i have managed to get a change in prescription and now have some oral morphine and lashings of laxatives!!!! Let’s see how this goes. Can’t bear to think about constipation after bum surgery!
Apart from that have been very weepy and I don’t know why...is that usual?
Glad you'e got help with your pains. I've found that the help is always there, so don' be afraid to ask. Yes I find I can have bouts of being weepy for no apparent reason, remember what your going thru is no easy or simple thing and again don' be afraid to have a cry and feel a bit sorry for yourself. The least little thing can set me off, a word, a programme on the telly ,anything. The family are used to it, only our dog Murphy struggles with my outburst lol.
I know about the constipation after surgery, I struggled, it' horrible, like torture.
Had my 7th treatment today, a lovely nurse, a bit older than the norm full of advice, she asked me if I'm sore yet, I said don' worry I'll soon moan when I am, she said it's not called moaning it's called keeping us informed.
Awh girls thinking of you all!
Sheri - yes my tummy eventually settled at first I was scared to go out - I still always check where the loo’s are but it’s definitely better I was a bit worried about coming on holiday but so far so good!
Sue - you made me giggle about pumping as you got up that happened to me a few times the radiographers just took it in their stride said it happens all the time. That’s you 25% done.
I now just think of it as my bottom giggling!!
Lynne the weepiness will pass but as Sue says it’s such a huge thing we are all going or have been through - and definitely don't put up with pain I got into trouble for leaving it a bit too long. Th nurse said with everything else you’re feeling and experiencing you don’t need pain on top of it.
Someone also said this to me and it really does make a lot of sense
“ your doctor and nurses are only as good at helping you as the information you give them”
I always felt I was being a nuisance but they so ate assured m that’s what They are there for to answer your questions and address your concerns.
My hubby asked me today did it not upset me remembering what you’re all going through but do you know I makes me realise how far I’ve come so just all keep going counting down the treatments you’ll get there too.
Sandra xx
Hi Lynne, Weeping seems to be all part of this journey. I have 3 days left and then my treatment will be finished. Today I cried when I saw a child crying in the supermarket, at the nurse who took blood, the radiographer and when I lay on the bed being zapped because the music was sad.....assuming this is normal but feeling just a little bit overwhelmed by it all sometimes.....keep going, we are all routing for each other and your not alone! Mandyxx
Sandra I didn' realise I was quarter way thru, that makes it sound really good. So far so good today , although it' s still early, but my mouth is much, much better. Mandy you lucky thing only 3 to go, nearly there xx. So you will be finished in time for Easter!
I'm looking forward to the break from that journey for 4 days. I'm booked into the hostel after that for the rest of the time, but I'll see how I feel. It might be fun to stay with other people who are going thru the same thing.
you must look at it that tears are good! It’s a way of expressing how you feel and letting it out. I am feeling less tearful today though. Easter weekend will give us a break from the hospital visit and time with family and friends. I plan on doing little and relaxing though. All will be finished for me Thursday just in time and although I still feel sore, tired and apprehensive.....it’s another part of the journey. It’s great to read all the experiences from the girls on this website. I have enjoyed having you lot along with me on this journey. Have a wonderful Easter weekend and thinking of you always. Mandy xxx p.s. I’ll keep,you posted with life after treatment along the way... xx
glad that you will be finished by Easter, just to take time out and relax and eat chocolate for breakfast!
do you know what happens next?
i am feeling ok today, no tears just tired. Do any of you sleep badly, I do but only since this came along.
have got an appointment on Thursday for CT planning session, must have got a cancellation, to get one that quick! This is the final step before treatment isn’t it?
Hi lynne, Yes looking forward to a break from the drive back and forth and treatment. My next appointment is 6th May with the Dr to see how I am doing and healing...I then have to wait 3 months from the date I finished to get the MRI.....then an appointment to meet Dr again to talk through how it all went...I seem to be the opposite sleep wise. Prior to diagnoses I didn't sleep that great but slept better up until now and I wake on and off with the bottom throbbing.. I have felt tired only up until the last week i.e. week 5 and feel I could sleep any time during the day. Have feel asleep going to the hospital in the car and back...not driving of course! Great news regarding the CT planning session. Have you had a PET scan yet? I had MRI, CT and PET scan in this order prior to being given the planned dates to start.... Hope everything goes well.....I'll be thinking of you. Mandy xxx
I was just glancing over all of the notes and saw Suzy's. Suzy, bless your heart....you have been through a lot. Do you mind if I ask you if yours is HPV related? I was curious because you were told it was agressive and would probably come back. I have not been told that although I imagine that is the reason they monitor so closely after treatment. It doesn't bother me to tell people that I have/had-hopefully HAD- anal cancer but I am embarrassed that it is HPV related. I don't understand how it got there, but I suppose that's the last thing I should be fretting over. The American Cancer Society's website has some unsettling statistics; however, the MD Anderson cancer center in Houston has started using immunotherapy with good results. I think that the statistics are going to turn a corner. This is the first change of treatment that the FDA has approved in 48 years. I find it interesting that it is the same treatment internationally.
Lynne, I can't imagine Tramadol touching the pain. You are going to want something stronger and you should take it around the clock or at a scheduled time so that you can control the pain. My medical oncologist said to take probiotic and stool softeners with the pain meds. It is extremely painful if you get constipated. Of course it is also miserable to have diarrhea so you have to figure out the dosage that works for you. I base mine on what I've had to eat that day. I was so heavily medicated during treatment that I wanted to sleep all of the time. Now I usually just sleep through the night with an occasional nap. I wouldn't be able to sleep without Melatonin. I was afraid of it, but a nurse explained how it works and encouraged me to try it.
Sandy, It makes me happy when I think about you having fun in Portugal. What a wonderful way to celebrate.
Gilliebean, I'm thinking of you.
This is such a wonderful website. I could not find anything like this in the US.
