Rectal cancer or hopefully benign?

Hello all, 

 

I've posted a couple of times here. I'm still awaiting a colonoscopy but an emergency CT scan yesterday found a mass in my rectum. They've arranged a rectal MRI for tomorrow and are currently trying to locate a theatre for an urgent colonoscopy under general anaesthetic. 
 

Does anyone else have experience of this and what questions I should ask etc? One minute I was trying to get the doctors to listen to me and now suddenly I find I'm being fast tracked and am feeling a bit panicky! 
 

On the plus side my bloods came back normal so no raised CRP etc so should this be a good sign? I have agonising pain in my left buttock and loss of some sensation around that area so am assuming this is because it's pressing on a nerve as well as deep ache pain inside.  
 

No idea of the size of it yet but am assuming they will find that out in the colonoscopy and take a biopsy. 
 

Any info / advice would be greatly appreciated. 
 


 

 

  • Hello M

    I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling panicked by everything. i think that's perfectly understandable given the circumstances. 

    I wanted to post to suggest that you give our team of nurses a call if you get a chance. I'm sure they'll be happy to talk things through with you and offer some advice and support ahead of your appointments. 

    They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you Jenn for your kind reply. It's just the not knowing and also how suddenly things have started being done by the doctors. Although I'm hugely grateful of course! 
     

    I will report back once I have more news. 

  • Hello Jenn, 

    Well CT scan with contrast and MRI have confirmed it is a tumour 5.3cm x 2.5cm. It has grown through the bowel wall. Colonoscopy will be in 4 days time for biopsy but he has prepared me that it is likely to be cancerous from what they can see already. 
     

    It hasn't spread to my liver which is good news but I'll need another CT for my lungs on Saturday. 
     

    please keep your fingers crossed for me. And thank you for replying before. 
     

  • Hello MPG1502

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had real mixed news this week. I will indeed keep my fingers crossed that the results from your biopsies and lung CT bring back some more positive news. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on and don't forget that you can call our nurses if you need to talk with someone. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator