Hi there

So sorry to hear about all the things you've been going through, it sounds really tough.

The diagnosis process is never straight forward. Whilst I can't speak for bowel cancer, I know that for many cancers they do all three. Ultimately PET is the most reliable in most cases to show if there's been spread because the radioactive material is absorbed by all the cancerous cells so they can see just where they are at a cellular level.

An MRI /CT shows more bulky masses and things that shouldn't be there.

From my experience the diagnosis process is a long one but it's because they want to be sure of exactly what's going on so they can plan the appropriate treatment with all the facts. It doesn't mean to say it's spread for sure but most of the time they need to know what they're working with, especially when things can spread unknowingly.

Hope this helps.

Wishing you all the best, kind regards

Rose

Thank you for your reply.

It feels like this whole process has been a lifetime when only it's been 4 weeks. 
 

I overthink and analyse everything that's been said. My nurse who is my point of contact told me they do think it's localised but then sent me for these scans and my mind has been whirring since. Even today after the MRI I was convinced the radiographer wouldn't look me in the eye. 

There's another MDT meeting on Monday so hopefully I'll have more answers.

Hi

I imagine it has felt like forever. Days feel like weeks when you're waiting on scan results they really do.

I was told I'd have to have a bone biopsy as one of the first tests they did for my cancer - that set my brain whirring too! I was convinced that meant they thought it had gone to my bones but if anything it was just to rule it out rather than confirm any suspicions.

I also always feel that the scanner / radiographer never looks me in the eye after my scans but I genuinely don't think that's because they've seen what's on the scan and that they know what's going on. Strange how your mind works when you're so anxious isn't it? 

Anyway, as I said before, all the best I hope it goes as well as it can be for you.

Rose