Radiation + Chemo (Mitomycin-Fluorouracil) for anal cancer: Anyone?

I finished this protocol on October 15th. The side effects were much worse than I expected, but the after treatment has been much worse. I would suggest being as proactive as possible- take the Zofran during chemo and start the anti-diarrheal as soon as you get diarrhea if you do. Be watchful for the fever and just try to get as much rest as you can. Start early and often with the skincare in your pelvic region. Good luck and god bless.

Be careful though, after this treatment I swing between diarrhea & constipation with impaction. Trust me, you don’t want to have an impaction! I would be very careful with anti-diarrhea meds.

This is an extremely hard treatment. My advice would be to have a bidet sprayer installed on your toilet, don’t wait on the pain meds, get Refresh toilet paper moistener, & generously use the ointment they provide. You’ll get through this, but it’s very hard! Big (gentle) hug to you.❤️

Thank you for answering my question - I guess! It seems this treatment is a bit harder than what the docs and literature are saying, but forewarned is forearmed, so thanks for sharing your experience. I'll let you know how I do - chemo starts tomorrow, radiation starts today. 💕

Please keep us updated here, you will get better answers from people who have gone through it- I have contact with survivors who can even tell you “that did not happen to me” so listen to your self and ask the questions because no one has the same journey. Also, adding to the daily comforts- be sure to get depends or period underwear (even if you are a male, see if there are styles/sizes that will work for you) because you will have leakages. Keep a travel kit with emergency meds, wipes, extra diapers etc.

I agree. Ever patients journey is different. My radiation and chemo ended Oct 31. Now still dealing w side effects but they seem to be getting better this week. Bathroom issues are primary. Strongly suggest ordering the sitz bath attachment for toilet. Is inexpensive and portable. Comes in a sleeve so transport is discreet
You can.press it flat or leave it as open receptacle for warm water which is a relief to have and just sit there!! Use the aquafor lubricant that radiology suggests and start now using on rectal area and creases where legs meet torso
We are here for you. Don't feel alone. Some of us have recently been where you are. Pls let us know how you are doing. !!! Hugs and support and encouragement to you !!!!

Agree with keeping emergency kit w wipes etc and use disposable underwear Depends. They will be needed

Eating ice chips during chemo helped me mitigate chemo sores in mouth . Also used baking soda and a lidocaine mouth wash when I did get them for a day

Hi @angelikab, I thought I'd check in to see how you are doing. I believe you've had a couple days of radiation so far and one chemo treatment. How is it going?

Hi Colleen,

Yes, I've had 4 days of radiation and today I finished my first chemo treatment. I was feeling a bit blah yesterday, not much of an appetite and really tired, but I am already feeling better now that the chemo pump is gone. I'm hoping that I continue to feel ok until the next chemo treatment, which I'm told will be tougher than the 1st. I think my biggest problem will be a lack of appetite - even now, nothing is really appealing. Oh well, one day at a time!!

Thank you so much for checking in on me - I really do appreciate it!