I found out today I have a 3cm tumour fingers crossed it hasn't gone deeper

Yes,I agree,  the waiting is the worst thing ever. I can't remember how long I had to wait for a CT scan following discovery of the tumour but i know that it seemed like an eternity. I also felt petrified, a very normal response to an overwhelmingly awful and uncertain situation. However now the tumour has been discovered appropriate treatment options can be discussed after all the necessary investigations. I hope you get a treatment plan sorted out ASAP. Kind Regards, jo 

Hello [@Octopus99]‍ 

May I ask which other methods of checking the bowel there may be? My mother had surgery for colon cancer about 4 months ago.

After she got through that we all started to calm down a little bit until we were suddenly told they haven't been able to check the bowel to ensure there's no more cancer there. It was petrifying and now we have to wait until two months after she finishes her six month course of chemo tablets until she can have another colonoscopy to check the bowel. 
We are all so worried and it's such a long time to wait. Tbh 

the nhs has been awful (we had to fight and fight every step of the way and even had to do all diagnostics privately bcos they would not do anything). 
Do you maybe know of any other tests to check her bowel that could be used instead of another colonoscopy, which will take another 4 months or so....

Thank you 

Hi 

Sorry to jump on your post - i was just wondering if anyone had been diagnosed whilst having normal blood tests? 

My Dr is reluctant to refer me due to my CRP and CA125 levels being low - at 9 & 5 which is great but ive been so poorly with Blood, bloating, stomach upsets ( 7-10 x a day) abdominal pain and a dodgy left hip. Im 35 and being told its likely just to be IBS but im worried.

Thanks

Sally x

Hello I have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer in my rectum. Just starting my Gastrografin liquid today which is vile. Going for my Ct Scan tomorrow. I am quite worried as I've had very active bowel movements for a while. First of all thought it was my premenapause/ menopause starting. Then I was in hospital for a week cos my inflammatory blood markers was 240. Put on very strong antibiotics which made me loose anyway for like 8 weeks after. Was called to go for an endoscopy & the biopsy came back as cancer. Just hope it can be reconnected to another part without having to have a Stoma Bag & also hoping i don't need chemo x

Hi Ash, good luck with tomorrow, it is a quick test just a few weeks wait and nerves for explanation of results, when I had it 3 years ago. I was lucky to have the stage 3 tumour removed and the hemiplectomy rejoined without a stoma. I had 6 days recovery in hospital and encouraged to walk in ward after couple of days, also starting again on normal food. It did take it out of me but I took it slow and set progressive life goals and really appreciated my friends support and getting back into the outdoors. I also did partial chemo. Wishing you the best of health 

Thank you ever so much for replying. Stage 3 wow was that close to the bowel wall & lymth nodes. Hope mines not stage 3. How long did you have it before it was found. Really happy that your on the mend and living a good positive life. Can't wait to feel like that again x

Hi Ash, hope today went well? These scans give the surgeon great detail to decide on their actions. My tumour was about 7cm, I had some in the closest nodes when they were removed and tested. Starting chemo was delayed as I had deal with kidney stones whose xray had lead to the cancer surgery within a couple of months. I don't know how long I had had it, I thought I was losing weight through exercise and ignored my bowel issues as I am under the testing age. Look forward to better times and value those you love. Keep in touch.

Yes scan went ok thanks. Omg they said mines about 10 cm. Which worries me now. Hope its not in my regional nodes. Hope your feeling better. Living & loving life x

Hi piscesjo

I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer 3yrs ago now. Had robotic surgery over several hours which was successful, followed by a stomer which I had for 7 months and 6 months of chemotherapy. Looking back it feels like yesterday. The good news is that I am doing very well. I have regular checks, bloods and ct scans. I can't say that I am back to normal but I'm living with  the new normal. I hope your recovery goes very smoothly and that saying 'onwards and upwards' is so true. So effectively I was living with cancer in my bowels now I'm living with my bowels lol.

I agree with you about the bowel screening, please everyone if the opportunity comes along for you to take it, it is 5 mins of your life, apposed to your life! Take the screening. 
 

deex