Bowel cancer

[AFB2022]

Hey, so i posted on here last week about it looking like i had a fibroid. I had an mri scan last week which has showed its not a fibroid but a huge mass growing on my bowel. I am awaiting a ct scan and have been referred to gastro but i am absolutely shitting it. I keep crying and all i can think is i won't see my 3yr old grow up. The dr has been honest with me and mentioned bowel cancer. Anyone been in this situation before?

I'm sorry to hear about this and haven't been through this but waiting for results is agonising. Try to take things day by day and I hope someone will come on who can offer experience and support.

HI AFB2022. I've not had bowel cancer but I have had and am having again, anal cancer. I'm waiting on my CT scan as well.

First thing is don't google it or if you do, go only to the NHS site. Once you've had your CT scan, the consultant will call you in to discuss the results. Normally the cancerous section will be removed and sometimes that's all that's needed. Some people will also need radiotherapy or chemotherapy. There's no point in telling you not to panic because, well, who wouldn't.

You need to be as fit as you possibly can to get through whatever is coming so please try to keep eating and doing whatever exercise you normally do. I'm currently using an app for relaxation and I use it every night before I go to sleep. It's hard work because by nature, we worry about the 'what ifs' so you need to be brave and try keep yourself steady until you know more.

You must be feeling very frightened but remember now that they know what it is, they can formulate a plan.

Try and focus on today because you don't know what the future holds.

People often say this is the scariest time, until you know what the treatment plan will entail.

You will be a priority and will have a plan soon. Til then take each day at a time.

Hi OP. I don't want to jinx myself but I am four years post bowel cancer diagnosis and looking good so far. Diagnosed under 40 (stage 3) - my kids were 4 at the time. It is one of the most treatable cancers - success rates for treatment are very good.

Great advice above. Please try and stay off dr google. Hope you get your scan soon. The waiting is the worst. The cancer support thread on here is great if you do find out it is cancer (or even while waiting for tests to see if it is).

Hi OP

I was in a similar position to you, not fibroids, but suspected appendicitis. Had the op, came round to be told they removed it, but whilst in there they found part of my bowel was abnormal, and suspected cancer. I had a CT (just looked up my notes),after results he was still talking cancer. A later colonoscopy actually turned out to show diverticulitis.

Hopefully you get a colonoscopy first.

Just echoing Taytotots post too, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable. DH was diagnosed a month before his father - 5 1/2 years ago. Both still going strong.