Worried this might be anal cancer

Thank you samclembeau! It’s good to hear that pelvic bones were spared. I also have osteoporosis, especially spine. Also appreciate hydration tip. My affected lymph nodes are in distant pelvic locations so they have an “m” categorization (likely signifies metastasis) which puts diagnosis at stage 3b or 4 according to various cancer websites. I think chemo will be mandatory for me because of metastasis. You mentioned that your proton center Dr said anal cancer was his favorite to treat. Can you share his name? I understand that anal cancer is rare, so it would be nice to work with someone experienced. Thanks again for sharing info.

Katme, I had 2 lymph nodes affected and that put me at stage 3.
Proton radiation only affected my tail bone. The radiation stopped before it could it could get to my pelvic bone. I was quite concerned about my bones since I have osteoporosis. Was assured that tail bone would be the only bone they had to go through (has to get to tumor somehow) but you can live quite well with a broken tailbone, but a broken pelvis…..no thanks.
Btw, tail bone is just fine.
Lana67, the SD proton center is affiliated with USSD medical. You can use an oncologist from there or, as I did, a Scrips doctor that was recommended to me. They will want you to have an oncologist even if you don’t take chemo. I did chemo for a little over a week. Didn’t like it so I quit. My oncologist was very understanding.
I also recommend asking for hydration infusions. Huge difference in how you feel. Both radiation and chemo cause diarrhea so infusions keep you somewhat normal.

I am 74yo and also waiting for staging. However, recent MRI results show metastasis to lymph nodes. I’m guessing stage will be 3b or 4. I am also concerned about effects of radiation with osteoporosis. Also 40% of our bone marrow is in pelvic area. Quality of life after radiation is important to me. I have an HMO and may have to self fund care outside my HMO at the SD Proton Center.

The bone marrow is another concern of mine as well as long term effects of radiation. I wish I could get some of my stem cells harvested and kept if needed for later.

Which lymph nodes of yours are affected? Mine are in the mesorectal lymph nodes.
If you go to the SD clinic
How will you do your chemo? Do they have a place within the proton center?
Did they give any stats on number of women treated and outcomes?

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment commonly used to target cancerous tumors with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation in sculpted doses that conform to the shape of the tumor. While effective for many cancers (e.g., prostate, head and neck, breast, and brain tumors), IMRT’s long-term effects depend on factors like the treatment area, dosage, patient health, and duration of exposure. Below, I’ll outline the potential long-term effects based on available medical understanding.
General Long-Term Effects
Secondary Cancers: Radiation, even when precisely targeted, can damage DNA in healthy cells, potentially leading to secondary malignancies years or decades later. The risk is relatively low with IMRT due to its precision, but it’s not zero—estimated at 1-5% higher than no radiation, depending on the study and site treated.
Fibrosis: Over time, radiation can cause scarring or thickening of connective tissues (fibrosis) in the treated area. This might lead to stiffness, reduced mobility, or organ dysfunction (e.g., lung fibrosis after chest radiation).
Chronic Fatigue: Some patients report persistent tiredness long after treatment, though this is less specific to IMRT and more a general radiation therapy outcome.
Vascular Damage: Radiation can affect blood vessels, potentially leading to reduced blood flow or increased risk of cardiovascular issues, especially in areas like the chest or neck.
Site-Specific Long-Term Effects
Head and Neck: Dry mouth (xerostomia) from salivary gland damage, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), dental issues, or thyroid dysfunction. Some patients experience hearing loss or jaw stiffness (trismus).
Prostate: Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or bowel issues like chronic diarrhea or rectal bleeding due to damage to nearby tissues.
Breast: Skin changes (thickening or discoloration), lymphedema (arm swelling), or rare heart complications if the left breast is treated.
Brain: Cognitive decline (e.g., memory or concentration problems), radiation necrosis (dead tissue in the brain), or hormonal imbalances if the pituitary gland is affected.
Factors Influencing Outcomes
Dosage and Fractionation: Higher doses or fewer fractions (hypofractionation) might increase late effects.
Age: Younger patients may face higher risks of secondary cancers due to longer life expectancy post-treatment.
Adjuvant Therapies: Combining IMRT with chemotherapy can amplify long-term effects on tissues or organs.
Mitigation and Monitoring
Modern IMRT techniques (e.g., image-guided IMRT or proton therapy variants) continue to evolve, reducing collateral damage compared to older radiation methods. Long-term effects are monitored through follow-ups, imaging, and symptom management (e.g., salivary stimulants for dry mouth or physical therapy for fibrosis). Patients are often advised to avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize risks.

I am 74yo and also waiting for staging. However, recent MRI results show metastasis to lymph nodes. I’m guessing stage will be 3b or 4. I am also concerned about effects of radiation with osteoporosis. Also 40% of our bone marrow is in pelvic area. Quality of life after radiation is important to me. I have an HMO and may have to self fund care outside my HMO at the SD Proton Center.

I am a 67 year old woman
That is still in the staging and final testing phase. I did check in into the proton center in San Diego and they told me my insurance which is a Blue Cross and Medicare would cover it. I’m still trying to look at all my options as I have severe osteoporosis and urinary urgency so I’m so nervous about regular IMRT radiation and it’s long term effects.