more days and everything will feel easier. No Im not aware of any but tbh I haven’t looked for any. I’ve found this forum helpful and have had people on here checking in on me which has been lovely. I’m near Manchester where are you? Look after yourself and keep in touch if you would like to. Take care x

Hi Calia, thank you again for responding. Yes it is so horrible, and sometimes you feel so alone.  I’m in Suffolk, Felixstowe, right on the coast.  I would love to keep in touch if you are happy to. I promise not to be a nuisance, it’s nice to talk to someone who understands what is happening.

Have you got to have any further scans or follow up?
Take care also

x

Yes of course. Message me any time. 
I’ve got a follow up on the 6th Feb just to see how I’m going and then my scan should be the end of March sometime. 3 months after the treatment ended they said. So results some time in April. My cancer has spread to my lymph nodes in my groin as well. I’m really hoping it’s gone so I don’t have to have surgery. You’re nearly over the worst of it so stay strong. The burns heal quite quickly once they start and you’ve got the best cream. Xx

Hi Calia,

How are you doing? I really hope the treatment will have got rid of all the cancer so you don’t have to undergo any surgery. Fingers crossed for you.

I am now 10 days post treatment, and feeling a little more comfortable apart from when opening my bowels! The skin is now healing which is great.  I have a telephone review meeting with my consultant on 3rd and like you will have a MRI scan at 3 months and then a PET scan at 6 months post treatment.

Are you of working age, if so do you work and when do you hope to return to work.

keep well, rest up when you need to.

xx

Hi MindyMoo

That’s good news. Glad you’re starting to feel more comfortable. sounds like you are over the worst of it now thankfully.
Yes I work but my doctor has signed me off until the end of March. 
I’m seeing my consultant next Thursday 6th Feb so might get an idea when my scan will be. 
Look after yourself too. I’ll let you know if I get any new info from the consultant. Xx

Hi MindyMoo

how are you doing?

I’ve got my scans (PET & MRI) in 3 weeks and my results appointment on the 3rd April. Are your burns all healed now? Mine took about 3-4 weeks to fully heal. Hope you’re doing ok. Xx