How was yours diagnosed?

Terry , I was diagnosed with anal cancer stage2 after growth was removed from my anus. April 2023. My treatment was 28 days of chemo and RT. Had a PET scan in November ,I am now cancer free.
My chemo was oral except for 2 infusions day 1 and 28. RT was labor intensive. Trying to have an empty bowel and a full bladder for RT was a day full of challenges.
After 28 days of RT cumulative effects set in. Intense swelling of the genitalia and anus. I experienced 2 weeks when it was necessary to take pain medication.
Expect to be reclining during this period. Sitting is very difficult.
Just like child birth when you get a cancer free diagnosis it was all worth it. Praying for you and a speedy recovery.

Hi @terrymayo50, you may also be interested in connecting with other members who have anal cancer in this discussion:
- Anyone else have Anal cancer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anal-cancer-1/

I am 5 year survivor, in the next couple of weeks I will find out if consider cured. That being said I had 30 rounds of radiation and 6 days of chemo, took a chemo ball home once on the beginning and at the end of radiation. I was tired, lost my hair. Some nausea. I do have long term side effects from radiation. Mainly in hip bones. I am grateful for my results and doctors I went to Ironwood Cancer Research.

If possible keep a positive attitude. Good luck and blessings

I have had anal cancer, had 2 doses of chemo and 32 radiation treatments. The worst thing that I experienced was the immunotherapy (Keytruda). Every side effect possible, I had. It was a horrible time, rashes, swelling, diarrhea, etc. I lost 25 lbs. I found out last Dec 14, and today I am cancer free, so the suffering was worth it.