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Husband’s Colonoscopy found a tumour

Joanny
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We have private health insurance but today the Dr said best to stick to the NHS for cancer treatment. My husband’s rectal tumour (5cm) was only found through a colonoscopy following the two year screening process. He had no symptoms. He now needs a Cat and MRai scan for staging. I’m concerned about time scales as following the scans there has to be a weekly meeting and only then will we know about ideas for treatment. I’m worrying that we should use private healthcare to get the same more quickly and get the ball rolling. I’d appreciate advice thanks

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    I had a 5cm tumour, the nhs was pretty fast , i saw the GP , had a fit test , saw a consultant, then a colonoscopy, then a ct scan then a operation , it was taken out along with 22 lymph nodes two of which were thought to be going cancerous , now i am having chemotherapy, from GP to operation remember ( we had Christmas snd new year in between)22 dec to 11 march  time to recover then chemo , so don’t lose hope , like your husband i never had any early symptoms only when it had obviously grown to 5cm , the surgeons were brilliant, the operation was keyhole it took over 6 hours and i have never had any pain whatsoever from the operation 

  • Offline in reply to Gordgrc

    Thank you! That’s good to know. Very best of luck with your recovery 

  • Offline in reply to Joanny

    I know everyone is not the same but thats my journey, i hope you also have a positive outlook  as i am hoping i have , a multidisciplinary team will evaluate your husbands case and plan the best route for him as they did for me , i found they keep you in touch as soon as they have planned a route for him , good luck 

  • Offline in reply to Gordgrc

    Thanks we will definitely try and be as positive as we can

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your husband's situation.

    I am afraid that I do not know if your husband will be treated any quicker by having private care.  However, it is not just about how quickly he is treated but the support you will both get. So, this may be something you also want to consider. Also, it may be possible to go between NHS and private healthcare.  

    While many decisions are made at the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting there will still be some made outside of the meeting. 

    You may wish to consider asking the Specialist doctor about going down the private route if this was not the person who gave their opinion before.  

    We have information about private healthcare on our website that might be helpful to read.

    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

  • Offline in reply to Joanny

    Thanks Caroline

    Things are moving quickly. My husband now has scan appointments so we’re sticking to the NHS at present.

    best wishes

    Joan

  • Offline in reply to Joanny

    Good news , and good luck 

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