Logically I know it's not, but still panicking!

[peaceanddove]

I was successfully treated for early breast cancer in March. Had surgery, followed by radiotherapy and now just taking Tamoxifen. If I'm honest, it all happened so fast, from diagnosis to surgery was less than 2 weeks, that it seems like a bad dream that happened to someone else. But it's left me paranoid about cancer in general. Last week I noticed bright red blood on the loo paper and in the bowl after a poo, which immediately sent me into a flap. Now, I do already have a few small external piles (thanks to pregnancy 16 years ago) but they've never bled before.

The bright red blood has happened every time I've had a bowel movement since, but there's no pain or soreness at all. I'm now paranoid that I've actually got bowel cancer and that the breast cancer was actually a secondary. But surely all the blood tests and CT scan I had back in March would have flagged anything suspicious in my bowel? I'm driving myself up the wall fretting about it all

Didn't want you to fret alone. I would bet my bottom dollar it's the piles but gp to check.

I always understood red blood likely to be fine btw as it's localised

Hi, thank you for replying. I must confess I had a virtual chat with the practice nurse and she also thinks it's piles and has recommended some OTC treatments. But don't think I will be able to rest until I have actually seen my GP.

I always understood red blood likely to be fine btw as it's localised

Not wishing to be rude but please don’t perpetuate this myth that always seems to be trotted out on here. Yes, in all likelihood OP has haemorrhoids but bright red blood can’t be relied upon to be an indication of a harmless condition.

Just to reassure you OP, breast cancer doesn’t commonly metastasise to the bowel so you very probably have piles. But sensible to get it checked out.

Thank you @millydilly. But, what's worrying me is that I might actually have had bowel cancer all along that metastasised to my breast? That sounds a bit bonkers writing it down, I know. It's next to impossible to physically see a doctor right now, so think I might have to wait quite a while for a proper diagnosis

It doesn't sound bonkers because obviously you've had a traumatic experience you didn't expect, and you're feelings at the moment are quite normal considering your experience.
BUT try not to worry, it would have been picked up, but finding reassurance from a doctor will help your mental health.
Take care!

peaceanddove. When you had your breast cancer surgery, a pathologist would have looked at the lump that was removed under a microscope. They would be able to tell from that if it had been metastatic bowel cancer rather than a primary breast tumour. However, as you are aware, once you’ve received a diagnosis of cancer, every time you experience something out of the ordinary with your body, that fear of cancer jumps in and drowns out everything else.

You are doing the right thing in getting checked as you won’t have peace of mind until you do. It is absolutely understandable that you feel anxious after your experience. I think you should phone your GP and tell him/her your fears and hopefully they’ll understand and see you to reassure you. Best wishes.💐

Thank you so much for your reassuring words, I really appreciate them x