Colonoscopy test 

I'm so worried I went for a colonoscopy test last Thursday and the doctor found some polyps and something else he said he was unsure it was a polyp and it's too big so he could not remove it, he then put a tattoo marker at the site and said it will needn't to come out he took biopsies and sent me back to the ward. He then come back with his specialist nurse who said she would be getting me an appointment for a ct scan and MRI scan.i left the hospital and a couple of hours late received a call from nurse to say I had the ct scan the next morning. I have my MRI scan tomorrow and then hoping to get my results . I suffer with anxiety to start with and this is increased more with the worry and outcome of results. Has anyone else had a similar situation before ?. I'm praying it's  benign he said it's a 50/50 chance 

Hi

sorry to hear about your brother, I understand how scared you must be.

I’m 46 and was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August, I had been having a few digestive issues and was diagnosed with an ulcer after an endoscopy, biopsies were all fine but further biopsies showed it to be cancerous, I felt well and had been exercising and eating well, it was a huge shock to say the least. 

Following the CT scan I had a laparoscopy which is where they use keyhole incisions in stomach to see what is going on and if it’s spread, then they decide on treatment. If it’s not spread the standard procedure is chemo followed by surgery to remove either part or all of stomach and then further chemo. I’m at the stage where I’m recovering from chemo and waiting for surgery. Chemo was gruelling but manageable, At the beginning it was very scary and was every 2 weeks so quite intense but once it finished I quickly felt well again and now 4 weeks later, I’m even on a mini break so it hasn’t taken anything but my hair. I’m putting weight on ready for  surgery. I’ve a scan next week to see how chemo has worked and it’s scary but there’s nothing to be done but keep positive until told otherwise I suppose. 

In the early days you feel like the world is ending and that there is no way out but once a treatment plan is in place and things start moving forward it quickly becomes normal.

the Macmillan stomach cancer forum page is good for connecting with other people, there are many who are post treatment and living a good life, also the oesophageal patients Association is great for information and again their forum has lots of people who are years post treatment, my advice would be not to google statistics, and support him emotionally and practically,  as best you can. 

With much love xx 

Thanks very much for your reply! It was very helpful. I’m going to try and stay off the internet for a while as I keep researching worst case scenarios. Just the waiting game now. Hope you are well xxx

Also thanks again for getting back to me.. I’m just sorry for him and everyone that’s going through any cancer right now. But you telling me your story has helped me understand what to expect. 

Once a treatment plan is in place we can finally fight this disease.. I’m just so shocked and confused because if it weren’t for a routine blood test we would never have known..

thanks you so much and I hope and wish you the best recovery after your operation 

xx

I think that’s the scariest thing, feeling healthy and finding out almost by accident, certainly that way for me, never expected it in a million years. My brother also scared himself with all the statistics until I told him to stop, it wasn’t helpful to anyone. Most statistics are 5 years old and as most sufferers tend to be older or as it can be symptomless until it’s advanced, the outcomes can be worse. There’s new chemos that have had good success so far and FLOT is one (one I’ve had) my oncologist said they’d had some great results with it. Chemo itself is scary but his team will support him, there’s no need to suffer side affects as most can be managed and everyone is different. 

Ivey everything crossed for your brother and your family, take each day as it comes, I think it’s all you can do really, try not to think too far ahead. 

Hugs xx

Hi..

got the news yesterday that the cancer hasn’t spread and is contained in his stomach. He got discharged today and the nurse said the doctors will be in touch to let him know what can be done. He has some kidney damage form sepsis he took two years ago so I’m not sure if they will be able to operate or not. I’m just so glad it hasn’t spread.. 

thanks you so much for replying to me it means a lot at this time.

Hugs back at you x