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Bowel cancer fear

Clare1975
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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

  • Offline in reply to Ah2424

    My husband did chase his results like you and all good negative.  I took two stool firmer tablets Saturday which have helped but movements are not like how they used to be.  My dr said most likely diet change and not concerned at this stage.  She said they prefer people to see if symptoms settle over 4-6 weeks but I didn't want to hang around so to speak.

    We are doing everything right and taking action.  

    Clare xx

  • Offline in reply to Clare1975

    Oh God my worst nightmare. GP just phoned and my test positive for traces of blood. She has told me not to panic as it's only just over the recommended level. I'm going for blood tests tomorrow morning. My anxiety is on high and all I can think is that I have bowel cancer. 

  • Offline in reply to Ah2424

    It could be lots of other things instead of cancer.  Hold on in there.  I'm glad they are taking action.  The bloods will give a better idea of what is going on - not just cancer.

    Sending you a hand hold tomorrow - you can do this.

    Clare xx

  • Offline in reply to Clare1975

    Thank you so much Clare. I feel so alone xx

  • Offline in reply to Ah2424

    You are not alone.  I have a feeling mine will come back with blood traces.  I will be here for you if you want to chat.

    Sending a cyber hug.

    Clare xx

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    Hi Tamzin,

    sorry that like me you are playing the waiting game and waiting for tests. It's agony isn't it ? My brain is just overthinking everything and I have convinced myself I have cancer. 
    I'm not sure what the numbers mean but she said mine was 6 and not that high but as my bowels have changed I am still frantic with worry. Had a blood test yesterday but because of Jubilee Weekend will probably have to wait a week for result and then what!?!! Like you I have terrible health anxiety and just need to know! Hopefully we will both be ok like your Dr said it could be lots of other things but because I'm in my 70s I feel my age is against me! Take care x

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    Hi Tazmin,

    Honestly and im not just saying this but it's VERY unlikely that you have cancer. It can be so many things that are are not life threatening at your age. I'm also forever googling and looking up things. The thing is we can worry ourselves sick and it could be all for nothing. I'm trying to ignore that little voice that's saying "Ah it could be" I now have a pain in my side so feel I am doomed!!! Take care xx

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