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Original poster

Rectal cancer

64 replies

Cocopops555 · 16/02/2023 20:40

Hi just starting a new thread. Been diagnosed yesterday via a colonoscopy.
Just looking to see if anyone has any experience of this. I know everyone says stay off Google but convinced myself it’s already spread as been experiencing pelvic pain on and off. I’ve got a MRI tomorrow and CT next week. I know I have to take step at a time. I feel like I’m dreaming and I’ll wake up. Many thanks for reading.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cocopops555 · 02/03/2023 09:55

Had calmed down but now having to wait till 11th for a new biopsy. That will take a week to come back. It will be over 5 weeks till I see a doc.
I’m still off work, feel fine apart from stressed. Really Would like to go Back to work and some normality.
Then remember I have cancer…..
Are you still having symptoms?

OP posts:
l81 · 02/03/2023 10:23

Cocopops555 · 02/03/2023 09:55

Had calmed down but now having to wait till 11th for a new biopsy. That will take a week to come back. It will be over 5 weeks till I see a doc.
I’m still off work, feel fine apart from stressed. Really Would like to go Back to work and some normality.
Then remember I have cancer…..
Are you still having symptoms?

i feel for you having to wait even longer it’s all the waiting that makes it feel even worse. Yeah I’m still having symptoms haven’t been that well last few days have toothache and was given antibiotics and have been sick so don’t know if been antibiotics or the cancer or stress been feeling quite weak had bloods done again and they have came back fine how have your symtoms been? X

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 08:43

l81 · 02/03/2023 10:23

i feel for you having to wait even longer it’s all the waiting that makes it feel even worse. Yeah I’m still having symptoms haven’t been that well last few days have toothache and was given antibiotics and have been sick so don’t know if been antibiotics or the cancer or stress been feeling quite weak had bloods done again and they have came back fine how have your symtoms been? X

Show quote history

Sorry you’ve been unwell. Toothache is horrendous. I think stress does terrible things to your body.
Finally got someone to listen to me yesterday and realise that my biopsy was urgent. So having it done tomorrow hopefully.
I’m feeling under pressure to go back to work next week. Part of me wants to take my mind off everything and some normality.
On the other hand mentally I’m not sure I’m ready to face every one. Also everyone’s got covid and if I get ill they won’t do treatment.

OP posts:
HoppingPavlova · 03/03/2023 08:57

To give you some hope, I had 2cm on my colonoscopy, was told it looked ‘extremely nasty’ and was instantly referred on to start treatment pathway so there would be no delay with referral on ‘confirmation of results’. Turns out biopsy fine, everything fine and the decision with the team I had been referred to was to leave it be and just monitor for any additional growth more for obstruction reasons, no bigger to date. So not always cancerous as a given.

l81 · 03/03/2023 09:14

Cocopops555 · 03/03/2023 08:43

Sorry you’ve been unwell. Toothache is horrendous. I think stress does terrible things to your body.
Finally got someone to listen to me yesterday and realise that my biopsy was urgent. So having it done tomorrow hopefully.
I’m feeling under pressure to go back to work next week. Part of me wants to take my mind off everything and some normality.
On the other hand mentally I’m not sure I’m ready to face every one. Also everyone’s got covid and if I get ill they won’t do treatment.

Show quote history

That’s good that you are getting it done tomorrow as it wasn’t fair going to make you wait that long hope all goes well. I know how u feel about work but I have decided I will take as much time off as I need I’m not ready physically or mentally and barely coping In my day to day life without stress from work on top of it. Maybe you would be better staying away if people have covid so you don’t catch it x

automaticallygenerated · 03/03/2023 12:18

HoppingPavlova · 03/03/2023 08:57

To give you some hope, I had 2cm on my colonoscopy, was told it looked ‘extremely nasty’ and was instantly referred on to start treatment pathway so there would be no delay with referral on ‘confirmation of results’. Turns out biopsy fine, everything fine and the decision with the team I had been referred to was to leave it be and just monitor for any additional growth more for obstruction reasons, no bigger to date. So not always cancerous as a given.

That’s such a wonderful positive outcome for you @HoppingPavlova that I hope will give hope to the other ladies here who are going through so much at the moment. It’s also great that you’ll be closely monitored from now on.

I don’t think anyone appreciates the absolute anguish and torment that’s caused by the waiting for scans/procedures and results. It nearly drove me demented. I actually found work a welcome distraction but I was able to work from home and on the odd day I did go in it was actually a bit of much needed normality and cheered me up to see people too. I didn’t tell anyone what I was going through though, apart from my line manager who had to know because of the appointment and the obvious stress I was under.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for
good news for you all.

l81 · 03/03/2023 21:53

HoppingPavlova · 03/03/2023 08:57

To give you some hope, I had 2cm on my colonoscopy, was told it looked ‘extremely nasty’ and was instantly referred on to start treatment pathway so there would be no delay with referral on ‘confirmation of results’. Turns out biopsy fine, everything fine and the decision with the team I had been referred to was to leave it be and just monitor for any additional growth more for obstruction reasons, no bigger to date. So not always cancerous as a given.

you must have been so relieved did u have the scans aswell? I’m glad that u had a positive outcome x

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 06/03/2023 22:24

HoppingPavlova · 03/03/2023 08:57

To give you some hope, I had 2cm on my colonoscopy, was told it looked ‘extremely nasty’ and was instantly referred on to start treatment pathway so there would be no delay with referral on ‘confirmation of results’. Turns out biopsy fine, everything fine and the decision with the team I had been referred to was to leave it be and just monitor for any additional growth more for obstruction reasons, no bigger to date. So not always cancerous as a given.

Sorry I had missed this. Thanks for such a positive story. This has really given me some hope. Thanks for sharing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cocopops555 · 10/03/2023 21:58

Just to update. Finally met consultant today. My biopsies were confirmed as rectal cancer. They think 2 lymph nodes affected. So first treatment 5 weeks of daily aggressive chemo and radiotherapy combined. Then probably surgery, then possibly more chemo.
It’s going to be a long treatment plan but one step at a time.

OP posts:
automaticallygenerated · 11/03/2023 01:05

So sorry to hear this news @Cocopops555 but pleased that you now finally have some certainty with regards to a way forward with a treatment plan in place to focus on. I really do wish you all the best with your treatment and will be hoping that in the best hands you will have a positive outcome. 💐

Monty27 · 11/03/2023 04:35

Sorry to hear the outcome OP. I hope you are blessed with a fast recovery. It's a big possibility. Always remember that.
We're here to chat to you. 💐❤️

Original poster
Cocopops555 · 11/03/2023 06:58

Many thanks for thinking of me

OP posts:
Mindymomo · 11/03/2023 07:56

so sorry for your news. My late father in law was diagnosed with late stage bowel cancer when he was 66, this was in 1988. He’d been to GP with symptoms but was never sent for tests until the following year. He was in hospital within a week and had most of his bowel taken away and was fitted with a temporary colostomy bag. He had 2 months of weekly radiation treatment on a Monday which confined him to bed Tuesday and Wednesday, but by Friday he would feel a lot better. He got the all clear and had the colostomy bag reversed 6 months later and lived another 22 years to the age of 88. I really hope your treatment goes well and that you have family and friends to support you through this.

Orbiton · 27/02/2024 19:11

OP- how are you now if you are still on MN?

DH has just had a colonoscopy today and they found a growth on his rectum. He's waiting for a biopsy now and they said he's going to have an operation as that growth needs removing, whether it's cancer or not. He is very stressed.

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