Scared

Hi,

i have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer, I have been having blood in my poo for over six months so went to my GP but in the last 2 months I have been experiencing griping lower stomach pains, I have only just had my colonoscopy but only after I went and expressed my concerns to my GP again, who then put my on a two week turnaround appointment. My biggest fear is that in those 6 months it has developed and spread, as I don't know what the implications of having it for years means. 

When I asked the specialist how long I have had the cancer she said it had been there for years, which has absolutely terrified  me.  I have my CT scan on Monday but still won't find out the extent of the cancer until the following Monday, I have had to get sleeping tablets to help me switch off from the complete terror I'm feeing.  By the way I am a 43 year old fitness instructor and health advisor (how ironic).  Any words of comfort or positivity would be greatfully received.

  • Hi Deana,

    Sorry to read about your diagnosis, waiting for results is always difficult. I'm not a doctor but I have been in your shoes.

    On the positive side, if the cancer has been there for years it is quite likely to be slow growing so the six months delay won't be as important as if you had a rapidly growing cancer.

    Being physically fit will give you an advantage if you need to have chemo. Physical fitness is taken into account when assessing the dosage a patient will be able to tolerate. Your body should be able to recover from treatment more quickly than average.

    I won't tell you not to worry about your results as that is inevitable but I will say not to pay too much attention to any timescales and statistics you are given. These are based on averages and take no account of age, physical fitness or other diseases and conditions a patient may also have.

    Best wishes
    Dave    

  • Hi Dave,

    Thank you so much for your reply, it has offered some comfort.  I have read your story and it truly is inspirational and proof that they don't always know everything! 

    My CT has now been moved to the next day, so another 24hrs of torturous waiting, I really don't know how they can move appointments like that especially when they keep telling you to act fast! I'm trying too it's the professionals who keep moving the goal posts! 

    Thank you agin. X

     

  • Hi Deana

    i have just read your post and wanted to send you my best wishes and ( I hope) some comfort.... I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2014. At my colonoscopy I was told it my tumour had been growing for about. 2 years which scared the life out of me.

    it turned out that it was a "Dukes A "tumour which is a stage one. I had an ileostomy bag for 8 months after my surgery and this was successfully reversed on April 2015. I know that your mind will be in overdrive at the moment and nothing anyone will say will help but just hold on in there.

    not all bowel cancers end badly, you could be one of the lucky ones, I am happy to share my story with you if you feel it will help and offer advise. 

    Take care 

    Jayne 

  • Hi Jayne,

    i don't know whether I posted my reply to you, as my head is not with it these days so I will send again. Thank you for your reply and it did offer a little comfort although as you know yourself, until the result of my CT scan is given to me I can't really take on board other people's success stories, though I'm so glad your story is a success.

     

    looking at you photo, which is lovely by the way, I think we are of a similar age and with this in mind I would very much like to know your full story and ask you for advice when I need it, my husband has had to leave his job abroad so that is another pressure on top of what we are going through and I don't always feel I can discuss my concerns with him. 

     

    Thank you again, and here's touching wood I can one day write the same story as you. X

  • Hi Deana

    many thanks for your reply, the photo is an old one, taken a few years ago. I am 52 now but am happy to offer advice and support whenever I can. I am a huge advocate for bowel cancer and try to support it in any way that I can.

    I met a lovely lady via this site when I was diagnosed, she was an absolute tower of strength to me.  sadly she passed away recently. We corresponded via Facebook and messenger but I am happy to correspond with you in whatever way you are comfortable. 

    I hope you are ok, i know that this is the most horrible of times and for me, the fact that I wasn't in control really got me down, once I had my diagnosis, it was almost a relief and I thought, ok so what do I have to do to beat this.

    not sure if you have come across the bowel cancer site as this also has an online community where you can chat with other BC patients.

    all in all, you certainly will not be alone, be strong chick.

    let me know how I can be of help, in the meantime, take care

    Jayne