Anal Cancer

Should I do chemotherapy and radiation or try natural treatment instead?

I was just diagnosed on the 12th of Feb. I went to the oncologist yesterday and he was just matter of fact . You'll have chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I need to get a PET scan to see where I'm at then I'll see the radiation therapy doctor. In not sure I even want to go this route. I might just do this with diet and fasting and natural supplement. The thought of radiation burning me and changing my pelvic floor and vaginal area scares me. I don't want to be on pain the rest of my life. Anyone else complete the NIGRO protocol?

How do you cope when cancer makes you cry?

First you cry…!

How do you cope when diagnosed with anal cancer at 42?

I just found out today that I have anal cancer. I am lost and am overwhelmed with emotions. I was scheduled for surgery this past Friday for a fistula after getting hemorrhoids for the first time in November. I’ve never had hemorrhoids before, but I knew something was wrong. After multiple times going to the doctor, only seeing a PA, I got a referral to a surgeon. I am 42 and completely blindsided. I have been my husband‘s caretaker as he just had a disc removed from his lower back and a fusion in his neck on 16 January. I felt like I couldn’t handle anything else and I get the diagnosis today. I talked to my surgeon today, which is who gave me my results. She said I’m going to undergo radiation and chemo. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

How do you cope with cancer fear after getting a treatable diagnosis?

I was diagnosed the day before Christmas. My oncologist says treatable and curable. I believe that,but the journey there seems scary as hell.

How do I cope with cancer anxiety before starting chemoradiation?

I’m starting chemoradiation soon. I was just diagnosed this month before Christmas. I developed a fissure during pregnancy and when receiving treatment for that, the surgeon found this cancerous ulcer. My baby is almost 5 months old. I have 7 children. I’m really scared to start treatments for so many reasons. I haven’t had my scans yet so I don’t know if it has spread. The surgeon said it looked small and early but I know there are no guarantees. Any advice out there? I’ve had horrible anxiety since I found out.

How do you manage side effects from hydrocodone for cancer pain?

I'm dealing with cancer-related pain and my doctor prescribed hydrocodone and acetaminophen for moderate to severe pain when other medications weren't working well enough. This combines an opioid with a common pain reliever. I'm experiencing some side effects like constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness, and I need to watch out for other products containing acetaminophen. I'd love to connect with others who have managed similar pain situations. • What has your experience been with prescription pain medications for cancer-related pain? • What practical tips helped you manage side effects while staying comfortable?

How to relieve severe itching after radiation treatment?

Good Morning Have anyone experiencing constant itching in the vaginal & anal area. My Radiation doc says its due to skin growing back in those areas. I was completely raw. I really need to find some relief for this. I can't sleep, its hurts to drive, sit, lay down. Underwear, clothes irritates it. All these creams, ointments are reaaly not helping. Or help for a few hours then back to the same old thing.

What should I expect at my first oncology appointment after tumor removal?

I went in for surgery on October 30, 2025 for what was believed to be a rectal fissure and ended up having a cancerous tumor removed. My next follow-up with my surgeon is 12/10, and the following day is my first oncology appointment. I know a PET scan will be one of the tests they will order on the 11th. After prayer and research if nothing shows on the PET scan then I'm not doing the chemoradiation protocol. I am pursuing holistic alternatives. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

How do you cope with severe radiation burns and fatigue during anal cancer treatment?

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 anal cancer on August 14th of this year. I am currently undergoing chemo and 6 weeks of radiation monday through friday. I have had to stop radiation treatment twice so far due to the severe pain from the burns. I live in an upstairs apartment and I can barely walk up and down the stairs and the fatigue is out of this world.

How long before fatigue starts with chemo and radiation for rare cancer?

Hi. I was diagnosed August 19th with Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma. My Radiation treatment starts Oct 9th. Doc states itsca rare & aggressive cancer. I was hesitant about the radical treatment because I'm a naturalist. Clean eating. I'm numb! It has silence me, don't know what to expect. Doc states Chemotherapy will also be used, although that appointment to discuss is Oct 2. Has anyone work through this process? If so how many weeks could you go without feeling fatigue?