Hi,

I am also currently worrying about the worse. I have been researching and talking to a few people while waiting for tests, what I do know is blood can be down to benign or pre cancerous polyps. These polyps can cause symptoms like the real thing but can be removed. I hope you get answers soon as waiting can take such a toll. Do you mind me asking what tests you have taken so far? I wish you the best.

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply. I am so sorry you are going through this too. The waiting is horrendous. I have had full bloods done - all normal except for elevated CEA which is apparently raised with cancer. My faecal calprotectin was normal which rules out all the non cancerous inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohnes and ulcerative colitis.  So I'm running out of options . . 

Has your doctor referred you? Everyone's body seems to have different levels of these bio markers, if you are just over the limit than that could well be your body's natural level. I have also heard that smokers tend to have a higher CEA level in general, if you smoke that could affect it. In the worst case scenario cancers in the colon tend to be very treatable, I've read many story's of people living with and fighting it off, I believe that the mind can be a powerful tool so try to stay positive no matter how hard it may be. It's easier said then done but we can't let our worries hold us back, you are stronger than you know and think! I hope you get answers soon, I am here for a chat whenever you need it.

Morning,

I read that about CEA and smoking too but I do not smoke, never have, so that was that shred of comfort gone. I am seeing a consultant on Wednesday. I know that's so soon but every hour seems like an eternity.

What is your position? What tests have you had? Thank you for being here. It helps so much to have someone in the same boat to chat with.

I really appreciate all your words of comfort. The positive mindset is sadly something I have always struggled with, I'm the ultimate glass half empty but I'm working on that.

I have had an FIT test which came back as 40 and a calprotecin test which has came back and 160, this has lend to an urgent referral. My only symptoms were I sometime have flat sided stool, although more seem to be normal than flat sided. I also sometimes get a dull or sharp pain around my tummy last lasts for a very short time. I am due to have blood tests taken on Friday and my doctor will let me know about my referral tomorrow. 

staying positive can be hard, but I think no matter what it may be, it can never win if we stay positive. We need to enjoy what we have because no one ever knows what tomorrow may bring, for better or worse. Please don't assume what the cea levels may mean, thing like ulcers and infections can also raise levels. From what I've read calprotecin test can sometimes have false negatives and I don't believe they detect inflammation in the digestive system. 

Stay safe and take care. 

Hi Jdog,

I just wondered how you were getting on?

No luck yet, I'm supposed to have a telephone consultation by the 23rd which is tomorrow so hopefully I get a date to be seen soon. I did have have a blood test which came back fine, my vitamin D is low but I've always had that problem. I also repeated a calprotecin test which came back normal this time but I keep on having inconsistent bowel habits. Stool are also flat a lot which is worrying. How are you getting on? Thanks for following up:).

Mostly that sounds really positive. Normal bloods and now normal CP. Have you always had these flat stools? Could that just be normal for you?

So I had a colonoscopy last week and they couldn't find anything except a couple of hemorrhoids. Best Christmas present I've ever had (well, the outcome, not necessarily the procedure itself!)