On the 18th September 2025 ,I entered my year 3,and was given the fantastic news CANCER FREE, I'd previously been told my treatment had been very responsive and my regular scans had shown no signs, but to hear the words was a huge relief, so now I enter year 3 ,and have to have 6 monthly checks.
Cancer has changed me. I'm not the fun ,cheerful person I used to be. I hope that person one day returns. I still have not come to terms with my stoma, although it saved Me. I have a parastomal hernia which is ugly and restricting, and have had another bowel surgery,(strangulated hernia). In June I had another kink in my bowel causing a blockage, I've been told all caused by scar tissue, they didn't want to do a third op unless absolutely necessary believe it or not I spent 5 days waiting for my kink to unkink in hospital. The consultant advised chewing gum (it helps the bowel ). I was sceptical but it worked on day 5 my bowel unkinked and started working again so I was discharged.
So my journey continues cancer free, at least, and trying to move on with the stoma/bowel issues. And hopefully if I can't find the old me, I hope to find a new me ,but I'm not there yet. When I think I'm moving on I get a reminder eg holidays, the new airport scanners highlight my stoma. Sometimes the security once I've explained let me pass through but my last experience at Liverpool was to go to the private room with two females who swab it from the outside ,then wait for her to comeback to send you on your way. It only takes a few minutes (it's more stressful worrying about your bag waiting in security they never let you get it, so it doesn't stop me, it's just another reminder of the new me...
Yes of course I've named my stoma..."bag for Life" so anyone reading this, it does get better. There's no time limit, everybody is different, just keep moving forward, yes I may get slip ups or set backs, but I've come along way and yes I'm I a much better place, so I enter year 3 with a smile, so I know I'll get there. Believe me when I look back through treatments ,ops, etc I didn't think I'd get to where I am but I'm here...please stay positive
Anyone just starting Anal Cancer journey - If anyone wants to ask anything (I'm no expert)but if your worrying about radiotherapy etc , I can only tell you my experience. Never give up!
