Hi all,

I've spent the past few days browsing this forum, and I can't say enough how excellent it is.

As you can tell by my username, I am an anxious son. My mother (60) was unwell for a number of weeks, she went to the doctors who carried out quick scan and sent her on her way with "potential IBS". She wasn't getting any better, if anything she was worse with weight loss etc. I managed to take her to A&E where a surgeon noticed some form of swelling which he wasn't happy with. My mother was admitted for several days where she eventually had a scan. This scan shown a large cyst (can't recall the size, however was mirrored to that of a 36 week pregnant woman!).

At this point, my mother was discharged and told to await for an outpatient appointment to have it removed. Fast forward, she underwent surgery to have this removed; we were advised it would take 2 -3 hours, however it transpired it took 5 hours as they required a further specialist from a nearby Hospital. We were told something was there that the DR's weren't completely happy with. The cyst was removed and we were advised if we do not hear anything within 2 weeks, nothing in regards to the cyst is a concern.

Fast forward to 3 weeks later, nothing regarding the above has been relayed to us (so I presume this is good) however my mother went to the local Hospital to have a camera examiniation. The DR stated that there is "narrowing" to the colon, and states "it is probably cancer". They took a biopsy and the next day the Nurse made contact to confirm within approx. 2 weeks, my mother would undergo a scan where they would ascertain what's happening, can they operate, treatment etc.

Unfortunately I have not been able to attend the appointments first hand, so the information I have is somewhat third-party - however, I've competely lost my head with it all and it kills me to see my parent's so upset and worried!

My question is, well one of many at least, is this normal in terms of waiting for scans? Whilst my mum was in Hospital she had a number of scans and blood tests, I would love to know why nothing popped up then; unless of course the cyst was in the way? We were kind of hoping that the colon is damaged because of the size of the cyst, however the nurse reiterated that something that the DR's are concerned by is showing.

Thank you all, and apologies for the long message.