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Anal squamous cell cancer

Janelucia
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Is there anyone on here who has had anal squamous cell cancer x

  • Offline in reply to Lyndylou67

    Hi, Welcome to the forum. I joined here for advice and support and I think it will really help you. I am currently having treatment, 20 sessions of radiotherapy out of the 28 done and will have my second round of chemo today. It is all very scary when you get diagnosed and my mind was going ten to the dozen. The side effects you read about are not the same for everybody, I found the chemo manageable, no mouth problems, I was sick mid cycle but they gave me new meds and that was sorted. Only now on my 5th week are my bits getting sore but it is “doable”. I must admit when the dates were set and I got started I just kept thinking each day was then another day closer to the end. Sending my best wishes xx

  • Offline in reply to Lyndylou67
    Hiya Lynne, Welcome to our group. You will find lots of help and support on here, these ladies have all helped me. I was diagnosed just before Xmas, after I went to Dr with piles and had surgery. My treatment starts next Monday, having a picc line inserted tomorrow. I found the embarrassment thing an issue, I still do to an extent but everyone I have seen so far have been wonderful, I tell them how I'm feeling and they do their best to put my mind at rest. My hospital did an open evening the day before my planning which we went to and found it very informative plus I got to meet some of the staff beforehand. Keep in touch , any questions don't hestitatte to ask, one of us will see it and answer as best we can. Sue x
  • Offline in reply to Lyndylou67
    Welcome to this small group Lynne, Don't worry! Having been on this site for the last couple of months I feel it has helped me enormously to come to terms to it....its also given me huge reassure and helped me understand that although this is a fairly rare cancer there are others out there and you aren't alone. I am half way through treatment and although everyone is different so far not too bad. Its all manageable. Once you have your dates to start the treatment is moves by quite quickly and you feel that something is being done and this in its self helps. I, like you, have told close family and friends - its one of those things that we all deal with differently. Its not that I was embarrassed - more like I didn't want to be looked at differently.. As it happens this isn't the case and everyone that now knows just wants to help you. Regarding the 'healthy look ' - well just like you I felt healthy, looked healthy and still do - apart from a sore bum! The chemo hasn't given me any side effects yet although only 1/2 way through it.....so could still give me something further down the line.. The assumption is that generally someone with cancer looks ill and feels ill. Unfortunately ..this isn't the case. I have made some good friends at the hospital that I sit with you prior to treatment and they all say the same...all shock with their news and are feeling well - apart from the diagnoses. I am sure once your treatment starts you will have had more time to come to terms with the shock. Do keep in touch and any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Wishing you well on your journey and lots of love. Mandy xx
  • Offline in reply to Mandydk

    Hi Lyndy Lou,

    it is scary and the wait is grueling, but it should be smooth sailing with an early diagnosis.  Without my knowledge my hubby told our friends that I had colon cancer because he felt like it was a private matter.  So when I talked to the same friends about my cancer, they were very confused.  It is a bit embarrassing, but it shouldn't be.    

    The radiation treatments are tyipcally quick 15 minute sessions.  Most people don't have any issues with treatment for the first two - two and a half weeks.  

    I hope the time flies by for you and you have this behind you realy soon.

    Sheri

     

  • Offline in reply to SandsJ

    That's wonderful, Sandra!  I'm so happy for you!  Hugs, Sheri

  • Offline in reply to texasgirl

    Hi Girls 

    I’ve been thinking of you all at your various stages of treatment and wanted to let you see there is really light at the end of the tunnel- last year when I was going through my treatment and even for a good few months after it finished I could never have imagined getting back to my favourite beach in Lagos Portugal - but her I am yesterday I felt really emotional as we walked into the beach as this was the picture of my “happy place” I imagined during those months.

    so you all keep strong and know that you will get through it to and get back to a ne normality y.

    sendng you all have warmest regards Sandra x[[ ]]

  • Offline in reply to SandsJ
    Hiya Sandra, Lovely to see you enjoying yourself, thanks for sharing with us, made me smile . Sue xx
  • Offline in reply to SandsJ
    Hi Sandra, What a lovely message! Its good you are enjoying Lagos and wishing us all well. Thank you so much...sometimes it feels like an up hill battle but keeping strong and knowing at there is light at the end of the tunnel really does help. Have a wonderful holiday...you really do deserve it. Lagos is our favourite place in Portugal...maybe we'll go back once my treatment is over.....xx
  • Offline in reply to SandsJ

    Hi Sandra 

    have just seen this have a great time you deserve it and thank s for being such a great support to us all 

    love Gilliebean x

  • Offline in reply to gilliebean
    Hi Gilliebean Just wondered if you have finished your treatment yet? How it going for you. Wishing you well and thinking of you. Mandy xxx

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