It all started at the end of July 2023. I noticed 2 enlarged lymph nodes (inguinal) in my groin a couple days later I found another enlarged node in my groin and one in my neck (cervical). I did the stupid thing and googled what could be wrong and was convinced I had lymphoma as I also had a slight drop in weight(1KG). I went to the GP start of August and was ordered to do a blood test.

Around this time I had a change in bowel habits and constipation when trying to relieve my bowels. I still go each day but not much passes through.

I had the blood tests and they came back normal and was referred for an ultrasound. I ended up going private as the wait was causing too much stress. The ultrasound the confirmed lymph nodes in my groin were enlarged but not suspicious measured up to 9mm with normal fatty hilum and hilar vascularity. The node on my neck measured up to 8x15mm with no suspicious features.

i then had a private consultation with a colorectal doctor as I was now fully convinced I had colon cancer. Change in bowel habits, constipation, tiny specs of blood on toilet paper (this no longer happens), slight pain in stomach and the small drop in weight. The private doctor gave me an examination feeling my stomach and finger inspection. The doctor said my symptoms were most likely due to stress with the enlarged lymph nodes. He also felt them and said they are just reactive nodes. He did give me a stool test to provide. I provided the stool test and received the results of FIT <4ug/g which the doctor says in normal (unsure if it shows lower than 4 or if it’s lower it just says “<4”) had a cal protein that shows 83 ug/u the doctor says this is “essentially normal” but should be repeated in 2 weeks as it’s over 50 but under 250. I feel like I’m just waiting and waiting and by the time I get results I’ll be to late.