Query and some guidance

So my mum gave a stool sample on Monday and Thursday, today,  got a call saying she needs to take some tests, Dr says it shouldn't stop her going overseas for 2 months, but that the tests should be done before she travels.

Evidently there was signs of blood in the stool, but that is all we know.

She has lost a fair amount of weight in the last few months, and did have a loss of appetite, but this has come back and she is hungry and eating but equally never worried as she does not eat a lot, only one meal a day and top it up with ensure, and has had some other issues, like hip infections, unable to walk much or even far, besides her long term health of various heart attacks, DVTs, hip replacements.

She recently had diarrhoea but that was a few times, but now stopped.

The Dr wants her to have either a CT scan, or a camera to go and have a look.

Is this all leading towards it being bowel cancer?  Any thoughts would be appreciated, she has been a wreck since the call earlier!

We are already on the case to get the scan.

  • Hello Randomone and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    Unfortunately no one here will be able to tell you what it might be but it's good that your mum is having all the necessary investigations at the moment and hopefully you will get some definite answers soon. Try if you can not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be as there are so many other conditions which could be triggering these symptoms other than cancer. 

    It's good that they are being thorough though and that all these tests are being carried out before she travels for a couple of months. I think for her peace of mind it would be good if she could have the results and know what is going on before she goes away. 

    Waiting is really hard though and it is bound to be a very anxious time for her and for you as well. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope that you will hear from other forum members who have been in a similar situation before and that they will come and share their experience with you. 

    Everything crossed for your mum - I hope everything turns out to be fine!

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Appreciate the response, totally understand, unfortunately our current challenge is whilst the doctor/gp said for the tests to be done, she has not followed up with the form that the hospital needs to arrange this, and no other doctor at the practice will take this on so it has to wait till her doctor is back in the practice on Tuesday, 5 days after saying these tests should be done, and 5 days lost in terms of her travel! Quite frustrating.