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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!
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@kaye115ky
Thank you for sharing with us here. I had similar issues in the last weeks of my radiation. My Oncologist had me switching between Imodium and laxatives, When I felt I could not pass a stool, I took was MiraLax, started with one dose, then to two doses the next day if needed, increasing the dosage on the third day. That did the trick for me. Post radiation I have been able to have solid stools, only taking the MiraLAX if needed. I would give it a try, and be sure to drink plenty of water daily.
I’m scared too, don’t know what lies ahead, but I am thankful to have connected with others going through this to share stories. Hugs!
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3 Reactions@juliem25
Thank you Julie for sharing. I am hopeful that I will get promising news when I get my first post treatment PET scan in July. The waiting is the worse. It’s amazing how this treatment continues to work on the tumor for months post the treatment. Some days I feel positive, but like you when I have one of those days, I withdraw into worry. I hope you continue to get good news Julie, please continue to share with us here. Hugs!
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1 Reaction@wbw
Hello Wbw, thank you for reaching. It’s reassuring to hear that you are doing well today, I’m know the journey was hard. Time now to heal and gain some return to normalcy. Yes, the fatigue is brutal, when I say no energy, I mean none. I’ve read here a lot that this can last a few months, and in some cases up to six months. But all eventually got their energy back as you did. This past week has not been going so great for me, seems Ive got myself in to one of those hiccups. My sphincter muscles seem to have weakened. After reading your post I looked in to PFPT and have an appointment to get started next week. I feel that I am a good candidate for it, and ready to fight to have my normalcy back again! Can only bring positive vibes! Please keep in touch to let us know how you’re doing. Again, thanks for sharing. Hugs!
I went through similar treatment 8 years ago. I had and still have similar side effects. I had the fatigue for about 8 months give or take. It does get better. I would recommend an exercise routine if you haven’t already started one. Even if it’s just taking long walks.
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1 Reaction@jmwallop
Hello, thank you for posting a reply. It’s so encouraging when I read post from long term survivors. If you don’t mind sharing, did you have issues early on with your sphincter muscles and if so, did you overcome that and how long did it take? Was your tumor completely internal, or did you have some it protrude externally?
@raellen
Yes I do still have issues with my sphincter muscles. The radiation treatment permanently damaged them. I’ve tried pelvic floor exercises and that was a little bit of help. I also Abena pads for occasional leakage..
All said and done I live a pretty full life, you just have to adjust to new realities.
I finished treatment for the same condition about one year ago. The radiation damaged my intestines and I have had 4 intestinal blockages in the past year.. remember to give your body time to heal. Everybody is on a different time schedule when it comes to that. Be kind to yourself and just take it a day at a time. your bathroom habits will slowly improve with time and a good diet. I’ve been told that the digital rectal exam is the most important thing you can follow up on in the next year. Keeping stress at a low level two is the best thing for your gut health. Your mind and your stomach have a direct pathway to each other so keeping thoughts positive will keep your digestive system. My oncologist performed a blood test that showed circulating tumor DNA in my blood. All the results came back negative after I was done with treatment. That test was of comfort each time I went in for my visit. Also did a PET scan at the 6 month mark. Stay positive and 🙏.