The good news is that I am feeling better. It’s been a little over two weeks since my last radiation treatment for anal cancer. The itching and pain are still with me and I’m confident that it will soon be a thing of history. At least that’s the news from my radiation doctor this morning.
I’m still be on pain medication and every combination of salve and ointment you can think of to relieve the itching. Sitz baths help and the lidocaine solution mixed with aquaphor is a God send.
On April 15th I go see the surgeon to find out whether the chemo and radiation have done their job; shrunk the tumor. I’m not really looking forward to that visit because I know he’ll probably have to do an exam and scope, but it’ll at least let us know where I stand and what to do next.
In the meantime, I’m ready to get back to work on my ebook for people facing this diagnosis of anal cancer. I can sit for longer periods of time and will hopefully get it done by the time I’m ready to see the surgeon. It would sure be helpful if you could leave a comment with your questions if you have any.
For some reason I thought the pain and low energy I feel from the radiation treatment would suddenly disappear with the last session. Boy, was I wrong. Ok, I knew it wouldn’t go away overnight, but I was really hoping it would go away within a few days.
I’ve felt worse the last few days than during treatment. How can that be?
My understanding is that the radiation is cumulative and is still working long after the sessions are over. That’s the reason the doctors don’t do the physical exam and other tests right away. I have an appointment in mid April with the surgeon to determine what comes next. Next? I thought this was it. We’ll see.
Anyway, I’m spending my days alternating between sleep, reading, watching movies, blogging, writing my ebook on cancer, and sitting on my front porch wrapped in a fleece blanket on my LaFuma chair (I purchased it for doing Reflexology). Oh, I can’t wait to get back to doing more active things.
I spent most of yesterday writing the book. I felt really good about getting so much accomplished and then I couldn’t sleep last night. I’ve been troubled with insomnia off and on with the cancer treatment (and some before, due to who knows what?).
Maybe my doctor will be able to give me an idea about how long I’ll be feeling this way so I can prepare myself for it.
On Sunday, I went for a walk on the road where we take our dogs. I didn’t make it very far and was quite a slow poke, but it felt really good to get out and move. It’s the small things we (I) often take for granted that I now appreciate more than ever.
Today was the last day of radiation treatment . . . yahoo, yay, and yip, yip, yippee!!! (Can you tell I’m excited?)
It means my butt will now heal and I can eventually get back to a normal routine and just being more of who I am.
There are a few projects on my plate as a result of the insights I’ve gained from this illness.
One of the projects is an ebook on cancer and specifically the type I had (I’m being optimistic that the chemo and radiation have done their job). It will help those going through the same treatment to be prepared for what to expect, as well as their family members. Look for it to be available on my blog in the next few weeks.
Thank you to all of my friends and family who’ve been such a great support over the course of my treatment. You’ve shown my so much love and compassion and it’s been my honor to have you in my life. You know I’ll be there for you when you need me.
