On my way for meeting with oncologist to find out what they're proposing, which I believe is chemo and radio.

On one hand, I know this is good and one step closer to a firm plan, treatment starting and getting cured, but on the other I feel sick with nerves. I am struggling with the reality of going from my current state to a new one where things will happen to me and my body.

Thinking of you James4000

Reality...the word that describes it so well.. from being able to ignore the situation,  to an extent..to facing the fact that life is about to change...hopefully this morning will give you answers and having a plan, often enables some peace in our heart and mind xx

May I ask what peoples symptoms were before having a colonoscopy in terms of pain or bleeding or anything else? Was your bleeding small or large amounts? I’m having large amounts of bright red blood. It’s not just when I wipe it turns the whole toilet bowl water bright red and sometimes there’s blood clots. Pain is severe in my back passage too like a burning stinging and that’s not when I go to the toilet that’s just all of the time. If anything when I go to the toilet I get a relief from pain afterwards for a short time but then it returns. Ive also been anaemic for a while. I’m only in my 30s so GP has been sending me away for quite a few months despite me going back over and over again but I’ve finally been referred for a colonoscopy and waiting for an appointment now. Thank you 

Also sorry if I’ve put this in the wrong place 

Hi Daisy,  hopefully you won't have too long to wait for the colonoscopy now you have finally been referred..

A small amount of blood in the toilet bowl can look very alarming being bright red means it's fresh and not old [ dark coloured] blood. Haemorrhoids can be internal and external and capable of producing blood when having a BM...hopefully you will get some answers after the procedure. 

For me it was a marked change in my bowel habits, accompanied by distended stomach, low down period-type pains  [ hysterectomy 45 years ago]  sensation of needing to pass motion even after a BM. Five positive qFIT results and referred to Colorectal Consultant. Appointment for colonoscopy last June which had to be cancelled.. follow up appt missed until Nov colonoscopy 17th Dec 24 ...20 week waiting list for results.  There has been no change,  multiple BM,  pain, loss of appetite,  blood ( not all the time) the feeling of needing to have a BM.. seven times since 10 am..now 4.15 p.m

Thinking of you..

.

Thank you for your fast reply. I’ve had blood tests which didn’t show anything and a rectal examine which again didn’t show anything. I haven’t been given any FIT tests. I do get period like cramps too but I can’t/don’t have periods as I had a womb ablation. Some pains in my left side but on my back not my front. I’ve lost a lot of weight but I have been trying to lose weight also so I don’t know if it’s just intentional weight loss. Very tired all the time but that is likely the low iron. Trying to stay positive that it’s something not serious such as Haemorrhoids etc.  

Thank you for sharing with me and I hope you are doing ok. Sending you hugs and positivity 

You're very welcome Daisy.. having a place to ask,  listen and support each other can make a real difference,  I think..

Hi James, been thinking about you today,  hopefully your appointment wasn't too overwhelming instead gave you some clarity and the support for the days ahead.. take care 

Thank you. I am grateful.

It wad hard. Realities kicking in, now they have proposed an actual plan, explained it all and that it will start soon.

It's still a pretty positive outlook and the oncologist was pretty confident of the treatment leading to cure. But it looks like a longer journey than I'd hoped. Likely starting with chemo in a couple of weeks. I'm very nervous, as I process this