Bowel cancer fear

Hi everyone,

My 82 year old mum is recovering from stage 3 bowel cancer and doing well.

Just over a week ago I started to notice my bowel movement changed.  I put it down to eating more vegetables as there was some undigested food on wiping (sorry for the tmi).  I changed my diet as was trying to loose weight and eat more healthy.

The last couple of days the movements are more watery and with undigested food (I eat porridge for breakfast and could clearly still see the oats).  I am phoning my gp surgery on Monday to get investigations done.  I am overweight and haven't lost any significant weight.  I couldn't see any blood in movements but I know that my mum didn't prior to her diagnosis.

I have health anxiety.  I had acid reflux and stomach pain prior to the changes of bowel movements but this has gone after a few months on Nexium.

I am scared of the outcome being cancer.  There is alot of cancer on my mums side (her mum breast cancer, her sister unknown but secondaries in liver).

I am not getting any pain apart from more gas than usual and urgency to go to the toilet more.

I am reaching out in fear like so many and wishing to be brave.

Clare xx

  • Many thanks Tazmin.  I will keep posted of my outcome.

    Take care.

    Clare xx

  • Hi Clare,

    Im in my 70s do more in your Mums age group. I have been having similar problems to you for the past month. I can't see any blood but my bowel movements are not solid just soft and mushy (sorry I know its gross) It happens more in the morning and seems better in the evening. I mentioned it to GP abd currently waiting for poo test result. May I ask what your Muns symptoms were as you say she had no blood. Yours sounds like it could be down to change of diet .

     

  • Hello Clare x.  Of course you are frightened, with the family history.  And you are being brave, seeking support.  Tell your favourite doctor about your symptoms & that fear.  Ask him/her to help you sort it out, investigate further as appropriate.  Write down what you want to say/ask.  Also, maybe your surgery has a mental health nurse to address the anxiety, or maybe another suggestion can be made.  Help them to help You.  You so deserve it.  Sincere best wishes, please do keep in touch.

  • Hi,

    My mum was in alot of pain just before diagnosis.  She could barely eat, felt sick and thought it was her gall bladder.  She was rushed to hospital as in so much pain.  Just before being admitted she had done the FIT test and it had come back positive and she was anemic.  Part of her bowel was obstructed by the tumour and it had crossed into 1 lymph node.  She was too frail to go through chemo at the time but has a much better quality of life since the op and has gained weight.

    Clare xx

  • Thank you Saltmarsh.  I need to get this problem sorted as I also feel pressure like I need to go all the time.

    Clare xx

  • Thank you Clare. So pleased to hear your Mum is doing well.Like you I also have severe health anxiety. My Mother was in hospital for most of my childhood so it stems from that. Just wish I didn't always jump to the worse scenario! I know my bowel problems are real and I dont  have my husband now to calm me down!!  My father died of bowel cancer so I immediately assume I am doomed!! Hope you are ok and thanks for your reply.

  • Ah bless you.  I hear you.  My husband has MS (primary progressive so not relenting) and he has been a great support even though he suffers from his own health problems.  

    Please keep me updated with what happens with you.  We are doing the right thing by seeking answers.

    Clare xx

  • I'm really anxious now. Rang for  poo test result on Friday and they said it was not back. Just phoned again and still not back or may be with the Dr but she's not there at the moment. 
    I'm now thinking there must be something wrong with it as the negative results go to reception. Trying to stay calm but  panicking and don't know what to do.

  • Hold on in there, I know the waiting is the worst.  I have sent my FIT test off today.  Results should be back within 14 days.  My husband did a test couple of years ago and got result in 7 days.  I think it varies as to how busy they are.

    Sending cyber hugs  

    Clare xx

  • Thankyou Clare, 

    I know I'm overthinking but our surgery is very on the ball and she told me it would be back last Friday. If I don't hear anything tomorrow from the Dr I will phone again. I'm thinking it has been sent to the Dr as reception said it's probably with the Dr which is worrying me. 
    i am sure your test will be fine you have age on your side and had recently changed your diet. How are your BMs now?

    Thank you for your reply x