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@salynn

I actually just started the chemo and radiation yesterday. I am working on putting together an arsenal of supplies. All of your recommendations are very much appreciated. How far into the process did the worst of the side effects begin?

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Replies to "I actually just started the chemo and radiation yesterday. I am working on putting together an..."

Here is the list I used.
Aveeno baby wipes
Purist form of aloe Vera
High protein with fiber shakes. I used Atkins version!
Ionized/Alkaline filter with water bottle. Drink lots of water!
Anti gas pills
Keep your skin well moisturized with a good lotion!
I have 8 more treatments of chemo/radiation left out of 30 treatments days! Yeah me. I have had minimal side affects so far! Hope this helps

I started both chemo and radiation in October. The burns were at their worst in early December. There was a solid week when I lived in my bath robe. I could not have anything touch my skin. I found the best cream was Acquaphor. I went through several jars. There are prescription creams with lidocaine in them. I also recommend getting a bidet. It helped immensely. They have ones that fit over your toilet. Worth every penny. It’s almost 6 months since I completed my treatment. My skin is still very fragile. The radiation damaged my sphincter and now I have fecal incontinence and anal stenosis. My next scan is in a few weeks. I’m hoping that the tiny bit of cancer that was left is finally gone. It’s a roller coaster ride for sure. We have to remain positive even though at times it isn’t easy.

Definitely get a cyst bath. Amazon has one that sits on your toilet and pumps water. I filled it with warm water and that was my haven. It is so soothing!!

Greetings, salynn -

I had anal cancer stage 3C in the past and suffered through chemotherapy (5FU & Mitomycin) in addition to radiation. And I do mean "suffered". Radiation made my whole bikini area a dead-black color with pain, cracking, bleeding, and interior pain.

If it's not too late to make suggestions, completely forget toilet paper. Even the White Cloud super-pricy soft toilet paper will feel like sandpaper. I also say forget baby wipes as they, too, are far too harsh.

The thing that got me through was a product by the Sage company - "Comfort Shield Barrier Cream Cloths". They are silicone-coated and are cool and soothing when you wipe with them. I still use them when diarrhea becomes too much to bear (I have microscopic colitis that the radiation really exacerbated).

If you get the bigger sized ones, 8.5 x 9, you could cut them in half, even in quarters, and still get great benefit from them.

All the best.