Okay ladies.....all of this dilator talk has me worried that it's going to happen or has happened with the/my bum as well. I saw one of my docs a few days ago. Continued good news as she did not feel any tumor (only scar tissue) and said there was no longer blockage. I was surprised and asked why it feels like it's blocked (among other signs that it could be) and she said that the radiation continues to burn for months and months and causes it to atrophy. I asked if there was anything that could be done about dashing to the potty or not making it to the potty. She explained that everything we eat goes around and around and eventually stops in the rectum which is the area where it stays until one has the urge and can get to the potty. So it burns the area that allows one to have control of when to go, but it also causes the area to atrophy which makes it hard to go when your body is telling you it's time. There is physical therapy that helps with the control issue (she will not order it until I get stronger). Has anyone dealt with this or had a discussion with a nurse or doc? I'm hoping that since things are going through there on a regular basis that it won't get worse (smaller or close!!!). What do you ladies think?
No one offered me any vaginal dilators. I'm going to tell myself that they thought I wasn't well enough to be interested. : 0 )
Like you Sheri nobody’s mentioned a dilator to me before treatment or after. I haven’t had my appointment with the Dr after treatment yet but maybe it’s something that will be brought up. Regarding the blockage you feel and worry isn’t as large as before the tumour...this is exactly how I feel. Since treatment it feels smaller but it’s very tender and guess it’s inflamed outside and inside so hoping this is the reason. Everything you say does I guess makes sense from your recent meeting so fingers crossed this is the case. The idea of it all closing up is a worry though. I remember when l had my first PET scan and a lady was in the adjoining cubicle wiating to have a scan after some radiotherapy treatment and was relying the problems viewing clarity of the area that the tumour was in after treatment because of the scar tissue the radiotherapy had made...so it makes sense but still a bit of a worry I know. Are you or any of the girls on the site on one of the trials at the hospital? I agreed to complete forms before, during, after etc? x Mandy
Morning girls,
In regards to the dilators they automatically booked me an appointment with the "fen care chat" nurse for Thursday this week coming, so I'm guessing that's about the dialator thingy... but I'm sure I read that you use them a couple of weeks after treatment finishes when things stop being so sore.
I haven't been asked if I want to join a trial.
Sue x
Thanks for your message, I’m doing OK. How are you?
Completed week 2, my bottom is a little sore and very itchy, began using the bidet yesterday and it was bliss! Then slathered myself in cream!
Lots of chat on here about dilators, I was told before treatment that once radio is over, I’d have an appointment to discuss their use. To re-stretch the vagina and enable future intercourse. The way I feel at the moment, not sure I want anyone near my nether regions ever again hahaha
Last day of my anti fungal tabs today but don’t feel like the thrush in my mouth has fully gone, my nose is sore and always bloody inside. Anyone else have that?
Hiya Lisa,
Glad your doing not too bad, I've just finished week 3 and am the same as you, my bottom is sore occasionally not all the time, and very itchy. I'm only using Diprobase cream at the moment and the occasional ibuprofen. Tiredness not too bad, the journey to the hospital causes a lot of that and I can have a room in the hostel but to be honest while I feel well enough to do the journey I don't want to stay.
I too had a really sore mouth and just managed with a mouthwash and I've had the nose thing too.
Not looking forward to the next lot of chemo which is a week tomorrow.....might need the hostel then.
I don't have a sex life at the moment lol, and I don't particularly want one either lol. I do have a fem care chat next week tho.
We are getting there Lisa slowly but surely.
Sue xxx
i was told that the dilators were not only to help with the sexy stuff but also for when getting a smear or internals - aren’t us girls just so look all the things we have to endure!!
with regards to my bott I did ask about it “closing g up” but they said that as you are stull pooping that’s enough to keep it flexible - I still have that feeling that there’s Something there although ive been assured the tumour is gone but I have a few skin tags / I suppose we will always worry.
It’s stopped raining here at last so think might venture into the garde today
Hi Sue, it’s nice to have someone at roughly the same point in treatment, yes I must admit, I too am dreading chemo week again! but we can do it!
You do have quite a drive! How long does it take you? My journey is from Holywell to Clatterbridge so usually takes about 40 mins, so all in all it can be up to 3 hours a day! My husband always takes me as we went for late appointments (5.45pm) to enable him to still work and be there for me, my family live on the Wirral and my mum and sister have come up most days to keep me company and help out. Their support has been amazing.
