Anal Cancer

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?

How can I fight stage 4 anal cancer with multiple treatment options?

I have been diagnosed with stage 4 anal cancer with tumors in lungs and liver. Have started chemo and have to wait for surgery. I am also following someone who had colon cancer (not the same as anal) and beat it by diet. Reading all the plant food he ate and supplements he still takes today. Am also looking into red light therapy and hyperbaric chamber. I am also waiting on a promising clinical trial. I have to have the right markers and go thru the regular chemo first. When first diagnosed you are faced with a ton of information. You can’t panic but you can beat it!

My Experience with Stage 2 Anal Cancer Treatment and Recovery

Stage 2 anal cancer. I finished chemo and radiation on June 12th. Yesterday, I had a digital exam of the rectum, and there are no signs of a tumor. I was fortunate to have proton therapy instead of conventional radiation. It was still brutal. The radiation burns are devastating. I found a cream called Jeans Creme on Amazon. It’s pricy, but it healed my skin in 2 days. It says you can start any time before or during radiation. I tried multitudes of different creams and remedies, none worked until Jeans Creme. I wish I could have started earlier and avoided the blisters, bleeding, and peeling. Hopefully, this will help you in your journey.

Halfway Through Cancer Treatment: An Update

Almost halfway through NIGRO treatment. 14 out of 28 Radiation treatments. Starting week 3. Week 4 will be my 2nd 5 days portable chemotherapy 24 hours a day through PICC line.

My Experience with Anal Cancer Treatment

Katharine- Yes, i did a separate chemo first that caused me to lose my hair. Three five hour infusions, i will list the chemicals here when i get home. Originally, i was scheduled to do chemo (5fu and mitomycin-c) and radiation at the same time, as per the Nigro protocol, but it had gotten into my lymph nodes in my groin, so they added the 5 hour infusions. The pet scan i had after the first rounds of chemo showed everything was clear. My docs opted to go ahead with the Nigro treatment. I'm not gonna lie, the last few weeks were hell. I have a follow up Sept 2 to see if it is completely gone. To be clear, i was stage 4 with 2 tumors.

Adjusting to Life with a Colostomy Bag

Just got diagnosed a month ago. Had a colostomy bag and chemo port done 5/27. Pretty much over the surgical pain but this “bag business” is distressing to say the least.

Living with Lymphoma: Seeking Support

Anyone else out there facing this type of cancer?