Can TNBC show up in the bowel

Hello

I was diagnosed and successfully treated for Triple Negative Breast Cancer 12 years ago.

Since then I have had post menopausal bleeding investigated several times, I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, widespread arthritis, pernicious anaemia, chronic pain syndrome and a few other things.

Six years ago I had rectal bleeding and was given a colonoscopy and the lady performing my test was really rude and implied that I hadn't taken the preparation sachets. I had already told her colleague that not much happened when I took them! She took a couple of polyps off but told me I had nothing to worry about.

Two years later I saw a GP with a lump in my lower abdomen which she told me was just clinical lipoma often found in larger people and nothing to worry about. 

Last week I sent off a bowel cancer screening sample on Wednesday. On Saturday I received a letter telling me further investigation needs to be carried out and this will likely include a colonoscopy. I am really worried that something has been missed. I have a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder and will be in a lot of pain laying on my left and if the Picolax doesn't work will I get a stroppy gastroenterology again? Is there an alternative test they can use where I lay on my back, or I get a different preparation?

I am actually really scared that the chronic constipation I am experiencing and abdominal pains I get from time to time are more significant than my doctor has believed and perhaps something has been missed. I am 58..

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about you being treated for triple negative breast cancer in the past and the health issues you have been experiencing these past few years.

    Unfortunately no one here can diagnose or say what may be causing the symptoms you have or the positive FIT test result you have received. It will only be further tests which often involves a colonoscopy as that is the only test that can inspect the bowel properly.

    Occasionally a CT colonography may be used instead but this still involves bowel prep so that the bowel contents is fully emptied. Do discuss the issues you had previously with the gastroenterology team so they can advise you as to the best test and give you additional laxatives if needed.

    Do remember there can be many different causes for symptoms and most won't be cancer. Also blood in the stools can be the result of something as simple as piles or straining to pass a stool, polyps and other inflammation in the bowel.

    I hope you know more soon and that everything turns out okay for you. Do get back in touch if needed or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here week days 9-5. 

    Take care

    Naomi