Bowel cancer worries and colonoscopy pending

hi 

just reaching out for a bit of support as under a great deal of anxiety with colonoscopy due Monday. I started noticing blood on the tissue paper a while ago it was only a bit after I’d finished wiping with paper so felt it was friction from the paper. In the last 8 weeks I’ve noticed either fresh red blood streaked on stools, red blood in stool or some tiny dark red clots on the stool. I’ve also had lower left side pain in tummy near the hip bone. I have had piles in the past and have some inactive external ones the GP in the past didn’t want to know about, as would only treat if problematic. 

Blood tests were taken ( all fine form said cbc, cea, liver function, renalfunction) and calprotectin stool sample (still awaiting result). I’ve been seen a colorectal clinic didn’t say much other than could be diverticulitis but I would need a full colonoscopy and would be in about 4 weeks. Anyway the clinic phoned and said there was a cancellation and I could take Monday which despite fears I agreed to, as best to get it over with. 

At the moment I’m a mess emotionally keep crying thinking about a scary diagnosis that would ultimately mean I won’t watch my beautiful babies grow up. Partner really understanding and listens but I don’t think this fear will go until I know. As much as knowing is scary, I ve got to be brave for my family.

thanks in advance for any insights you can give...

  • I am in exactly the same position as you and I am really scared too....

     

  • Hi there - I've recently been in the same situation & yes it is very scary & it's so easy to let your mind run away with you. I was put on the 2 week cancer pathway for bowel/lung cancer & was convinced I was going to die. I'm having a colonoscopy on July 17th but the Consultant didn't seem unduly worried. MORE IMPORTANTLY - all my other tests came back clear. If your GP had been really concerned I think you would be having the colonoscopy sooner than you are. My GP said that 9 out of 10 people referred for cancer tests come back clear & my tests were done urgently sooooooooo I hope you can take some comfort from this.

    It's so very easy to think the worst & let our imaginations run riot & most of the time it's for no good reason. I also discovered that my symptoms haven't been nearly as bad since I got my all clear results - another thing my GP said - anxiety makes our bodies do nasty things to us!

    Focus, if you can, on keeping busy and on that 9 out of 10 figure :):)

    Good luck! xx

  • Hi thank you for taking the time to reply to my message it really helped knowing I’m not the only one and helped me rationalise my fears.

    I’m just back from the colonoscopy it wasn’t too bad I had the sedation but was there watching the screen talking to the nurse and doctor who talked me through the whole thing. Thankfully nothing looked wrong but biopsies and photos were taken in various places. I was told I had a single polyp (dr said not one of the ones we worry about) but exorcised it and sent it for a biopsy. I’m guessing they are just being really sure. I had three internal piles I’m guessing the gp and GI doc couldn’t find and had those banded. I asked the dr if he thought that was the cause of the bleeding and he said yes. Only unanswered question is the left hand abdomen pain which has felt better the last few days anyway.

     

    so although I will have to wait for biopsies to be totally out the woods, I’m really relieved to know there isn’t a great big tumour up there causing all the bleeding probably just the three piles no one could find. 

    How are you both doing? 

  • Hey! Brilliant news - very chuffed for you & glad I helped a bit. 

    I'm very, very fed up with my symptoms - some not as bad as they were but others not much different. I did put the colonoscopy off a week or so ago (now 17th) & wish now I hadn't. I'm tired almost all the time & fed up with that too. Anyway, 17th it is. x

    Let us know results of your biopsy & ENJOY YOUR DAY with the good news :)

  • Hi purrfect, 

    sorry you are still feeling tired and unwell. Only a week away from your procedure and you too will have answers. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. In the end I went in with the attitude there is no down side to screening you will get peace of mind or treatment. The waiting and worrying is definitely the hardest part. I’m still doing that a little until the biopsies are back too but definitely not to the degree I was before the colonoscopy. 

    Please let me know how you get on on the 17th?

    best wishes x

  • Raerae, I'm absolutely terrified I'm going for colonoscopy and endoscopy on friday morning....I just keep thinking all doom and gloom.... its horrible x

  • Thanks - I will let you know how I get on on 17th. Let us know the results of your biopsy too. x