← Return to Living with long-term bowel side effects post anal cancer treatment

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I’m also an anal cancer survivor. I have had all the experiences you have shared. Hopefully sharing in my journey will help.

Diagnosed with anal mass after colonoscopy in May 2023. Removed squamous cell carcinoma. Treatments followed for stage 2 anal cancer, 28 days radiation and chemotherapy.
Following treatments had explosive bowel movements for months. Pelvic floor therapy was recommended. Went to therapy at two locations,had 2 different experiences. Changed diet, went gluten free,sugar free,dairy free etc. Learned what helped me. It is so individual what we experience.
I went to an herbalist who specializes in GI issues. He recommended Gut Restorative PRP and several other supplements. Needed to balance my good and bad bacteria after chemotherapy and radiation strips you of both. Had a huge improvement in Bowel movements and regularity.
Continued to have a mucus drainage and soft stool. I would wear women’s light period underwear to prevent leaking. At least I could go out in public again without fear of an accident. Fast forward to September 2024…
Went on vacation and discovered I was not in control , my bowels were. I traveled carrying my emergency kit , unfortunately when in unfamiliar places it was not enough. I vowed when I got home I had to find help.
In April 2025 I had a SNS stimulator implanted. I researched and thought long and hard. It was not an easy process but now after 4 months I’m 70 to 80% improved. Still improving everyday. Also it does not interfere with other treatments. I have had MRI and PET Scans.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and ask. This forum has helped me immensely.

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Replies to "I’m also an anal cancer survivor. I have had all the experiences you have shared. Hopefully..."

Thank you so much. Just being able to talk about this and knowing I am not on an island by myself going through it has been such a help. I see my colorectal surgeon next month and I will ask about SNS. She has strongly recommended it, but I was afraid, afraid of choosing something that would only mitigate the problem rather than cure it, something that would be lifelong instead of restorative or therapeutic. I realize now that this thinking is part of the stigma, and I am not helping myself or anyone else by holding onto it.