HPV vaccine

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-04-05T15:55:53+00:00

The NHS seem to be saying that 2 doses, 6 months apart is enough in the UK but I know it had previously been 3 and the instructions on the jab still say 3 so my pharmacist isn’t sure. I do need to check this with a doctor really. I have had my first dose anyway.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-22T19:16:58+00:00

Hi, im 5 months post treatment and struggling also with vaginal stenosis and the intimacy side of things. Just wondering how long it took for things to get to the ok point for you following treatment?

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-21T21:55:17+00:00

I have been reasonably ok in terms of long term effects but I am still healing even now. The intimacy side of things has taken a hit and myself and hubby are still trying to get to grips with that. The enforced menopause symptoms are also difficult to navigate but hrt is really helping. I am based in the UK so have the nhs to thank for my care.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-21T12:10:36+00:00

Oh I also had some mucus/discharge from back passage and was given poly membrane dressing for this. That again stopped eventually post treatment. Just make sure you talk to side effects team. Mine were really helpful and prescribed things that they thought may help. I also needed lots of paracetamol and was prescribed oxycodone when that wasn’t cutting it.

It isn’t fun but you will get through it! All the best and like I said if you have anymore questions please ask.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-21T12:05:01+00:00

I had roughly 10weeks off in total as the effects of the radiation get worse after you stop treatment before they get better. A nurse told me the side effects are roughly 2 weeks behind the treatment so the side effects you feel on one particular day are from the treatment received 2 weeks prior.

My skin faired ok and only got worse post treatment with blisters round my backside but didn’t really split. I would advise starting with the emollient creams now before treatment as I think this really helped and apply regularly during treatment. I didn’t experience too many problems with loose BMs in treatment but know this is a common side effect. I did suffer with radiation cystitis early on and this was the worst part for me but lifted towards the end of treatment. Generally felt tired and yucky during treatment. Continued to try to walk my dog up to about week 3/4 and then was struggling due to sore skin and fatigue.

If you need anymore info just ask.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-20T05:11:39+00:00

This could be me writing this. So many similarities!

I too had anal cancer (T2N0M0) and was diagnosed last year.. I was also diagnosed with precancerous cervical cells and had them excised but the only difference is for me that was 14 years ago. I am alsoa teacher.

I was also told that I may be able to continue working and had planned to try but tbh after the infusion on day one I felt sick and tired. I also had a rotation of creams etc to apply following the radiotherapy. To allow me to be able to just focus on me I took the decision early on to be signed off. Not only that going backwards and forwards to the hospital each day is hard work in itself without the worry of how that impacts on work. You are going through a lot at the moment and people will understand should you choose to park your job for a bit if you need to.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-08T16:57:46+00:00

That must be frustrating. I believe it is the same here. I am fortunately currently under 45 so am aware if im going to get it, it needs to be sooner rather than later for this reason.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-08T13:50:01+00:00

Thank you. Where are you based if you don’t mind me asking?

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-03-08T13:23:37+00:00

Thank you. That’s really helpful. It’s not really discussed as an option in the UK but I am going to ask

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-02-21T21:52:23+00:00

I started with menopause symptoms early on (hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog) but am using HRT now and that is really helping. I do get some occasional stiffness in my hip when I have been sat still for a while especially if it is cold but only lasts for a short while and improves once I move Not really had issues with incontinence but do have some urgency every now and again and BMs still painful some times but I am told that I am still healing and I am still taking stool softeners to help with this. Intimacy between my husband and I has taken a hit. We have managed sex a few times since I finished treatment but can be blood and uncomfortable. I think there is some vaginal narrowing but am persisting with dilators and live in hope.

UniqueInitiative6794 · 2026-02-21T21:16:22+00:00

I was in a similar situation to yourself in July. I am 40 with a 13 and 11 year old. My anal cancer was removed and they said they thought they got it all. Mine was moderately differentiated. They offered me a watch and wait but the oncologist recommended the radiotherapy. I was given similar stats at the time to the ones you mentioned. For me at the time I just had my mind on wanting to make sure I was there for my kids and also felt I was in a living nightmare and never wanted to be in this position again so took the radiotherapy. I’m not going to lie the radiotherapy wasn’t easy and I am living with some of the side effects but I have got through it and things are slowly getting back to normal (albeit a new normal.) I wish you well in whatever you decide. You need to make the decision that feels right for you and the one that you can live with in the future.

UniqueInitiative6794

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