You will know more when you have a colonoscopy it could be nothing, have you  noticed any blood or mucus in your stools  ? 
because it was the only symptom i had , other than that i was as fit as a fiddle never felt better, could have easily dismissed it as nothing to worry about 

I've had no symptoms at all. Everything been fine which is why it was such a shock to get letter to go for colonoscopy

Its good because if there was to be something they have probably got it early, i had a 5cm tumour no symptoms whatsoever other than one day i noticed some very small amounts of blood and mucus on my stools and even then it was not every time i went , it has since been removed and i am waiting for chemo next month, i even had a negative FIT test in July 2022 and just over a year later i found i had cancer , the scariest thing is i never had any real symptoms other than that felt as fit as a fiddle , had i left it thinking it was nothing to worry about then it would probably have been more serious 

Gordgrc. It's so scary how you can have no symptoms and then get diagnosed with cancer anyway. I've done nothing but read about cancer symptoms for the last month now and apart from the constipation ( this has stopped now) and the rectal bleeding whichh he noticed for two days but has had none at all since, he is absolutely fine. I know it's also routine for GPs to refer you for further investigation if you meet certain criteria for 2 week referrals. Really want tomorrow over and done with and to come home with positive news.

I've seen some of your other comments and posts on here since joining. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and recent surgery. How are you coping? 

Gordgrc. It's so scary how you can have no symptoms and then get diagnosed with cancer anyway. I've done nothing but read about cancer symptoms for the last month now and apart from the constipation ( this has stopped now) and the rectal bleeding whichh he noticed for two days but has had none at all since, he is absolutely fine. I know it's also routine for GPs to refer you for further investigation if you meet certain criteria for 2 week referrals. Really want tomorrow over and done with and to come home with positive news.

I've seen some of your other comments and posts on here since joining. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and recent surgery. How are you coping? 

i have found that the NHS was very Quick if it is cancer , my FIT score was 168 , i have had my cancer removed now i have a temporary stoma i start chemo next month, its normal to think the worst, it wasn’t until i had a colonoscopy that the reality of the situation actually sunk in , they tell you there and then what they have or have not found, but my experience of the NHS has been very good, i saw my GP he gave me a FIT test , then i saw a consultant then a colonoscopy then surgeon and next a  CT scan which showed it hadn’t spread, then an operation , the surgery and surgeons were excellent it was a long operation buy key hole, i was expecting to be in pain after the operation but nothing no pain whatsoever never had any pain from the operation, i am now waiting for chemotherapy which i am not looking forward to 

I'm pleased to hear that your operation went well and that the cancer had not spread. Chemo doesn't sound pleasant at all but I do hope it's not as bad as you anticipate. I've seen some people on here who have a much higher FIT score (400). Is this significant? Do you know what this means? I've assumed that the higher the score the more likely it is to be something nasty. I'm probably wrong though and a positive FiT is exactly that and it needs checking. I'm absolutely gutted that he is going through this because he has already been through so much recently. He has suffered from depression for the last 20 years with self harm and suicidal thoughts creeping in during the last several months. He attempted to take his life a few weeks ago and had to have surgery. Now this. I will do anything to keep him safe and I just pray that there is finally good news tomorrow after his colonoscopy because I don't know how he will deal with a cancer diagnosis. I know I will go to pieces, even though I want to be strong for him because that's what he needs right now. 

Have you had a date for your first chemo yet and if not, are you expecting it to be soon?

i high Fit score doesn’t always mean cancer there plenty of other less serious things it can be , your husband does seem to be in a bad way his stress levels must be over the top with this now , i i am just taking things in my stride and believe everything is going to be ok and so far so good , i hope he has a good outcome and it’s nothing to worry about it must take its toll on you as well , let us know how he gets on , wishing you both luck 

Thanks so much for the best wishes. He seems more anxious about the actual test rather than the result at the moment. I'm sure it will be fine. Have to remain positive for now.  I will keep you posted.

Take care of yourself.

Hi LunarLou, 

I am sorry to hear your husband is going through this anxious wait at the moment and I hope that you will get some good news - best of luck for the colonoscopy tomorrow. Waiting to find out what is going on is so difficult and I thought I would share with you these helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for important news.  It's good that they are doing all the necessary investigations and hopefully you will find out the cause of his issues soon - rest assured though that there can be so many different conditions other than cancer that can present such symptoms. Having to deal with this stress at the moment while suffering from depression must be really hard especially as you mentioned he has been having suicidal thoughts in the recent months and even attempted to take his life. I am sure that your support by his side has meant a lot to him and you seem to be so caring and a real source of strength for him but if you feel it all gets a bit much or his anxiety gets worse as you are waiting for these results, don't hesitate to get in touch with his GP and mention his history of suicidal thoughts and his long-term depression. Your doctor will I am sure have some good advice for him to help him get through the next few days when the waiting and uncertainty can make anyone so anxious. 

I will also mention the Samaritans site which you can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you or your husband can also pick up the phone 24 hours a day every single day of the year and talk to someone if he is feeling down. The number to call is 11612 and it's totally free. Anxiety UK is another great resource which will provide support in dealing with anxiety and I thought I would also mention Andy's Man Club which focuses specifically on men's mental health and offer over 120 free support groups nationwide. 

I hope this helps a little. I noticed that you are getting some wonderful insights on this thread from other lovely members like Gordgrc so I am glad you are not alone and have some support through this forum. As Gordgrc said, this stress and everything you've been through recently must be taking its toll on you. 

Keeping everything crossed for you for good results and that everything goes well during the colonoscopy appointment! 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks so much Lucie for the information. He does have support in place regarding his depression but I will keep these links close to hand. I've never heard of Andy's Man Club and I've never heard my hubby mention it either so that will be really useful. I do worry about him so much. We've been together for almost 29 years so he is my absolute world and the thought of anything bad happening to him destroys me. I'm going with him to the hospital tomorrow. No way is he going through this by himself. I will be there every step, regardless of the result. I wouldn't have it any other way. I will post tomorrow when we know more. Thank you again so much . x