My cancer is a 5cm SCC involving anal sphincter stage 3 diagnosed December 2022. I had an emergency loop colostomy end of January due to high risk of obstruction & commenced daily combined radiation & chemo. I completed my 28 treatments last week.
Firstly, I suffered more than most with the side effects of constant diarrhoea ( thank goodness for the Colostomy bag) leading to severe dehydration & electrolyte imbalance, loss of appetite & nausea leading to malnutrition, gross weight & muscle loss & nil energy . I had 2 breaks of 1 week each during treatment course & noticed improvement in appetite at end of each week . Interestingly, I began to pass bits of the dead tumour rectally in last week's of treatment. This was a putrid substance, but not unexpected according to Oncologist. Now I wait...chemo & radiation continues to work for about 1 month after treatment finishes...for my appetite to return, so I can begin my rebuild. Super important to keep fluids up & I have found cold drinks ( better if milk or high protein) with ice more successful with electrolyte replacement tablets once per day with diarrhoea. I have had 3 IV fluids replacements. I am still taking anti nausea medication so I can eat small amounts, but praying my appetite returns in next few days.