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Anorectal Squamous Cell Cancer w Protruding Externally From Anal Verge
Hello, I am a new here, 64 yr old female diagnosed with Anorectal Squamous Cell Cancer back in February of 2026. By report, my tumor is localized to anorectal region with inguinal/rectal nodes. No signs of metastatic disease. My cancer was diagnosed at stage 3a and I have a small piece of it that protruded externally from the my anus verge. I had a seven week treatment plan which included Radiation Therapy (IMRT) five days a week, along with oral chemo therapy daily of 5-FU, and two infusions of mitomycin, one at the beginning and one at the end of the treatment. I completed my treatment plan 5 weeks ago. Now I am in my sit and wait period after finishing my treatment. Will not know the out come until mid July this year when they do a follow up PET.
I am doing okay, as far as the radiation I’m healing very well, much better than I thought it would be these past four weeks. I have normal BM’s now, just don’t have good control over them. When my body says “I got go, I better get up and go!’ Lol! As for the chemo part i did fairly well with very little side effects. I am still very tired, have no energy at all. My activity is very limited. Don’t know if it’s the chemo or the radiation that has drained me. I hope in the next coming month to feel better as I want to return to work in July.
I’m worried, wish I knew what was going on, is it going away, I’m I going to be surgery free, what’s ahead for me, always in my mind daily. This waiting is difficult. I can still feel the tumor protruding from my anus and that really has me concerned. I thought it was shrinking, but it was only hiding out under the inflammation from the radiation treatment. Did anyone have a tumor protrude externally from their anus?
If you don’t mind sharing, I would love to know more about other’s journey with anal cancer post treatment. I would so appreciate your sharing your stories.
Hugs to everyone!
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@samclembeau Sorry it took so long to reply.
I'm in Northern California, nearly to Oregon, I had to wait forever for everything. In fact, I'm still waiting. I have the meds and the piccline...just waiting for the Radiation Dr to say "Go".
This has me sooo stressed I have to take several naps during the day...it's going to crazt when I start the therapy, lol. Actually, it should be either better or the same.
Thank you for reaching out.
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1 Reaction@aprilrain516, I hope you saw the helpful reply from @raellen.
April, how are you doing? Are you experiencing leakage side effects?
I also have all the same stats as you stage 3, rad, chemo meds ect. Mine was diagnosed in Nov 2025 so im out slightly farther than you. Same issue with feeling something "down there" physical therapy is helping alot and I recommend it highly. Currently back at work but yes urgency, not emptying, ect. Im 56 so had to go back to work. Just trying to get back to living.
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1 Reactionthis is encouraging to me because I have the EXACT same protrusion and I thought it was a hemorroid, boy was I shocked today!! I do not know alot at this point and meet with my oncologist tuesday and have a full colonoscopy on Thursday. I am 46 but I am ready to tackle it head on!!
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1 Reaction@ajones01251980 Hello! So nice to hear from you! You will be fine! My lil intrusion turned out to be cancer, Stage 3a. The cancer was inside the anal/rectum area, protruding out. I am now 5 months post my treatment of chemo/radiation. My first pet scan after treatment was in June, it revealed that my cancer had shrunk significantly. At that time the piece protruding out had not gone away, but I had a lot of inflammation so was difficult to determine. I have my second PET scan at the end of October. I’m happy to say that the lil intrusion has shrunk to almost nothing! Very hopeful that the scan proves the same for the inner part of the tumor. I still don’t have a 100% of my energy back, have returned to work and just take it one day at a time. Otherwise, I function pretty much normal with my BM’s thank goodness, it was hard for a while there. Get in a good Cancer center in your area of means, that is so important. I did research and chose my on care team and facility. I did not accept the referral offered by my GI, but had no issue with him respecting my wishes. Stay positive, you will be fine! Keep me posted as you go along. I’m more than happy to offer you tips with coping as you make this journey! Big hug! We got this!
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1 ReactionHi all fellow sufferers of this insidious condition. Saw my ochlology specialist today and while he was hopeful that future developments would be successful his opinion was that for the immediate future, surgery and removal of the lower colon was the only option to prevent or at least minimalise possibility of the cancer metastasizing to the surrounding tissue. Naturally I am devastated at the prospect of having a ostomy bag for the rest of my life but a lest I might get to live a few more years. I am told that even with bag after the recovery period one can lead a relatively normal life, If there is anyone who has followed the path, I am destined to follow I would be glads to her from you. The surgery is scheduled for next Monday and I am told the initial recovery will take a month or more. Fortunately, the support services in Australia are magnificent and if all else fails at least the system here is doing all it can to make the transition to life with an ostomy bag as comfortable as possible. To other suffers I extend my sympathy and will be grateful for any advice or assistance you may provide. Best wishes RH
I am with you. Please let us fellow travellers know about your journey.
@robjharris prayers and best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
Challenges, I’m sure.
I have a friend that is leading a very good life after that surgery.
Day at a time-
Thank you @janetgraham
I had similar protrusion, treated with capecitabine and radiation. Ended in March, clear scan in July and protrusion healed. What hasn’t healed is the continuous outbreaks of anal and vaginal herpes that I never had pre-treatment. Not sexually active 76 y/o. This and the explosive diarrhea do not seem to be helped by diet. Continued weight loss. Anyone gone to the next step drug metronidazole or diagnosed with radiation enteritis?
Protrusion