Bowel cancer

I started having ribbon poo 2 months ago. GP put me on Fybrogel which made matters worse. I had two episodes of dark tarry stools but that’s all. I have no pain or no other symptoms except for the thin stools. I’ve had an endoscopy which showed a small hiatus hernia. Ive had 2 normal FIT tests. An ultra sound of my pelvic area showed nothing at all. I had a CT scan and was told results would take 7-10 days. However Patients Know Best has my results but will not publish them until 10th January 2026. I’m now worried sick that they are withholding posting the results to give my GP time to see me and tell me I have cancer. 

  • Hello Sunrise18 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are feeling worried about your health. It is reassuring that all the tests so far have been clear.

    No one can tell you what the results are going to say but do try if you can not to over think it for now.

    The timing for telling you the results maybe because of the surgery being busy so try not to read anything in to this.

    If this continues to cause you so much worry do try and speak to your GP before Christmas.

    I wish you all the best,

    Catherine

  • Thank you for your reply. I received a phone call today from the hospital saying they have booked me in for colonoscopy on 29th Dec. I asked why, what did the CT scan reveal. She couldn’t tell me anything as she was just in the booking dept. I’ve phoned my GP as they have received the results and I’m expecting a call back later today to discuss. I am terrified that they suspect cancer. I live on my own, with my dog and have no family or friends and I just keep worrying about what will happen to my little nervous rescue dog if I get a terminal prognosis. I feel as though I can’t take anymore stress! 

  • Hello and thank you for your further post,

    I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through. Waiting for tests and results can feel overwhelming and cause a lot of anxiety. Many people describe this time as feeling out of control, which is completely understandable.

    The best approach is to take things one step at a time.

    If the CT scan showed something, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer or advanced cancer. CT scans can pick up many things, such as inflammation, polyps, or other changes. A colonoscopy gives doctors a closer look and allows them to take biopsies if needed.

    This process means your doctors are being thorough. If cancer is found, it also means treatment can start as soon as possible.

    I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to overthink things. The NHS website has helpful tips for managing anxiety, fear, and panic, as well as information on where to find support.

    I hope this helps.

    Jemma

  • Thank you Jemma
    I spoke to the GP who had the CT results. Luckily it doesn’t indicate cancer, but showed I had calcification where the stomach meets the small bowel and a 5cm diviculum which apparently is very large. No obstruction, large polyps or narrowing of the colon. I feel a bit better for now. Hopefully the colonoscopy won’t find anything else. Xx
  • I’m still having tests, I’ve had a MRI on my liver and having another MRI on Sunday. I then have to see the consultant next week and was asked to take someone with me. Does this mean they are going to tell me bad news? I don’t have anyone to take with me and I’m out of my mind with worry.

  • Hi Sunrise18 and thank you for post.

    I’m really sorry you’re feeling so worried.

    It’s promising that your scans, so far, have not shown any cancerous tumours.  They may have found a non-cancerous condition which still may require treatment.  Being asked to bring someone with you does not always mean bad news. Sometimes doctors ask this because the appointment might be long, or there may be a lot of information to take in.  They just want to make sure you have support.

    It’s also okay to go on your own. Many people do. If you don’t have someone to bring, please tell the clinic — they understand, and they can make sure you get all the help you need.

    Try to take things one step at a time. The tests are there to help the doctors understand what is going on so they can offer you the best care.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards

    Tina