So scared

Hi,

I'm a 47 year old female who was diagnosed with IBS around 20 years ago. I've been plagued with IBS symptoms on and off since then.

Over the last couple of years my symptoms have worsened which I had put down to my age and changes in my hormones; however, this was getting to the point where it was affecting my life so I made an appointment with my GP - that was on 19 August.
Since then things have moved extremely quickly - I had blood tests taken the same day and had to provide stool samples. On 25 August the GP called me to let me know that my CA125 test was raised (60) and then on 26 August she called to tell me that there was blood in my stool sample.

I've got appointments to see a Gynaecologist on Thursday (3 September), and a colonoscopy on 10 September. Whilst it's great that things are moving so quickly it's causing me extreme anxiety and I can't help but fear the worst.  I keep crying, I've lost my appetite and am just in a constant state of fear. 
I don't want to worry my friends and family so am trying to put a brave face on things but I'm so scared that I have cancer. 

 

  • Hi Lorrsy,

    Yes, it's awful. Appointments, tests, scans, waiting for results, living with the fear.. Life doesn't get much tougher than this. But at least you are in the right place here on this site. We all understand what you are going through, in  a way family and friends may not be able to.

    It really is good that things are moving so fast, though. So try to tough it out, the best way you can.  Some people advise distracting yourself in some way. It is not easy. But you will get through this. 

    Also remember that you may not have cancer. Only the results will answer that question. And if it does turn out that you are very unlucky, you still have a great chance of a cure. 

    I wish you all the very best Lorrsy. xx Hary

     

  • Thank you Harry. I appreciate your reply. It's good to have somewhere to get things off the chest with people who understand what's going on.

     

    I have my fingers tightly crossed for some good news! 
     

    Lorrsy x

  • Hi there

     

    Just wondering how you got on as I'm in a similar situation. I hope you're doing very well. Would really appreciate a response if you have the time. Thanks so much. 

    kim 

  • Hi Kim,

    So sorry to hear that you're in a similar situation to what I was. It was such a worrying and scary time.

    Thankfully the examinations I had done didn't find anything sinister so for now I'm in the clear and have to go for review again at 6 and 12 months.

    I hope you have read Harry2's post above - it was so reassuring to me when I was feeling so scared. Getting yourself checked out is the best thing you can do and fingers crossed for good news.

    Take care,

    Lorrsy