Anyone have Surgery success with tumor at the internal sphincter ?

I started both chemo and radiation in October. The burns were at their worst in early December. There was a solid week when I lived in my bath robe. I could not have anything touch my skin. I found the best cream was Acquaphor. I went through several jars. There are prescription creams with lidocaine in them. I also recommend getting a bidet. It helped immensely. They have ones that fit over your toilet. Worth every penny. It’s almost 6 months since I completed my treatment. My skin is still very fragile. The radiation damaged my sphincter and now I have fecal incontinence and anal stenosis. My next scan is in a few weeks. I’m hoping that the tiny bit of cancer that was left is finally gone. It’s a roller coaster ride for sure. We have to remain positive even though at times it isn’t easy.

I actually just started the chemo and radiation yesterday. I am working on putting together an arsenal of supplies. All of your recommendations are very much appreciated. How far into the process did the worst of the side effects begin?

I actually just started the chemo and radiation yesterday. I am working on putting together an arsenal of supplies. All of your recommendations are very much appreciated. How far into the process did the worst of the side effects begin?

Unfortunately the muscle will be radiated along with the cancer. There’s no way to isolate it. I hate to post something that will be upsetting to you, but be prepared to have burns from the radiation. My husband convinced me to get a bidet that fit over the toilet. It was a lifesaver. Get one you won’t regret it. There are creams that have lidocaine in them. Get those too. Be prepared. There was a week when I couldn’t wear anything more than a robe. The skin becomes raw and there will be open wounds. Sorry to be so honest. I wish someone had prepared me. Doctors tell you all this after the fact.

My cancer is in the same spot. I had 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. Most of the cancer is gone except for about a quarter of an inch. Hopefully in a few weeks, when I have my next scan it will be all gone. I have been dealing with fecal incontinence and anal stenosis from the radiation. All along the doctors said no surgery. Now, since the sphincter muscle is already damaged, they may consider it if needed. The fecal incontinence is definitively challenging, but it can be managed. Are they saying you’ll need a colostomy?

Unfortunately the muscle will be radiated along with the cancer. There’s no way to isolate it. I hate to post something that will be upsetting to you, but be prepared to have burns from the radiation. My husband convinced me to get a bidet that fit over the toilet. It was a lifesaver. Get one you won’t regret it. There are creams that have lidocaine in them. Get those too. Be prepared. There was a week when I couldn’t wear anything more than a robe. The skin becomes raw and there will be open wounds. Sorry to be so honest. I wish someone had prepared me. Doctors tell you all this after the fact.

I understand completely where you’re coming from. A bag is always our last choice. Have you had radiation before? The radiation can be very damaging to the fragile skin in that area. Buy some Aquaphor and use it generously. Hopefully the treatment will work and you won’t need surgery.

My cancer is in the same spot. I had 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. Most of the cancer is gone except for about a quarter of an inch. Hopefully in a few weeks, when I have my next scan it will be all gone. I have been dealing with fecal incontinence and anal stenosis from the radiation. All along the doctors said no surgery. Now, since the sphincter muscle is already damaged, they may consider it if needed. The fecal incontinence is definitively challenging, but it can be managed. Are they saying you’ll need a colostomy?