Looks like it could be cancer

[MoreCoffeePlease123]

Just that really. Have had symptoms of bowel cancer for a few weeks now, Drs have ruled out a whole list of things and IBS and cancer are only things left on that list.

Dr has ordered colonoscopy and MRI to make a final diagnosis but my symptoms are more aligned with BC than IBS.

I have two small children. Fuck.

Thinking of you. I've had cancer and recently had another cancer scare. I know how terrifying it is and how you automatically think the worst. Hopefully it's not, or if it is you'll probably be successfully treated.

Bless you. You will be stronger than you think.

I was diagnosed with stage IV last September and have met a lot of people going for testing and being diagnosed with all stages. I know how scary it is.

There are loads of people who have the colonoscopy etc and it turns out to be something else. Even when they had been told that cancer was the most likely. Also, if it is caught early then quite often people just have one op (keyhole a lot of the time) and that’s curative. That’s what they were telling me to start with, and the whole thing would have been over and done with in 6 weeks.

If they have to do more it’s totally doable. I can tell you what treatment I’ve had so far and what is left to go but it is really unlikely to apply to you so I won’t unless you think it will help you.

When is the colonoscopy booked for?

You will be stronger than you think

This times a gazillion. You will find strength (even just getting through this bloody waiting bit) that will make you think “where the hell did that come from”

In the meantime. Get some sleeping tablets from your doctor if you need to. They'll probably only give you a coupe of weeks worth because of addiction worries, but I eked them out by cutting them in halves then quarters, just to help in the short term.

Yes good advice.

I found that the waiting for initial news was actually the hardest on the emotions. Once I had news (even though I didn’t like that news one tiny bit) I also had a plan, so I found them my sleeping and general emotional health improved a lot.

Something that a few oncologists have told me is that there have been so many improvements in bowel cancer care in recent years that none of the statistics they have are at all meaningful. That doesn’t stop them being on the internet though. So if you can stop yourself googling, do! There are also very few stats for people who aren’t 60+.

Hi OP, sorry you are in this position. You might find this cancer support thread helpful - it's for anyone suffering from cancer or waiting for test results.

Definitely the waiting is the worst time.

Thanks all, you’re very kind. Trying not to worry too much at the moment - the waiting is torture but trying to concentrate on the fact that it could be IBS. If it’s cancer then it’s cancer and I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, but at the moment trying not to worry about what they may say after these test results.
I’m probably sticking my head in the sand but just trying to carry on as normal.
Gave myself half a day yesterday and an hour this morning to have a little cry and wallow and trying to get on with it now.
Thanks for all your support.
Colonoscopy is marked as urgent but haven’t had the appointment through yet. Hopefully will be in the next couple of weeks.

IBS is a lot more common so more likely and truly, it could be still be something else they haven't thought of (there is always something they haven't thought of). Sorry you have this worry.

Honestly until you hear a diagnosis there's no point worrying about what it could be. Easier said then done I know.

As you say every chance it may be IBS. I've had family members and friends have colonoscopies and it hasn't been cancer.

Keep busy, everytime you feel yourself panic take some deep breaths and just try to keep calm. Good luck.

I had bowel cancer in 2011, when my DD was 4. It is perfectly treatable if found in time. If that is what it is they will deal with it quickly. Take someone with you because you won't take in what they are saying, but they will explain it all to you as many times as you need.

I had surgery followed by 3 months of chemo and have been NED ever since. I still have annual checkups. I found the hardest bit was when the frequency of checkups decreased but you are always able to call your medics at any time.

One piece of advise is to take up the offer of the prescription exemption that lasts 5 years. I didn't, because the hospital was supplying everything I needed so I didn't see the point. Several years on and I could have done with being able to get loperamide in bulk. (chemists only sell boxes of 6-20 which is nowhere near enough when you have to take 4 a day).

Thanks all. You’re completely right, IBS is much more common and hopefully it’ll turn out to be a lot of worry over nothing. It’s more that the fact that this isn’t in my head, it’s being investigated by a Dr after having a long list of other possibilities ruled out and two hospital admissions. It just feels a bit too serious. Trying not to worry though because as Midnight said, there’s no point in worrying about what it could be. Better to wait and see what it actually is.
Thanks for your support

Hi
Sorry to hear you are going through this.. I am too and yes the waiting is horrible.
I have had digestion issues probably last 2 years and told myself IBS. Finally went docs after 10 day bout of nausea and tummy pain and he did some tests then referred me.. still believing I have ibs I went to hospital for flexible sigmoidoscopy and they found 15mm polyp which now waiting for full colonoscopy to remove and will then be biopsied and 2 week wait for the results.. it is so hard not to worry but hopefully if there is anything there in your case they will have caught it very early and can treat as others have said. I think in the bowel it grows slowly and begins as a polyp but not all polyp are cancerous however I tend to suspect if giving symptoms there is something going on although perhaps when it’s removed the symptoms will go away. I am glad your doc has done urgent referral as I have read some horrendous stories of people being sent away so hold on to the thought you will be checked out real soon and at least then you will know. I was told my colonoscopy would be in 3 weeks but when the appt came it was actually 6 weeks but I guess it is holiday season.. not much longer for me now as mine is just after the bank holiday.
I have found watching my diet is really helping and have stopped lot of meat just now and trying to eat better.. radishes really help me so eating lots and also pro biotic yogurt and buscopan if you get cramps. I also seem to get pain if I skip any meal as I found out last week when I skipped lunch at work. Apart from that I am just trying to keep things normal while I am waiting and trying not to think about it (hard though especially when get in bed) sorry for the essay I have written on your thread but I think it helps to talk to someone else who understands as don’t want to worry family when not diagnosed yet. Feel free to message me anytime x