Cancer diagnosis x 2 = squirly head

It's been a mad couple of months.

When I turned 60, I got the bowel cancer screening kit through the post (as I call it the *** on a stick test).

I did it, and it came back positive.

This was followed up by a colonoscopy which showed a malignant polyp.

Had a CT and a PSA test and was booked in for a Sigmoid resection.

The day before, the surgeon phoned me to cancel, as they'd found a couple of problems  which indicated probable prostate cancer as well, along with something on my pancreas and a thickened bladder wall.

After the MRI's, biopsies, and a bladder cystoscopy it's confirmed I've also got a 3,4(7) gleason scale prostate cancer and everything else (bladder, pancreas) is weird but ok.

After an initial suspicion that we would go for a "two for the price of one" surgical solution the urology MDT and the colorectal team have decided that it would be too high risk (slicing and splicing both the urethra and colon in close proximity could cause some fistula formation).

So now I'm waiting for the colon surgery, and placing the prostate an active watch until the colon surgery has healed suitably.

Now the waiting is starting to get to me!

  • Hello Stuartindigo

    I'm sorry to hear that after all the investigations you've had over the past few months, you've been told you have both prostate and bowel cancer. Understandably this would send many people's heads squirly! It's reassuring that the initial concerns about your bladder and pancreas have now been cleared. 

    It's good to hear that the MDT has come up with a plan to be able to address both these issues although I can understand that you might have some concerns about the wait regarding your prostate cancer. 

    For many people, this period of waiting for treatment to start can be difficult. I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can concerning both your upcoming surgery and the delayed start of treating the prostate cancer. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your bowel surgery. Keep in touch Stuartindigo and let us know how you get on. 

    Sending you my best wishes for a smooth and swift recovery, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator