Hi Smilebright

Sorry about your diagnosis. Different to you but similar area, I've recently completed radiotherapy and chemotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma mine was 5.5 weeks 28 sessions. If I can be of help, ask any questions you want. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi, aww happy news that you have completed your recent treatment and thank you very much for your reply.

Can I ask (sorry it’s all currently the unknown!) but did you feel a lot different during the RT and Chemo and did the side effects begin straight away, could you still pop to the shops and do the usual daily chores? They said mum will get tired but will still be able to get around-but also said due to the treatment being in the pelvic area that kidney/bladder function may be effected and become sore. Is this all fairly easy to manage….just all seems strange given mum doesn’t have any aches or pains at the moment.

Have you since had a further scan? I imagine it to be a huge relief getting through the treatment

Thanks again for your reply, it is only when we (and family) go through this that we then realise how many others have already been on the same path xxx

Apologies didn't read properly it's your mum not you. I had chemo for 5 days 24/7 via a pump at the beginning of treatment I felt sick but other than that I tolerated the chemo well I think, I only had a reduced dose though as I have low DPD. I then had another 5 days at the end and was fine with that one. I got burns from the radiotherapy which made walking uncomfortable and because of the area being treated pooing was like passing razor blades covered in acid, but as your mum area is different she may not get that, I know  some people get cystitis (I didn't) The radiotherapy side affects come gradually and some get them worse than others. I would say for your mum to make sure she is well moisturised and not to hesitate asking for creams and pain relief if required. I drove myself 2 hour round trip to hospital everyday and cooked and went to shops although I was walking like john Wayne. I took advantage of people offering to do my housework etc. I didn't really get tired until after treatment once I was back to work. Had a follow up physical exam beginning Jan and CT and MRI end Jan get results next week. Don't know if that's any help or not, we all react differently to treatment. Here if you need a chat or if you prefer to chat privately just do friend request. Xx