Bowel cancer

I'm 44 and after months of stomach issues, my GP referred me for a CT scan and FIT test. Symptoms have been Severe abdominal pain on two occasions lasting 10 days over last 7mths. Gallstones and Ovarian Cysts ruled out via ultrasound 

Most recent bloods are slightly elevated Serum Amylase, Ferritin 22 so prescribed 630mg iron a day and mild cows milk intolerance. Also diagnosed in menopause with absolutely no warning, periods stopped the same month.

Weight gain. I'm slim build, never had a weight issue and put it down to meno. But the weight is only on hips, bum and stomach. Stomach is swollen 90% of the time. I look 5mth pregnant. Even dropping to 1200 calories a day and exercise, I cannot fit my usual clothes. Again limbs and face all normal. 

Loose bowel for 8weeks despite taking iron, even before the iron still the same. I'm not worried or frightened as things like this weirdly do not stress me out. It is what it is.

All I see is weight loss and nothing about gain. Understand the stomach can swell but my hips, bottom and thighs as well? Can that happen with BC? A moat recent change is tiredness. I never sleep well and usually function easily on 5hrs. Slept last night for 9hrs and had a nap at 1:30pm for 1hr and tonight I've been fighting sleep since 8pm. I am exhausted.

  • Hello Flanej, 

    It's good you went to see your GP after all these tummy issues and I hope that you will get your test results very soon. I am not sure myself what this weight gain might signify but it's definitely worth talking to your doctor about it and finding out whether it could be linked to the menopausal symptoms you have described as well. Do explain as well that you have been feeling tired. 

    I hope that you won't have to wait too long for your CT scan and that it all turns out to be nothing of concern. Other members of our community may have experienced similar symptoms before and I hope that they will come and say hello and share their experience with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator