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Original poster

DH may have colon cancer

70 replies

Mammabear31 · 10/11/2017 14:14

Since June, he has been ill. It was thought to be related to his gastro and acid reflux problems; however he had an endoscopy and PH test as well as ultrasounds and they found nothing wrong. He was still having symptoms - lost over 3 stone in weight, stomach/chest pains, tenderness in his abdomen - so he was sent for a CT. Today his results showed a mass in his colon. He has been referred for an urgent colonoscopy and further blood tests.

I know I shouldn't google but I found a piece of literature stating that of all masses found in the colon, 90% are malignant. Please talk me down and tell me the reality of all this. It has been a really bad year for us both; and this is just the worst news we could have had.

OP posts:
LivLemler · 14/11/2017 11:23

Best of luck Mammabear, hope the appointment comes through soon. Generally easier once you know what you're facing.

In my dad's case, there was no spread, and so he went straight from the scope to surgery a couple of weeks later (not NHS though). He had to have another scan (I think a barium meal type thing) but I think that was more for the surgeon's information, to get locations etc, rather than diagnostic. Once the surgery was complete, the surgeon confirmed he didn't need chemo or any other further treatment.

In my aunt's case, the surgeon said there was a 30% chance she needed chemo and so she did have one course once she'd recovered from the op. Both going still going strong however many years later.

Original poster
Mammabear31 · 15/11/2017 09:43

Thank you. It's re-assuring to see that once it's removed, it's gone and that's it.

DH has his colonoscopy next Friday. Given an appointment for results on the following Wednesday.

He's been in a lot of pain. Neither of us slept much last night. We're struggling.

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triplets · 15/11/2017 22:58

Poor you Mammabear my triplets were only 9 when their dad ws diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, already spread to liver then to his lung. He had surgery first then chemo. It came back 18 months later, again more chemo. That was over 6 years ago and he is still in remission. Then it was my turn! Diagnosed with stage 1c ovarian cancer in July 16, had full hysterectomy and chemo, currently all clear too. I try to think of cancer as more a chronic long term condition, may not be curable but certainly treatable. I hope everything turns out well for you all. xx

Original poster
Mammabear31 · 21/11/2017 20:15

Is anyone still around? DH has his colonoscopy on Friday and apparently we'll be told afterwards what it is/Isn't. We've had a good few days but today I'm back to worrying. I feel so stupid for it, even if it is cancer it is so easily treatable so there is nothing to be worrying about!! I'm feeling very conflicted and am not dealing with it well at all.

OP posts:
5BlueHydrangea · 21/11/2017 20:26

They should be able to give you a bit of an idea straight after the colonoscopy although if they biopsy the mass this will take a while to get the results. Just take it a day at a time, easier said than done but try not to think too far ahead and have him diagnosed by you (and him) with something nasty that may not be the case at all!
A friend of mine developed bowel cancer in his early 40's. Started with acute abdominal pain. He had surgery and chemo and now about 3 years on still has a colostomy. He is supposed to have surgery to reverse it at some point but the Drs don't think it's the right time yet. He is very well in himself otherwise.

Zisterhood · 21/11/2017 20:28

That's good news that's it's being brought forward and you'll have a clearer idea as to what treatment your dh is going to need. My dh was diagnosed back in February and those first few weeks we were in such shock. I spent most of those first few weeks crying either in the loos or in front of colleagues.

once you know the treatment plan and it commences you will be making progress. The waiting is agonising I know.

My dh had to have a colostomy bag first before treatment could start. This was a terrible shock but I can honestly say he got use to it very quickly and in a few months time it will be reversed.

Please keep us posted if you can and best of luck on Friday xx

LivLemler · 21/11/2017 20:30

Hey Mama, I'm still around. Perfectly normal to be feeling anxious, I'm sure Friday will take an age to arrive. But answers will be good regardless of what they are, as at least then you'll know what you're dealing with. I think a lot of this is pure grind, one foot in front of the other stuff. Flowers

Fiona1984 · 21/11/2017 20:31

Sending good wishes your way. It must be hard, just not knowing what will happen.
My father in law was treated for colon cancer. Without the surgery and treatment, he wouldn't have gotten to meet his grandson.

leghoul · 21/11/2017 20:35

If they get a clear look on colonoscopy they can give you quite a straightforward answer on the day usually, because it will just look so obviously cancerous to the trained eye. However they'd still need to send biopsies off for it to be confirmed. IF it were malignant, depending on the location and the size they may wish to shrink it first before operating or they might go straight to surgery. If lymph nodes clear that's it, if involved will need chemo. Depending on the location it might require a stoma and colostomy bag but quite often it can be joined straight away. Lots of surgery is done laparoscopically now, but might be open surgery. Either way he'll be in very good hands colorectal cancer is unfortunately not uncommon.

leghoul · 21/11/2017 20:37

Would require a few days in hospital but should be home quickly if he had surgery. It's perfectly reasonable to be anxious about this. I'm really sorry you're going through it.

heavenlypink · 21/11/2017 20:52

@Mammabear31 Slightly different for my dad as his cancer was picked up from screening and not symptoms but it was six weeks from the "positive" result to surgery for him They also managed to operate via keyhole so a much quicker recovery time for him and no colostomy bag. He was put on 'trial' and had only half the recommended chemo from which he had very few side effects mainly tiredness. Regular follow up appointments - just had one - found some polyps which they've whipped out and they'll see him again in six months.

cafeaulaitpourvous · 21/11/2017 21:04

My DH had a mass the size of a golf ball in his bowel. He had a colonoscopy and that’s when they found it. Within a couple of days he was having an MRI ( or CT) scan ( can’t remember which one) of his whole body. I knew they were looking for secondaries.... we had an emergency appointment with the results and the cancer nurse was there...

Long story short - it wasn’t cancer (yet) and they managed to remove it with a colonoscopy- they pulled the mass away from the bowel wall by injecting water behind it.
They also tattooed his bowel so subsequent scopes would find the area

He just has scopes every couple of years now....

Original poster
Mammabear31 · 22/11/2017 09:41

Thank you all for your replies. I'm sorry you've all been through this and I have to agree - this waiting is the worst bit!!

DH has started his bowel prep and is dreading having the "hardcore" laxatives tomorrow. I'm going to buy ALOT of bleach and oust!!

OP posts:
cafeaulaitpourvous · 22/11/2017 17:19

My DH sets himself up his phone I pad and various books in the loo when he takes the horrid stuff. It becomes his own room......

LivLemler · 22/11/2017 19:18

Yup, plenty of reading material and comfy clothes. Grin It's an experiencce! (By far the worst bit, Friday will be physically much easier than tomorrow.)

Original poster
Mammabear31 · 24/11/2017 07:07

Morning all. It was a fairly uneventful night- DH had his first 'dose' at 6pm but it didn't take effect til about 3 hours later. No rushing or urgency, no aches or pains which is great as I was really worried he would feel nauseous or crampy. He's taken his second lot now and is resting in bed between toilet trips. The worst is over now I think, now for the procedure itself this afternoon. I have a feeling today is going to go very slowly!

OP posts:
Lissette · 24/11/2017 07:14

mammabear I'll be thinking of you both today. X

FiveGoMadInDorset · 24/11/2017 07:15

Good luck for today

cafeaulaitpourvous · 24/11/2017 09:56

Good luck for today - we always have ‘ring of fire’ as our ear worm on days like today......

Aaaaand now you do to......

Original poster
Mammabear31 · 24/11/2017 10:22

Thanks for that cafe ConfusedGrin

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Original poster
Mammabear31 · 24/11/2017 15:34

He was taken in at 2.15pm. Am waiting for him to either come out, or for me to be called in. I am so nervous and worried.

OP posts:
Lissette · 24/11/2017 15:38

Unmumsnetty hug Mamma.

Lissette · 24/11/2017 15:39

It's normal to be nervous.

Penfold007 · 24/11/2017 15:44

Good luck, hope all goes well. My DH went through this 12 months ago, he needed surgery but is now well and back to normal Flowers

starkid · 24/11/2017 16:02

Good luck to your husband today.

I've not had colon cancer but have Colitis which resulted in the removal of part of my intestines a couple of years ago (and formation of a stoma), and just to say if your husband is told this or similar will happen, it's not the end of the world and with a bit of adjustment is fine to live with, and I'm happy to give any advice I can if it does come to that :)

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