Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 3 anal cancer in Nov. 2024. I went through 33 rounds of radiation and took chemo pills for 30 days of radiation treatment, also I had 1 injection of purple “Barney” on the first day of starting radiation.
I knew something was wrong back in 2020. My Gastrointestinal Doctor did a colonoscopy and said there was absolutely nothing wrong with me, I had an internal hemorrhoid. He said he’d see me in 10 years… In 2023 my body was either constipated or I had diarrhea. The constipation ended up causing a rectocele from straining. I had surgery for the rectocele and within 4 months I knew something was really off. The diarrhea was worse and when I had bowel movements they were getting really thin. Then I felt the bump.
I tried going to my gastro doctor just for them to tell me to go to the hospital. The hospital misdiagnosed the CAT scan and told me to just see my primary doctor. My primary doctor sent me for a MRI and I finally found out what was going on, I told my primary to just send everything to the Mayo. I am so thankful for the Mayo. They set me up with a wonderful team.
It’s been 8 months post treatments.
I’m tired all the time and have to wear a diaper whenever I go out.
I’ve had to cut out certain foods (that send me straight to the bathroom). I’m managing and grateful this was caught before it hit stage 4.