Anorectal Squamous Cell Cancer w Protruding Externally From Anal Verge

Hello, I am a new here, 64 yr old female diagnosed with Anorectal Squamous Cell Cancer back in February of 2026. By report, my tumor is localized to anorectal region with inguinal/rectal nodes. No signs of metastatic disease. My cancer was diagnosed at stage 3a and I have a small piece of it that protruded externally from the my anus verge. I had a seven week treatment plan which included Radiation Therapy (IMRT) five days a week, along with oral chemo therapy daily of 5-FU, and two infusions of mitomycin, one at the beginning and one at the end of the treatment. I completed my treatment plan 5 weeks ago. Now I am in my sit and wait period after finishing my treatment. Will not know the out come until mid July this year when they do a follow up PET.

I am doing okay, as far as the radiation I’m healing very well, much better than I thought it would be these past four weeks. I have normal BM’s now, just don’t have good control over them. When my body says “I got go, I better get up and go!’ Lol! As for the chemo part i did fairly well with very little side effects. I am still very tired, have no energy at all. My activity is very limited. Don’t know if it’s the chemo or the radiation that has drained me. I hope in the next coming month to feel better as I want to return to work in July.

I’m worried, wish I knew what was going on, is it going away, I’m I going to be surgery free, what’s ahead for me, always in my mind daily. This waiting is difficult. I can still feel the tumor protruding from my anus and that really has me concerned. I thought it was shrinking, but it was only hiding out under the inflammation from the radiation treatment. Did anyone have a tumor protrude externally from their anus?

If you don’t mind sharing, I would love to know more about other’s journey with anal cancer post treatment. I would so appreciate your sharing your stories.

Hugs to everyone!