← Return to Anorectal Squamous Cell Cancer w Protruding Externally From Anal Verge

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Profile picture for wbw @wbw

Hi! Your issues are very familiar to me. My anal cancer was treated with the Nigro protocol- mitomycin infusion early, 5 weeks of daily radiation and daily capecitabine. My tumor was small (some of it removed for biopsy) and only one lymph node seemed involved. I was soooooo tired by the end of treatment. I lost weight and ran to the bathroom frequently - when I wasn’t sleeping. I did sitz baths for my bottom for several weeks. I’ll admit my bottom still feels sort of like a prizefighter’s cauliflower ear…bunchy and protruding in places. I just had a follow-up PET and it was clear. My treatment ended in November and I now have most of my energy back and have gained weight. I still have bad bathroom days and wear a pull-up when I am going out for security. Pelvic floor physical therapy has helped me with control and if I have a day of travel I take prescription lomotil which is better than immodium and slows things down. Doc also suggested Metamucil to bulk stool for better control which seemed odd but it really helps. All this to say, recovery is slower than one would like and worrisome. I do hope that soon you’ll have some confirmation that your cancer is indeed gone. Sending best wishes.

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Replies to "Hi! Your issues are very familiar to me. My anal cancer was treated with the Nigro..."

@wbw
Hello Wbw, thank you for reaching. It’s reassuring to hear that you are doing well today, I’m know the journey was hard. Time now to heal and gain some return to normalcy. Yes, the fatigue is brutal, when I say no energy, I mean none. I’ve read here a lot that this can last a few months, and in some cases up to six months. But all eventually got their energy back as you did. This past week has not been going so great for me, seems Ive got myself in to one of those hiccups. My sphincter muscles seem to have weakened. After reading your post I looked in to PFPT and have an appointment to get started next week. I feel that I am a good candidate for it, and ready to fight to have my normalcy back again! Can only bring positive vibes! Please keep in touch to let us know how you’re doing. Again, thanks for sharing. Hugs!