On 2 June I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy to investigate rectal bleeding. There had been an assumption that this was related to piles which first appeared during my pregnancy with gorgeous daughter 2 (a common pregnancy condition after all). In retrospect it is difficult to remember when the symptoms changed, but by the time I had the internal investigation I wondered if it might be something else.
But, I never expected the consultant to say that I had a growth and that I should prepare myself for it to be malignant.
I had opted for no sedation during the procedure, and I'm really glad that I put up with the discomfort. It meant that I could see the growth on screen and was able to take in what was being said to me during and afterwards about what had been found. Several samples were taken for biopsy. I am also really glad I took hubbie with me. He has already proved to be something of a rock.
So, the first consultant - who was brilliant by the way - referred me to a colleague. Fortunately husband had also asked if the results could be given to us as soon as they were available without us needing an appointment. It was a week later that consultant rang to confirm the diagnosis that the tumour was malignant. By then I was expecting it. It was also a relief to hear the additional information he gave: that the pathologist described it as "well differentiated". I gather this means a better prognosis, a greater chance of it being localised and treatable?
