1. < Colorectal Cancer

Lingering side effects over 2 months after radiation completion

Posted by ems7 @ems7, May 24 7:09pm

I have colorectal cancer, & completed chemo, then radiation treatment. The rectal pain & vaginitis from radiation persists over 2 months after treatment ended. My radiation oncologist recommended hydrocortisone cream, and Aquaphor ointment, and hydrocodone if pain is intolerable.
I can’t tolerate opioids, and the cream/ointment are only temporary help. I’ve been taking Tylenol and Advil. Any other suggestions? Similar experiences? When does it finally subside?

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clare12351 | @clare12351 | 4 days ago
In reply to @ems7 "Thank you so much Clare for all your responses and information. I apologize for not responding..." + (show)
@ems7

Thank you so much Clare for all your responses and information. I apologize for not responding sooner, but I’ve been having some technical problems with the website. Hopefully they are fixed.
I am due for my big surgery in two weeks, & am concerned about proceeding with the rectal pain & skin issues. Trying to connect with my surgeon.

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Please let us know about your surgery date. And the surgical procedure? You know you will have support on this group no matter what you decide. I strongly suggest a palliative care group of nurses to help. I didnt realize what they do and how important it is to have one on this journey. No expense on my part. Invaluable resources for pain control

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clare12351 | @clare12351 | 4 days ago

Best wishes and many prayers for strength and quiet times just to think. Pray and breathe!! You will get through this.

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clare12351 | @clare12351 | 4 days ago
In reply to @lmarie143 "I'm sending hugs, hopes, prayers, well wishes, everything sweetie. That's a lot to deal with and..." + (show)
@lmarie143

I'm sending hugs, hopes, prayers, well wishes, everything sweetie. That's a lot to deal with and your strength is obvious. It gives me strength as I'm sure it will others. You got this! ☺️😉🔆 Stay positive bc you're inspiring.
Thank you for sharing.
Xx

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We are all in this ❤️ together. Thank you so very very much for your kind message !! Onward!!

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lana67 | @lana67 | 22 hours ago
In reply to @clare12351 "Sawra Maurer, P.A.-C., M.S. at Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota..." + (show)
@clare12351

Sawra Maurer, P.A.-C., M.S. at Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
She treated me for a fissure that increased the pain from radiation . I was on morphine through my palliative care nurse locally in North Carolina
Sitting in bath or sitz bath several times a day was my only complete release from pain . My radiation and chemo lasted 6 weeks. Ending Nov 2024 . Pain lasted about 5 weeks after that..then started to subside
Mayo Rochester palliative care nurses..radiation oncology. Oncologist..colon rectal dept. Women's health deot. All have supported me without fail. The pain of anal cancer and treatment is intense beyond my imagination .. but as of now. No anal pain other than stinging w BM which comes w fissure.. . It's important to go where anal cancer is treated constantly. My local cancer team had no idea how to relate to my pain since they only treat occasional anal cancer patients Please know this gets better .. its a fire walk to get through it . You will come out on the other side of this

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Thanks for the encouragement. I met with my team today and they knew that the Nifedipine was related to fissure treatment. I mentioned your providers name and the suppository and they were going to check it out. I told them that my pain going to bathroom was 8/10 and that I was going about 7-8 x day. They made some suggestions and added Lyrica to see if that will help. I had been adverse to using the oxy as I thought it would create constipation. I also started on Bentyl which is an antispasmodic as I think baclofen is also. My sitz baths are helping some but the intensity during bathroom is tremendous. I know you know and I can only imagine how the fissure is intensifying the misery. Thanks for sharing your timeline as well. Blessings to you and your recovery.

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clare12351 | @clare12351 | 20 hours ago

I am so so sorry! Yes this is beyond painful. Sounds like you are trying everything you can. I could not have done it without the morphine and yes its constipating but I trued to counter it w metamucil morn. Miralax eve and solace stool softeners. I have had to wear Depends for a year now and stay close to a bathroom when bowels are loose . ... not eat before appointments etc until I get home
Finally finally getting better. Off morphine . Bathroom time was crying time. I know what you are going through . Please know you will get better. Pain relief is #1 .
And constant updates to your team ..my palliative care nurses listened and acted on my behalf . I will be thinking of you and praying for relief from pain. Hugs to you!!!!

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