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Anal Cancer - 3 years in and I've been given the news I'm cancer free. Cancer has changed me, and I'm still adapting to the new me, but never give up

Dolittle
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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!

  • Hey Dolittle, 

    I just came across your post and wanted to congratulate you on your amazing news. It must have been so wonderful to hear those words and as you say, a huge relief as well. 

    So many of members will identify with what you have written about cancer changing you and the ups and downs you have contended with on this journey, so you are not alone, and I'm sure some of them will be along soon to share their experiences and advice.

    I'm also sure that other anal cancer members within our community will be so pleased to see how far you have come, and take a lot of strength and comfort from your post too, so thank you for taking the time to update us on your progress and share how you are getting on with your 'bag for life'.

    If any other questions or concerns pop up at any point, you can give one of our cancer nurses 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 help.

    Keep smiling Dolittle and remember that we always be here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Dolittle

    Such amazing news, it sounds like it has been a rollercoaster! I am three months into my anal cancer diagnosis and it seems that there aren’t many of us!  I’m in week five of six of radiotherapy, so feeling quite sore and very tired. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to tolerate chemo so had to stop half way through. What stage was your initial diagnosis? 

    Anyway wishing you a good week and hope you are planning a celebration! X

  • Offline in reply to EliHove
    1. T4 N1 aM0..was my diagnosis.(first diagnosis T3)but then went into a hospital black hole for over 12 weeks)so once it was retified I ended up at T4 N1 aM0..guess I was lucky only one liquid chemo,then the chemo tabs that run along side with the radiotherapy,I was rather poorly..thought I wouldn't get through it,but now it seems so distant,and was good to move to 6 monthly checks,I wish you all the luck and strength you'll need ,but honestly it does and will get better..if you want to ask anything feel free ,to ask..here's to a better 2026!stay strong and positive 
  • Offline in reply to EliHove

    Oh...yes the celebration was good!!!!!!

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    Hello Dolittle,

      l read your post with a wry smile. The smile because you are one of us that have crawled back out of the deeper depths of despair and having dragged yourself away from the abyss find yourself standing on solid ground surveying a second future.

    Wry? because l have a very good understanding of the lourney you have travelled and may still keep finding different paths that you are obliged to walk along, but as you point out you view them all as taking a forward direction.

    l put up with a stoma for eighteen months that refused to heal with my body rejecting its presence upon my skin before finally getting a reversal.5 years on my bowel grudgingly accepted that constant daily tantrums were not going to change the course of its journey. However it now decides to go on a detour every so often and throws up a complete blockage, 5 so far, with storm seasons bringing high intensity winds, probably coming from kinked bowel and hernia  with scar tissue narrowing the passage

    Bless, it does try hard to assert its authority, but must get incredibly frustrated realising it lives with me on my terms not l with it. l call it Vesuviarse which overall is a fairly descriptive name and we have been together for approaching eleven years now, between us achieving so much with hopefully more to come.

    Between you and me ,l think deep down it enjoys its partnership with me remaining not slow in coming forward to remind me its there, but bewildered by the fact that it gets scant recognition of this fact because l am usually too busy and occupied elsewhere, and my mind sides with my view.

    Good for you on moving forward and keep on exploring your personal horizons,

    David

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    I shouldn't have enjoyed your words and description,sorry you've had blockage number 5, I was hoping to not have anymore (3) upto now,I'm not a fan of chewing gum,but the consultant said I must,so fingers crossed I may never equal your 5 .My stoma unfortunately is a non reversible so I've not much choice but to try and get along with it..after all it saved me,and yes you can't forget its there ,although I wish I could.Maybe one day when it's reminding me I'll be grateful, but we're not there yet !

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