Hello unkown,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I am sorry about your recent diagnosis and about the fact that you least expected it would turn out to be bowel cancer. Have you already had a colonoscopy and a definite diagnosis? 

It was good that the GP took things seriously and I hope you won't have to wait too long for your MRI and CT scans. I thought I would also put you in touch with [@JessieD]‍ who has also been diagnosed recently with bowel cancer. It may help to talk to someone else who is in the same boat at the moment.

If you have any questions about bowel cancer, feel free to ring our nurse number on 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello unknown sorry to hear your news. I expect the doctor looked in the rectum with I think it's called a sigmoidascope to be able to see a tumour that might be benign. The mri/ct scan is the best option here so they can see what they are dealing with if anything and it sounds like you have had investigations early and that too is good.

I have had breast and bladder cancers years ago and after treatment there has not been a recurrence. I too am under investigation for possible bowel cancer and my blood and stool test were suspect but I do have ibs which could also be the cause. I had a colonoscopy a few days ago and they were unable to complete it and need a virtual colonosvopy which is ct scan.

Because I have been here before I know how good they are these days in treating cancer although I do get the terrified feelings as you have. 

Keep in touch let us know how you get on xx

Thankyou Crista

i have my CT next Tuesday 5th feb and MRI Friday 1st so here goes the roller coaster rideI will let you know how it goes the tumour was seen whilst having the colonoscopy and was taken into that special room that know one wants to be taken in when breaking bad news thanks for the reply 

I understand how you must be feeling, although my GP 'missed' my diagnosis for 18 months, I saw a locum who sent me to Colon Specialist.  I had assumed it was irritable bowel as had no bleeding .  The findings were identical to your's i.e. unable to 'get any further' due to size of second tumour.    In August I had a right hemicolectomyand high anterior resection for Stage 4 cancer.  I have just completed four months of chemo and Cancer marker is down to 2 and fortunately I am feeling well so I hope you have your other tests very soon.  I have a similar background to yourself so understand your frustrations.

Hi Thankyou and so pleased to hear your well I have always been the one supporting those waiting for the outcomes of scans now I am the one waiting .I have two GP s who have been very supportive and responsive. today my GP who referred me said he had looked back to see if there was any other warning signs which I don’t think there has been that’s why it’s such a shocker

Hi unknown and samaritans

Did you both have a history of ibs? I have had about 30 years of it but found it difficult to settle the last two flare ups .

The only symptom I had of possible cancer was high inflammatory markers that has now reduced and then the colonoscopy could not get beyond the first bend no tumours found up to then.

Waiting for ct scan hopefully next week. Thanks

hi crista

i have no history of IBS or any family history of bowel cancer infact nothing showed in blood tests stool sample to say anything was wrong and never thought a tumour would show on the colonoscopy floored x

Hi unknown

How did you get on yesterday with the mri.xx

Hi crist

Kept my eyes close the whole time had buscopan which did not help my bowels have CT Monday as phoned the department 3 times a day till I got a day earlier MDT Tuesday 5th contacted colorectal nurse and asked can I be discussed so that I can be brought to clinic how are you

Hi

My ct is 13th Feb they said it's the earliest date they could give. Just worried about what they might find. I have had ibs for years only have bowel problems when I eat certain foods but because my gp found inflammation in the stool and blood test and the fact he said he suspects cancer I keep thinking he must be right. But before that my gut instinct said otherwise. 

I am the only one in the family to have had cancer and if I have another I cannot believe it, it will be cancer number 3. xx