First week of radiotherapy done. Stage 3 anal cancer. Any positive news for me anyone?

[dustybluebell]

Just as per the title really.
Feeling so down and low, found out this week via my diagnosis letter that it's Stage 3A, although thr

Phone playing up, meant to add although the tumour is bigger than 5cm it's been classed as 3A. So 28 sessions of chemo tablets with radiotherapy. Had one chemo injection as well.
I want to please hear positive stories. I'm too scared to Google but I'm hoping there's some good news.
At the moment I'm.so down and scared. I am married with 3 teenage children. The youngest is 13. There is so much I'm frightened of. So many milestones I'm scared I'll miss. Just hoping there's someone who has been through similar and come out the other side. Any other site recommendations/forums to join?

So sorry to hear you're going through this :( I don't have experience of your particular type of cancer but I didn't want to read and run so I do have positive stories regarding cancer cases which seemed insurmountable.

My dad beat AML (an aggressive form of Leukaemia) a few years ago. He was told at the hospital he had two weeks left to live when he came in. That was in 2016.

Our neighbour had two forms of cancer simultaneously, again he was told that his odds were not good but he beat both.

I wish you all the luck in the world with your treatment. We found the MacMillan nurses were very good to chat to. My mum took a lot of comfort from them.

@TheBirdintheCave thank you for taking time out to reply. That's amazing news about your Dad. Wow. Brilliant. Also your neighbour too. 2 forms of cancer poor them, but yes amazing they beat them.
My experience of the macmillan nurses isn't great so far. They are just far too stretched and stressed out themselves. (Well the 2 I've spoken to) but maybe I'll try again in the new year once the kids are back to school.
Thanks again.

It's quite normal to feel down but you're getting the best possible treatment, horrible as it is when you're going through it

My positive story is that I was diagnosed with two types of cancer in my parotid (salivary) gland in 2011 and I'm still here. Treatment is brutal and my facial nerve was severed so I have a wonky face but I'm still here. Use all offers of support that you can and I wish you all the best, positive, thoughts.

Hello - I would really recommend joining the anal cancer group on macmillan’s online forum. Anal cancer is fairly rare so I don’t know how many people on here will be in a position to offer really informed support. I have anal pre cancer so not equipped to help much but have been on there and there are lots of lovely people and positive stories including from people diagnosed at a similar stage. Where are you being treated? I am at Homerton and from what I gather they are much more informed and generally optimistic with this cancer than they were. The other place to go is the anal cancer foundation who have a buddy scheme and can pair you with someone who has been through this. Sending you love and courage xxxx

@SweetestThing thanks for sharing your story. I havent heard of getting cancer there before especially 2 types . What a shock that must have been for you.

I will take all offers of professional support that's for sure. I'm quite an open person, but I feel like 'well' people don't want to be bought down by me using them for support. My family and friends are great, but it's Christmas and they want a good time.
@Flippinghecklike I will check out that forum. Thank you, and the other suggestion for the foundation. I'll.check those out. I'm being treated at Redhill. St Lukes. Its been good, if a little slow to get going but it's moving now. Thanks both for taking time to reply. Wishing you both all the good wishes. Xx

Hello I’m so sorry it’s very stressful dealing with cancer as I know but it might cheer you to know that I’ve survived it twice. There’s a lovely cancer support thread in general health section here on mumsnet I think you’d find it helpful
I was first diagnosed 21 years ago and it was terrifying but still here
Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas x

I know someone who is celebrating his 20 year anniversary of rectal cancer- he wrote a book called Saving My Arse about his experience. You will get through the treatment, though it's never going to be the greatest time, and be kind to yourself. Sometimes people think that because it's chemo tablets rather than infusions that they should be able do do life as usual, but it's still a lot of treatment.

So sorry you're going through this. Sending lots and lots of positive energy and virtual hugs to hopefully give you a lift in spirit.

So sorry you're going through this. Sending lots and lots of positive energy and virtual hugs to hopefully give you a lift in spirit.

I don't have any experience to share but wanted stay what a shit thing to happen and I am sorry this is spoiling your Christmas. You sound like a v strong person and I am sure that will really help you get through this. I hope your treatment is not too awful and that you have a great outcome.

Hi, I am stage 3a low grade ovarian cancer and aged 37. So my case, while not the same cancer as yours, is quite rare too. With historically poor outlook although that is changing now. I have just completed 6 months of chemo following radical surgery and got the all clear for now. Please do post on the cancer support thread, I don’t think there are other anal cancer ladies but there is a lot of support and camaraderie to be had. It’s horribly frightening.

Ihi @dustybluebell. Is that at East Surrey Hosp? I had my radiotherapy there and they were very nice . Keep using the medihoney stuff and also take tumeric.

I had bc and am five years clear now. Sending you every best wish. I found the macmillan nurses variable and nigh on impossible to get hold of with queries. They were great in an appointment but trying to get one on the phone was hard as they are so busy. Also the cancer waiting room at East Surrey is dire - a corridor with bus seats in it.