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Worried this might be anal cancer

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Apr 3 1:53am | Replies (104)
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@yancy

Hi. I was Dx with squamous cell anal cancer in March of 2024. After several months of tests, etc., I started with one chemo infusion through a port, followed by 28 sessions of radiation and chemo pills. I had nausea only after that first infusion. I’m happy to say that I had no pain. It was so much “easier” than I anticipated. The partial lack of control over my bowels wasn’t pleasant but I used diapers. The worst part was the fatigue. I finished treatment in July 2024 and still not quite back to full strength. I’m getting there and otherwise feel fine. So hang in there, and stay positive!

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Replies to "Hi. I was Dx with squamous cell anal cancer in March of 2024. After several months..."
katme | @katme | Mar 8 7:01pm

Thanks for sharing Yancy. Did anyone tell you your anal cancer phase? Was it photon or proton radiation?
I stepped outside of my Medicare HMO and ordered a Galleri blood test online from Grail in December 2024 because I experienced mild, vague symptoms for about 3 years (bloated feeling, 5-9 daily pencil thin soft bowel movements with a reddish orange hue and occasional light bleeding). I developed distinct pain on the left side of my anus following a colonoscopy 2 years ago. I have fibromyalgia pain everywhere so I always worry about my brain’s ability to properly interpret the seriousness of pain signals. I was diagnosed with non cancerous colon polyps and hemorrhoids in February 2023 and told to repeat my colonoscopy in 5 years. Galleri blood test confirmed markers for anal cancer in Feb2025. My Medicare HMO doctor pushed back against this type of blood test until her anal palpation identified an irregularity on left side of anus. Sigmoidoscopy and biopsy confirmed squamous cell anal cancer. I am currently scheduled for mri, ct scan and surgery in late March. I hope to know stage and path forward by early April. Your fatigue comment is very helpful as I am primary caretaker for my partner of nearly 50 years who has severe dementia. I need to plan for outside help.
Thanks again for posting your comments.

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