Hello Bubbah

I'm sorry to hear that your recent bowel test has shown that blood was present. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about this. 

It's good to hear that your  GP has already referred you for further investigations into this but it's really important that you try to keep in mind that there are several causes other than cancer for blood being present in your stools. 

We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be difficult. Thinking positively will help the time to pass more quickly and help lessen any anxiety you're experiencing. 

If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses for some advice and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

I hope that you don't have to wait too long for your appointment. Do let us know how you get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Thank you for your reply. The referral was on the Fast Track but I've read that these aren't always done within 2 weeks. My other symptoms are back and tummy pain and opening my bowels more ofter. Not sure if I should go private.

Just feel like  I'm the only one at the moment which I know is not true. 

Thank you again.

Sue

Hi. My husband recently went to our GP because he had blood in his stools. He had been constipated for several weeks beforehand but is on antidepressants which can cause this. He went to his GP the same day he noticed it. There was quite a bit. The GP examined him and diagnosed an anal tear but sent off for a FIT test. Got a phonecall from his GP surgery last Wednesday (3/4/24) to say that the doctor wanted to speak with him and to make an appointment. That appointment was this afternoon and he has been referred for a 2 week appointment to the colorectal clinic. We know that it can be a number of different things but because cancer is a possibility, we are terrified. I've don't nothing but cry since his appointment and I know my husband is feeling really low about it too. We always assume the worst when things like this happen. It's difficult to think otherwise. 

Hope your results turn out fine.

Also, the bleeding stopped after two days and has not recurred. No other symptoms and toilet habits have returned to normal.

Lunarlou, thank you. You try and think positive which is what the family tell you to do but when you read about cancer symptoms and you feel you have them it's difficult to feel optimistic . It is not knowing when you'll get an appointment. Does the Fast track referral mean you'll receive an appointment within 2 weeks or you'll be seen within 2 weeks. Does anyone know. 

Hope  his results turn out fine also, keep in touch its good to talk. X

Thank you for your reply, and thanks for the best wishes. I had a 2 week referral when I found a breast lump a few years ago and I'd been seen and had my results within the 2 weeks. All was OK. I'm assuming all 2 week referrals are the same. I haven't slept a wink all night. Just can't stop thinking about it. I feel sick to my stomach with fear. He's the most important person in my life and I can't deal with the thought of something bad happening to him. 

Hi Bubbah. I’m on the 2ww wait too. I had a CT scan about something else (under the 2ww) which turned out to be fine but they noticed I had bowel wall thickening so they said they’d refer me for a colonoscopy just for reassurance. I had one booked for 5 March - stupidly cancelled it as my son was coming home for few days. Got another date for 19 March but cancelled again as I couldn’t drink the prep drink. Went to my drs to see if there was an alternative. She did a qFIT test and results were high positive ! So she referred me to bowel consultant to discuss and I was seen within the two weeks. He did a camera check and said there is bowel thickening and due to highFiT I need to have colonoscopy after all. I’ve since found out my nan had colon cancer so all in all I wish I had gone for the colonoscopy originally! Now waiting for a date - not sure if it’s going to be within the next two weeks or not. The waiting is making me ill with worry now - it’s on my mind 24/7 and so scaredbofvwhatbitsvgoibgbto be. Having said that, I have heard of lots of positive stories about people going for colonoscopies and either results not as bad as they thought or, if it is worse case scenario, they have had excellent treatment and things have worked out well for them. I’m trying to hold on to that. Have you had a date yet for yours? 

Hi Bubbah me again! I was thinking of going private too but just looked up the cost at my local private hospital and a colonoscopy is about £2,300 x

Glad your 2 week breast referral was fine. I understand your feelings about your husband.  I lost my mother and 2 sisters with heart problems and one can never stop thinking. I bought a book by Michael  Mosley, £4 on Amazon called Just One Thing and I find planning to do different things however small during the day has helped. My husband and I do them together. Trying to stand on one leg with your eyes shut is hard and it makes us laugh. Good for your balance. Keep thinking of good thoughts you had together. X

Hi and thank you for your reply.  Try not to think about what has been you can't change that. It's human nature to think the worse , we can find out so much on our phones and its not always helpful. No I haven't had a date yes was told today a letter will be coming out in the next 2 days. I will call the booking office tomorrow to check as we can't rely on the post office.

I've had private treatment before, had 2 cataract operations and a Cardiologist for tests. 

I called a private healthcare charity this morning and they said the 2 week nhs referral would probably be quicker. With them you have to have an initial assessment then if anything is needed doing, ie colonoscopy maybe wait another couple or more weeks. After my initial nhs appointment I think if I had to have investigations I may go private if its quicker.

Try and not think about the worse case scenario, the medical profession can do wonderful things. 

Keep safe Sue x