Anyone else have Anal cancer: What treatments did you have?

You can take a break. Just tell the doctor. You can always return to it…if it is even necessary. Maybe 24 is enough?
Maybe you would have to add a session or two on, but you can quit for now. Your choice. Have a frank discussion with your oncologist. Soaks help with the pain and now, looking in the rear view window, i healed pretty quickly. Seemed like forever while going through it.

Wow, so close to the finish! I agree with @samclembeau that you could discuss with oncologist if it is unbearable. If you do not have a ointment, you may want to try strata xrt. It is a prescription, but they had samples at my oncologist’s office and although my insurance did not cover it, the sample was so good it was well worth the price. Also, I hope that the worst is “behind” you… Good luck and god bless!

Thank you so much for your reply. After tomorrow I’m done on this Thursday! But what kind of soak did you do if I may ask? I do plain water sitz baths which are somewhat soothing and while you are doing them, but later the pain reoccurs.

I used a .9% sodium chloride irrigation that I soaked an old cloth with and put in my pants to keep the area moist, which helped while I was resting on the sofa with a towel.

The soak I used was duneboro or doneboro medicated . You can get it on Amazon.

I can so relate to what you’re going through. I’ve been treated for anal cancer. I had 6 weeks of Xeloda and radiation. The damage and pain from the radiation was awful. There was a week when I could only wear a robe. It completely destroyed my sphincter muscle. I spent a year either looking for a bathroom or being in one. A bidet really helped along with Aquaphor cream.I ended up getting a colostomy. October will be 2 years since my surgery. The colostomy has given me back my life.

Omg! You mean after radiation it still messed up your sphincter? Oh Lord! This is why I opted for the radiation and chemo pills because the surgery could have cut the muscle in my anus. I pray my treatments did not damage my sphincter…. Today has been awful with pain back there, I’ve done several sitz baths they are comforting. One more treatment tomorrow I’m done and sb on my way to healing! It’s been a journey. Glad you are doing ok now. Hope I wb saying the same soon!

Thank you! I believe they recommended this one gonna see if I can find it! They say it’s all about time for the healing I just pray mine goes fast ! I don’t have a high tolerance for pain! Thanks for all your help so much appreciated!

If you only have one more treatment you should be fine. There are all different doses of chemo and radiation. If you’re able to manage and discomfort with sitz baths, you’re doing okay. So far, I’m doing well. I wish you the same!

Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 3 anal cancer in Nov. 2024. I went through 33 rounds of radiation and took chemo pills for 30 days of radiation treatment, also I had 1 injection of purple “Barney” on the first day of starting radiation.
I knew something was wrong back in 2020. My Gastrointestinal Doctor did a colonoscopy and said there was absolutely nothing wrong with me, I had an internal hemorrhoid. He said he’d see me in 10 years… In 2023 my body was either constipated or I had diarrhea. The constipation ended up causing a rectocele from straining. I had surgery for the rectocele and within 4 months I knew something was really off. The diarrhea was worse and when I had bowel movements they were getting really thin. Then I felt the bump.
I tried going to my gastro doctor just for them to tell me to go to the hospital. The hospital misdiagnosed the CAT scan and told me to just see my primary doctor. My primary doctor sent me for a MRI and I finally found out what was going on, I told my primary to just send everything to the Mayo. I am so thankful for the Mayo. They set me up with a wonderful team.
It’s been 8 months post treatments.
I’m tired all the time and have to wear a diaper whenever I go out.
I’ve had to cut out certain foods (that send me straight to the bathroom). I’m managing and grateful this was caught before it hit stage 4.