Waiting for bowel results and not coping

Hi all - I've had bowel issues for nearly a month, which seem to get better and then go downhill again, I've now lost 2kg in a week and am waiting for my stool sample results which will hopefully be in next week sometime. Blood results came back fine but just low on iron, which I know already. I'm also waiting for a breast scan on a lump later this month.

I'm a 39 year old mum with a 4 year old little girl and I'm just not coping with the fear. I'm trying to keep going for her but I'm not a strong person - I already have terrible health anxiety and this has sent it through the roof. Any help really welcome xx

  • Hello Nink, 

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. I hope you won't have to wait too long for your stool sample results. I can imagine it must be a very stressful time for you while waiting for these important results but hopefully you will have them back by next week. It's reassuring news that your blood results came back fine. That combined with the anxiety of having to wait for the scan on your breast lump is bound to be making you very worried. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be both for your bowel issues and this breast lump that is being investigated. There are so many other conditions which could be causing this other than cancer that the best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this, especially if you suffer from health anxiety, is to keep busy and distracted if you can, for example doing fun things with your little girl and avoid looking things up online. Easier said than done I know and  I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you so much for replying Lucie. Thankfully the test came back negative for blood in the stool, but also negative for any more ordinary reason. I'm now waiting for results on the stool sample to test pancreas involvement and if anything I'm feeling more panicked than before