Just picked up your conversation with Gillibean and see you are enjoying the wonders of the salt bath. The funny thing was I was told from my specialist....and I know all are different...that she didnt like any painkillers, keep it all natural were her words! She told me from day 1 have salt baths, even before treatment...so I did. I had one every other night and it healed a treat. I got so use to using salt instead of bubbles it was quite a relaxing and enjoyable part of the day.. my skin also felt super smooth, hairless and smooth! :) So pleased to hear that you are making a speedy recovery and starting to look at yourself differently....i.e. not the patient but at you! Good luck with the hair cut, I remember how I fet
l when I went for the first time since the treatment, it really gives you a lift. Go and buy yourself something nice to wear, you deservce a little treat! All the best...and to all you girlies out there who I have enjoyed reading about.. Mandy x
The radiation continues to work for months after treatment has stopped and they will continue to monitor you. They monitored me every 3 months for the first 17 months. I still have to see my surgeon every 3 months (she said for the rest of my life) for a scope which is unpleasant but takes maybe a minute and a half. I take a pain med before I go. My scans have been bummped to every 6 months IF the insurance will continue to cover it. I'm in the US and Medicare/insurance is going down hill with our current administration. I'm hoping things turn around for the US real soon.
I remember the feeling of not knowning what to do with myself after treatment. That only lasted about 5 days before I started feeling bad again. But I don't think my situation was typical.
My hair still looks silly. It has come back full force but the sides are much shorter than the rest of my hair and doesn't look real "with it". And the layers are so short that it makes it doulbe in size in any humidity. Better than no hair; however. I think I'm going to have to embrace the curls which make me feel like an old lady for some strange reason. I think because when I was growing up my mother and her friends always got permanents to make their hair curly.
It sounds like you have a lovely life. I'm so glad that you handled the treatment ok.
somglad you have started the salt baths it's just so soothing on all those sore bits and it works wonders for healing ,I had them all through treatment and kept with them for a month afterwards.
Sounds like you are starting to feel a lot better already that is great news and each day will get a little better although you will have days where you will feel totally done in, just accept it and you will continue to improve, the body needs rest to repair itself. I ate lots of alkalising foods after treatment because I had very bad acid problems from all foods ,you can google acids and alkaline foods and you will see a list if you have any problems in that area ,I know some do and some don't . Me and Sherri suffered greatly in that area and I am here if you need any advice in that area as believe me when I say I know so much about foods now through research in my desperate state!! Pleased to report everything is under control now though and I ve worked out a great diet .
anyway stick with the baths and have a great recovery xxx
Its lovely to hear from you. How are you doing? Im fine and pretty much back to what I was before...a little more anxious with every ache and pain but I guess thats to be expected. Love reading all the posts on this site, it does take you back to your own experiences...there is light at the end of the tunnel.. love to you and all on here..xx
Hello, I wasn’t sure if this group was still active as I saw the last post was 24 days ago. I to have recently been diagnosed with anal squamous cell cancer and have not been able to find much about it. I started my chemo and radio therapy last Thursday and found the chemo side effects have come in quite quickly. I am very Lucky and have lost of support but am extremely anxious about the next five weeks and was just reading through all your post which have been really helpful x
Yes, I’m still here. Don’t worry.its all quite daunting at the start but any questions please ask. I was diagnosed 10th January 2018 treatment started 19th February and completed 28th March. The treatment is very successful. Just remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The treatment will be hard towards the end but it won’t last. You’ll get there. Any question please ask. Wishing you lots of love on your journey. Always here. X
Thanks for replying, I am so happy to hear your treatment has been successful.
yes it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for me and the family over the last 6 weeks but am taking everyday step by step. Reading through the post I can see the last few weeks are painful but am certainly listening to everyone’s advice to say so, I’m also going to start having salt baths everyday to!!!
I haven’t been on for a while but saw your post - I’m now now 18 months in remission after six weeks chemo radiotherapy - this wee group was/is an amazing support.
Everyone is very honest about their experiences and it is hard and I personally found once I had finished the treatment that it was worse before it got better. I’ve just been reading back over the chat and can’t believe how far I’ve come - be kind to yourself when you’re tired rest up and do t try to rush back to things.
I dint know where you live I was the only one in the group in Scotland I think I’m just outside Glasgow and have found amazing support through the Maggies centre.
Wishing you a speedy six weeks and if you’ve got questions there’s usually one of us can try to help
I live in North Wales and had to travel from Anglesey to Glan Clwyd every day, the treatment isn't too bad except at the end of radiotherapy, I am 14 months post treatment now and except for still getting tired more easily than before I'm more or less back to normal, I also had surgery first before they realised it was cancer. Be kind to yourself if someone want to help to look after you....let them! It helps you and they feel useful, just give us all a shout if you need a bit of moral support, this group are fantastic and I'd have been lost without them, xxx
