Anal Cancer

Why don't doctors address severe bladder and bowel pain during cancer?

I have never experienced this level of pain that I am experiencing with voiding urine or bowel and I have had 4 knee surgeries. The md nods and asks if I have any questions. So they do not address pain like any other pain with cancer treatment. Is this how it always is. I am experiencing urine pain at 9-10 and bowel pain at 8. I made an appt with the pain md

Has anyone tried integrative approaches with immunotherapy treatment?

I have anal carcinoma and have been through treatment with Keytruda (pembrolizumab). I recently read about integrative oncology approaches that combine conventional treatments with lifestyle changes like walking, stress management, and breathing techniques. The article mentioned these can help manage treatment side effects and improve quality of life alongside medications like immunotherapy. I'm curious about others' experiences with adding these supportive approaches to their cancer care. It seems like small changes might make a difference, but I'd love to hear real experiences from people in similar situations. • Have you tried integrative approaches like mindfulness or gentle exercise during your cancer treatment, and did you notice any benefits? • What practical tips worked best for you when balancing treatment side effects with staying active or managing stress? Link: https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/mental-health-and-mindfulness/how-to-optimize-cancer-outcomes-with-practical-integrative-oncology-tips/UI

How effective is medical marijuana for managing cancer treatment pain?

I am trying to avoid use of opioids to control the treatment related pain. I have read here and other places about sitz baths, use of aquaphor (which i decided to start now due to irritation from three internal tatooing and changes in bowel.) I want to look into medical Marijuana. Anyone have success with this. I start chemo radiation april20th and am very nervous about my ability to handle the pain.

How long can you live with stage 4 anal cancer? My 27-month journey

Good day fellow warriors! Diagnosed Jan 2024 with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma anal cancer. No warning but some blood in stool. Colonoscopy revealed egg size tumor and Mets to lymph nodes and liver. I was advised terminal 6-9 months:( 9 chemo treatments, 20+ immunotherapy treatments, and recent 2nd y90 treatment to liver tumor. BUTT here I am month 27 after diagnosis! Damn HPV . I am 66 and did not see this coming but staying informed and positive for this journey. Keep up the fight and kick cancer’s ass!

How do you stay positive through multiple cancer diagnoses and treatments?

Diagnosed March 2024 during routine colonoscopy. Chemo/radiation for 6 weeks. Two years later anal cancer gone but 2025 found lung cancer, same tumor cells. Had surgery and SBRT. Now 2026 just Diagnosed with lymph node involvement. Starting 6 months of chemo. I'm still optimistic.

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.